50 WESTERN INCIDENTS.

track to allow a train of thirty or forty cars laden with
ties, rails, chairs, and spikes for the track, to pass. And
then, we would meet a train laden with stone or other
material for the foundations or superstructure of a distant
bridge. Everything, and everybody seemed full of life
and energy ; and all working to the same great end, and
being directed by the same master mind.

TRIBUTE TO THOMAS C. DURANT.

No one who knows Mr. Thomas C. Durant, the Vice-
President of the Union Pacific Railroad; and has wit-
nessed. his entire devotion to this great enterprise, and the
untiring energy which he has brought to bear in over-
coming the many difficulties in its rapid construction,
while acting as the principal executive officer of the
Company, in the absence of the President, Gen. Dix
(whose time, during the late war, was principally devoted
to his duties in the army), will hesitate to award to him
the highest honors, both as a railroad manager and public
benefactor.

One year ago, not a mile of road had been accepted by
the Government ; only twelve or fifteen miles had been
laid west of Omaha; and it was struggling along at the
rate of from one-quarter to a half mile per day. To-day,
two hundred and forty miles of track have been accepted
by the Government. Some twelve or fifteen miles addi-
tional have been completed, and it is steadily progres-
sing at the rate of from one and a half to two miles per
day. Fourteen thousand and two hundred feet, or two
and seven-tenths miles, have been laid in a single day.

One year ago, the foundations were commenced for the
machine shops at the eastern terminus of the road. To-
day, they are substantially completed, and in full opera-