Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1904 — WABASH RUNS DIRECT [ARTICLE]

WABASH RUNS DIRECT

Into World’s Fair.—Great Railroad Lands Passengers in the Grounds. There is an old saying that “All roads lead to Rome.” This seems to be especially applicable to*the coming exposition at St. Louis. There never was a time in the history of railroading when such a keen and active competition existed as at the present time over the transportation of passengers into that city. Folders innumerable of every class in the highest degree of art, have been printed and generously circulated by the great trunk lines of the country that enter St. Louis. One and all they are models of the printer’s art and for neatness of design and vast fund of information, they eclipse all former efforts. While all of the great trunk lines will do an immense business, the fact remains that the Wabash is the potent factor of all. The Wabash is the only line having its own rails into the World’s Fair grounds. The main line of this great system runs within one hundred feet of the main entrance to the grounds. The Wabash is the only line that enjoys this privilege, owing to the condition of its main line tracks, which pass through this portion of Forest Park. A magnificent passenger station has been erected at this point and in addition the company has arranged for a through passenger, local and excursion train service, with what is termed the “Shuttle” equipment; to care for 25,000 passengers an hour. The convenience is one of the most modern and complete of anything of the kind ever attempted by any company. In the case of “all roads lead to Rome.” a reverse must be made in this case, for the Wabash is the one and the only line landing its passengers at the main entrance, or in fact anywhere near it. It is also interesting to note the fact that the Wabash has a road bed the equal of all. Ninety pound steel rails with a perfect ballast equipment, a block system, the entire length of the line, interlocking and every modern device known, makes this the one line to the “World’s Fair.” And the equipment of the line is absolutely perfect. No faster, nor more complete trains are run than by this line. And as to fast time it is an acknowledged fact that the Wabash is the peer of all. The company has purchased over half a hundred of the new fast “Atlantic” type engines for use during this service and in addition have purchased over seven-ty-five cars of the most modern construction, parlor, combination and otherwise, for use during this service. New, fast, limited trains on the order of the “Pan-Ameri-can special,” will probably be introduced by the company. Detailed information can be had by applying to G. S. Crane, the general passenger agent of the line at St. Louis, or to Thomas Follen, the passenger and ticket agent in this city. Especial attention of the public is invited to the new folders and maps as issued by the Wabash company. —Lafayette Call.