The Weekly Minnesotian

A Railway Millionaire.—The gentleman so handsomely noticed in the following extract, is "railroading" in Canada on a great scale. We believe that he is the principal contractor on the Grand Trunk Line.

"Thomas Brassey is one of the chief of the aristocracy that has arisen in these latest times upon the foundations of commercial enterprise—a prince of the new dynasty whose denomination extends wherever civilization is fostered by the rail, and whose dominion coronet is iron. We commenced life as a surveyor, a Birkenhead; and his first connection with a rail way was a contract to supply for a viaduct of the "Manchester and Liverpool." Since that time his labors has been incessant and extraordinary, both in his own country and out of it. Since 1846, he has, upon his own responsibility and credit, constructed upwards of 500 miles of railway, representing an aggregate of £2,250,000 of contract money. In France and Spain his joint contracts with Mr. Mackenzie, were for 189 English miles of road, and for nearly £3,000,000 sterling. His engagements in Scotland and England, with Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Stevenson, from 1834 to 1851, comprised 511 miles of railway, and an aggregate of £7,200,000. His hands are still full" and his men are carrying out his behests in all parts of the world." In more schemes than one, the career of Thomas Brassey may be described as princely. The Barentin viaduct of 27 arches, on the Rouen and Havre line tumbled down when all but completed; and "the casualty involved a loss of £300,000. Mr. Brassey, the contractor, was neither morally nor legally responsible. He has repeatedly protested against the material used in the structure, and the French lawyers maintained a different opinion. He had contracted, he said, to make and maintain the road, and no law should prevent him from being as good as his word. The viaduct was rebuilt at Mr. Brassey's cost. For the construction of this stupendous work (accomplished in seven months) 16,000,000 bricks were required, of which 14,000,000 were new, and made on the spot.

Mr. Brassey is beloved by his countless retainers. Riches, power, influence, and dominion have not touched his sound and feeling heart. We dare to speak the truth of his life worth, for his life is in all respects one of the highest examples we can offer our generation, absorbed as we are, in the production of great industrial undertakings, and, above all things intent upon the pursuit of wealth."