Rhode Island American, Statesman And Providence Gazette

LIVERPOOL, Aug. 5.

Opening of the Tunnel.—At twelve o'clock on Friday last this extensive and interesting work was opened to the public, and between that hour and five, when it was closed for the day, about 2000 persons, including children, passed through it. The entrance is by the smaller tunnel, near the Botanic Garden, through which the visitor passes to the mouth of the grand tunnel. For some distance from the entrance, where the rock is made smooth with the chisel, there are no lamps, but at the point where the daylight begins to fail the lamps commence, and are seen extending in a long and apparently interminable line, as far as the eye can reach. Through the greatest part of its course, the tunnel is cut out of a solid rock, and where it passes through softer materials, the sides and the roof are supported by strong masonry. The roof and sides are whitewashed throughout, which, of course, increases the effect of the lights.

At two o'clock, the worshipful the Mayor, in company with some friends, alighted from his carriage at the wagon manufactory, where he was cordially welcomed by Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Booth, and several other proprietors, who awaited his arrival, and with whom he immediately proceeded through the small tunnel. Groups of elegantly dressed ladies had already arrived; and when his worship and his friends had reached the extensive area into which the two tunnels open, the scene was lively and interesting. The day was peculiarly fine. In the area a number of well dressed individuals sauntered about, examining the lofty walls of solid rock by which they were enclosed, and admiring in particular the mouths of the two tunnels, which are beautifully cut, with the pick-axe only, in fine red freestone streaked with white, and having the appearance of marble.

Soon after the Mayor and his friends, including several of the proprietors, took their places in a common rail-way wagon, fitted with seats for the occasion, (the handsome machines intended for passengers not being yet finished,) and being pushed to the mouth of the great tunnel, set off, down the gently inclined plane, without horse or other drag, at a rapid rate, under the guidance of Mr. Harding and his son, who regulated the speed of the machine by a friction lever. By this time parties of ladies and gentlemen promenaded the caverned extent of the tunnel, and the gas, burning brilliantly, gave the coup d'oeil an indescribably beautiful and interesting effect. The velocity of the machine was frequently stayed as it proceeded down this apparently interminable cavern, to prevent accidents on passing the crowds who walked up and down on the road. This precaution, however, was scarcely thought necessary, for the thunder of the wheels was heard from one end of the tunnel to the other and there was ample light for the pedestrians to see its approach, and ample room for them to avoid its course. As it rolled along, at the rate of about five or six miles an hour, impatient of the restraint of the friction lever, the pedestrians stood still, and gazed upon it in wonder.

A sense of high gratification seemed to be the prevalent feeling, and after a delightful ride of about eight or ten minutes, the road taking a slight turn, brought the company again to daylight at the entrance of the tunnel near to Wapping. The Mayor and his friends alighted, and took their departure, expressing their admiration, and their best wishes for a work of which Liverpool may be justly proud, and which, indeed, will become a national advantage.