RAILWAYS, ELEVATED. The plan of constructing a railway on the principle adopted by these roads was first undertaken in New York, by the West Side (patented) Elevated railroad company, which was chartered in 1871, and sold out under foreclosure in the same year,being purchased by the Newyork Elevated railroad company, organized Jan. 3, 1872. The latter completed its road to its present termini in 1878; the lines extend ing from South ferry to Harlem river on the e. side of the city, 10.20 m., and on the w. side to 83d st., 6.27 m.; with branches at 42d st., 34th st., and city hall, 1 03 m. ; in all, 17.50 miles. At the close of the year 1879 the rolling-stock of this line included 131 loco motive engines, 292 passenger cars, 8 service cars. The capital stock as originally author ized was $10,000,000, of which $6,500,000 was issued ; the total stock and bonds of the road, representing its nominal cost, amounting to $15,000,000. The road and property were leased May 20, 1879, to the Manhattan railway company, which commenced operating the road Sept. 1, 1879, guaranteeing the payment of interest on its bonds, and 10 per . The second elevated railroad was organized as the Gilbert Elevated railroad company in 1872, and adopted the name Metropolitan Elevated railroad company in 1878. Its gauge is 4 ft. 8f in. ; rail all steel, 56 and 63 lbs. The road was opened June 4, 1878. In 1879 its rolling-stock comprised 56 locomotive engines, 180 passenger cars, 2 freight cars. May 20, 1879, the road was leased to the Manhattan railway company, whose capital stock was fixed at $13,000,000; and whos" total capital and funded debt, by its composition out of the two above companies, and under its organization, became p00000. The lines of this road extend from Kingsbridge via River st., 8th ay., 110th st., 9th ay. and 53d st., to
6th ay. ; also from 59th st. and 6th ay., via 6th ay., Amity st., South 5th ay., W. Broad way to College Murray st., Church st., Beaver st., Pearl st. to Division st. ; also from Division st., via Allen st., 1st ay.; 23d st., 2d ay., River st., to 8th ay. and River st. The length Of the road laid at the end of 1879 was 25.9 m.; the number of passengers carried in the year was 16,069,489; the *number of accidents, 8 killed, 9 injured. The total earnings amounted- to $1,285,980.09; transportation expenses, $.709,524.47. The first of these roads was laid on the 9th ay.; and. though freely patronized by those in its immediate vicinity, did not serve to popularize the idea of a railroad which is actually an enormously elongated iron bridge of slight appearing frame-work, and cer tainly liable to all the casualties and contingencies peculiar to iron bridges. The Metropolitan Elevated railroad through 6th ay., while at once gaining an enormous patronage, roused much indignation on the part• of storekeepers and property owners and holders along its route on account of its noise, complaints of dropping oil, dan gers real and imaginary, etc. Gradually the objections were silenced as citizens became more accust•uned to the existence of the roads, and now they are recognized as indis pensable. By giving rapid transit to the northern wards of the city, they have made cheap rents with comfortable and healthy residences possible to the laboring man; while they afford to those in better circumstances a rapid and luxurious mode of passing between their homes and their places of business. The plan is being introduced in Brooklyn, and will doubtless be adopted by other cities.