The Climax

The great bridge at Tyrone, on the Louisville Southern between Lawrenceburg and Versailles, was formally tested on last Friday. Twelve coaches of passengers from Louisville and nine from Lexington met at the bridge, including many persons from different parts of the State. There were also two steamers loads from Frankfort. Great numbers of persons in the vicinity were there. It is believed that two thousand people were present. There were three brass bands.

When the train from Louisville reached the bridge, Col. Bennett Young announced that he would not resort to the ordinary graduated tests, beginning with an engine, and testing cautiously with empty cars next, then loaded &c., but would move at once with the passenger train boldly upon the bridge! He further stated that if there were those afraid to cross they could get off and look at the bridge, and a good many suddenly appeared desirous of seeing the bridge.

The train moved out on the bridge, Col. Young standing on the engine. Midway the train halted, immediately over the longest single span in the world, and whistled long and loud a sort of "Rebel yell" which was taken up by the other train and steamers, and prolonged until the vast canyon was filled with reverberations. The bands played and hundreds and hundreds of handkerchiefs, fans, parasols, umbrellas, canes, hats, hands and newspapers joined in the demonstration.

Then the train crossed over to the opposite side and returned, followed by the Lexington train. Not the slightest depression was detected at any point of the bridge. After duly observing the grandeur of the Tyronean scenery the trains proceeded to Lexington.

Last spring when the announcement was made that Col. Bennett Young had contracted to build the Louisville Southern from Lawrenceburg to Lexington, thirty miles, including the great Tyrone bridge, ordinary mortals laughed at the idea, and engineers gravely doubted if the task could be done. Fayette county's subscription of $100,000 depended upon the completion of the work by the 25th of this month. But the road and bridge were finished, not only on time, but with a week to spare. Col. Young has now the profound confidence of the whole country, as the most daring railroad man in the Ohio valley.