Nine Thousand Miles on a Pullman Train / An Account of a Tour of Railroad Conductors from Philadelphia to the Pacific Coast and Return

by Milton M. Shaw

SATURDAY, MAY 8th, 1897.

The hands on the large clock that denotes the standard time in the great corridor of Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, point to the hour 10 A. M.; an unusual commotion is noticed in the mammoth train shed, which in any hour of the day or night is filled with trains loading and discharging their cargoes of human freight, ever presenting a scene of hustling, bustling activity. The unusual commotion referred to is caused by the departure of the Pennsylvania Railroad Conductors’ Excursion to California. Fully one thousand friends and relatives have gathered on the extensive train platform to see them off; thirty minutes of promiscuous kissing, hugging, tears, smiles, hand shaking, and good-byes, then “all aboard,” and at 10.30 A. M. the five-car vestibule train rolls out over the elevated tracks bound for a journey of 9,000 miles. The notebook crank and the kodak fiend are aboard, and it is hoped that it will not be regretted that they have come. The kodak fiends are Bros. Ed. Foster, Joe Ristein, and Billy Haas, who succeed in getting some very good snaps at the train before starting, and the Lord only knows what else was snapped at, for the snapping was kept up almost continually for the next thirty-one days. The notebook crank is the writer, who, with the ever-present notebook in hand, starts in after the train starts to make an inventory of the outfit.

The first person encountered is the good-looking and gentlemanly train conductor, W. E. Bostick, who volunteers the information that the train is running as second No. 25 over the Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia to Harrisburg; that it gives him great pleasure to run the train, for he considers it a mark of honor. We are drawn by P. R. R. engine No. 31, in charge of Engineer J. Stroh, and fired by C. B. Lewis. Next to the engine is parlor combined car No. 4808, with baggage end loaded with sixty-two pieces of baggage, two barrels, and thirty-two cases of nourishment, in charge of George H. Anderson, the colored janitor of the conductors’ room in Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, who, because of his well-known character for faithfulness, honesty, and good nature, is taken along, and placed in the responsible position of baggage master and general cork extractor. The smoking end of the car is furnished with twelve movable parlor chairs and two tables, and the floor is covered with Brussels carpet. The Pullman dining car “Lafayette,” in charge of Dining-car Conductor Mr. Tom McDonald, comes next.

Introducing myself to Mr. McDonald, I find him a very agreeable gentleman, who kindly gives me what information I want, also a bill of fare. The latter makes my mouth water in anticipation of what I may expect when the dinner hour arrives. This is what with keen appreciation and fast increasing appetite I read:—

ORDER OF RAILWAY CONDUCTORS’ SPECIAL.
EN ROUTE TO LOS ANGELES AND RETURN.
Pullman Dining Car Service.
May 8th, 1897.

DINNER.
Ox Joints. Consomme.
Cucumbers. Olives.
Boiled Halibut. Egg Sauce.
Parisienne Potatoes.
Boiled Leg of Mutton. Caper Sauce.
Apple Fritters. Wine Sauce.
Prime Roast Beef.
Roast Long Island Spring Duck. Apple Sauce.
Mashed Potatoes. Boiled New Potatoes.
Boiled Onions. Beets. New Green Peas.
Tomato Salad au Mayonnaise.
Bread Pudding. Cognac Sauce.
Ice Cream. Preserved Fruits.
Assorted Cake. Marmalade. Dry Canton Ginger.
English and Graham Wafers. Fruit.
Roquefort and Edam Cheese. Bent’s Biscuit.
Café Noir.

“Mr. McDonald,” says I, “I do not doubt your ability to feed us as per bill of promise, but I am curious to know where you keep all this material and how you prepare it for the table?” “It is easily explained; I will show you,” is the reply. “Built here in this end of the car is a large cupboard refrigerator in which can be stored a large amount of stuff, underneath the car are two large ice chests in which can be placed several hundred pounds of meat, and on top of the car you will find a large tank containing many gallons of water. In the other end of the car you will find the kitchen, where the victuals are prepared, and the sideboard containing the dishes and other ware belonging to the dining car. If it were necessary to do so, we could stock this car with material enough at one time to last a party of one hundred persons one week; but ordinarily we lay in but a limited amount, as provisions or other material is furnished as needed from the Pullman supply stations en route, thus we can always have it good and fresh.”

“You seem to have lots of help,” I remarked, as I noticed nine or ten neat, gentlemanly-looking mulattoes in their snow-white coats and aprons bustling about the car.

“Yes, I am pleased to say that you can expect excellent service from the cooks and waiters in this car. Mr. Martin and Mr. Bostwick, of the Pullman palace car service, have kindly furnished me with men of which it can be said there are no better in the service.” “Can you give me their names?” “Certainly; the cooks are: Chief, R. W. Moore; assistants, H. F. Robinson, T. Allen, F. L. Litt; waiters, W. Hill, A. Beard, O. Fisher, C. Coleman, C. Jackson. We have ten tables in the car, each table seats four, which enables us to accommodate forty persons at a time. Each waiter has been assigned his place, knows just what he has to do, and while there may at times be a little delay in filling orders, there is never any confusion.”

“There is another thing,” continues Mr. McDonald, “which no doubt you will notice, and that is our strict adherence to the law of cleanliness. If there is one rule of the dining-car service more imperative than another, it is the one that declares that everything must be clean. The coats and aprons of the waiters must be pure and spotless as an angel’s robe, napkins and table linen must

never be used the second time, no matter how little soiled. This is a rule that at all times must be rigidly enforced, and it would cost me my situation to allow it to be violated.”

Thanking Mr. McDonald for his kind information, I turn my back on the “Lafayette” for the time being, entirely convinced that a first-class fully-equipped dining car is the greatest wonder that ever went on wheels.

Next to the “Lafayette” I find the sleeper “Marco.” I also find as I emerge from the narrow passageway, which is an unavoidable nuisance in all Pullman cars, the genial, good-natured, and good-looking sleeping-car conductor, Miles H. Suter, who has charge of the three Pullman sleepers that are on the train.

“Mr. Suter,” I said, “the Pullman people have given us a fine train.”

“Yes,” he replied. “There are no more substantial or more comfortable cars in the Pullman service than these. In one of them a person can ride many hundreds of miles and not become fatigued. You will find the motion of these cars very agreeable and easy. They were selected for this trip because of this admirable qualification, and as far as ease and comfort goes I predict for your party a very pleasant tour. Another thing,” continued Mr. Suter, “I have already noticed, which will contribute much to your comfort, and which is lacking in most excursion parties, is that you have plenty of room, and so are not crowded. The gentlemen who have arranged the excursion deserve a great deal of credit for the excellent judgment they have exercised in not having too many or too few, but just enough. There are no vacancies and no one is crowded. It was also wise to have no children along, for little folks often need attention that cannot be given them on a journey of this kind, and their mothers need rest instead of the worriment that comes from having the care of little ones on their hands.”

“Mr. Suter,” I remarked, as a genteel colored man in a neat uniform come through the car, “it must be a very laborious task when night comes for one man to convert all these seats into beds, and in the morning change them back again.”

“Yes, it seems like a great deal of work, but an experienced porter will soon make the change. I have three good men, one to each car, and you have only to watch Dennis Jackson in the ‘Marco,’ Dick Pettus in the ‘Milton,’ or George Custis in the ‘Orchis,’ making up the berths, to be convinced that by a man who understands the business the work is more quickly and easily accomplished than one would suppose possible. Everything must be kept clean and tidy, pillow-cases and sheets changed daily, and towels used but once. Every time a towel is used a clean one takes its place. Cleanliness is an important rule in the Pullman service, and we are obliged to strictly enforce it.”

Thanking Mr. Suter for his kind information I turn my attention to the occupants of the car. State room A is occupied by Conductors Suter and McDonald.

Section 1 by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Horner. Brother Horner is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Mrs. Horner is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 2 by Colonel and Mrs. John T. Layfield. Brother Layfield is secretary and treasurer of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the Delaware

Division; he served on the staff of Governor Benjamin Biggs of Delaware several years ago, thus earning the title of colonel.

Section 3 by Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Shaw. Brother Shaw is P. C. C. of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Central Division.

Section 4 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Wyman. Brother Wyman is a member of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the Maryland Division; he is president and manager of the excursion and has worked to make it a success.

Section 5 by Mr. and Mrs. John A Reilly. Brother Reilly is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division. Mrs. Reilly is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 6 by Mr. and Mrs. William J. Maxwell. Brother Maxwell is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division; he is secretary and treasurer of 162, also of the excursion, and works hard in the interest of the same. Mrs. Maxwell is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 7 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Springer. Brother Springer is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division. Mrs. Springer is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 8 by Mr. and Mrs. George W. Brown. Brother Brown is A. C. C. and a trustee of West Philadelphia Division No. 162; he is a member of the excursion executive committee, and has the welfare of the party at heart. Mrs. Brown is a member and president of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 9 by Mr. and Mrs. George W. Dale. Brother Dale is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division.

Section 10 by Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Terry. Brother Terry is a conductor on the New York Division, and a member and trustee of West Philadelphia Division No. 162; he is a member of the excursion executive committee, the heavyweight of the party, whose herculean strength and sound judgment can always be relied upon.

Section 11 by Mr. and Mrs. James M. Matthews. Brother Matthews is a member and a P. C. C. Conductor of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Schuylkill Division.

Section 12 by Brothers John H. Reagan and Charles J. McCarty. Brother Reagan is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division; he is a member of the excursion executive committee, and is keenly alive to all that pertains to the welfare and pleasure of the party. Brother McCarty is a member of Susquehanna Division No. 331, and a conductor on the Frederick Division. Brothers Reagan and McCarty enjoy the freedom of bachelorship, and are general favorites with the ladies.

Drawing room 13 is occupied by Colonel and Mrs. Mitchell. Brother Mitchell is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division; he is well known as a genial, good-hearted fellow, and was given the title of “Colonel” several years ago by his associates because of his entertaining and hospitable disposition.

Leaving the “Marco” with its happy occupants, whose comforts will be looked after by the polite and attentive porter, Dennis Jackson, I passed through the vestibule into the next car, “Milton,” which I found similar in almost every respect to the “Marco.” Meeting the porter, stalwart, good-natured Dick Pettus, I informed him that I had visited the “Milton” in order to obtain the position and names of the occupants.

“I’m not much acquainted with anybody yet,” replied Dick, “but don’t think I’ll have any trouble, as everybody seems to be all right and happy.”

“Yes,” I answered, as I took a glance at the occupants of the car, “you will find them all first rate people, and all right in the daytime, but be careful and keep the doors locked and your eye on them at night, for there are two or three in this car who are afflicted with somnambulism, and they might walk off the train or get into the wrong berth while in such a condition.” “Good Lord,” was Dick’s reply as he vanished into the toilet room. I find the state room in the “Milton” reserved for a hospital. It is hoped it will not be needed for such a purpose.

Section 1 is occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Goff. Brother Goff is a member of Camden Division No. 170, and a conductor on the West Jersey and Seashore Division.

Section 2 by Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Wilson. Brother Wilson is a member of Camden Division No. 170, and a conductor on the West Jersey and Seashore Division.

Section 3 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Gilliland. Brother Gilliland is a member of Dauphin Division No. 143, and a conductor on the Middle Division. Mrs. Gilliland is a member of Keystone Division No. 47, L. A.

Section 4 by Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Sheppard. Brother Sheppard is a member of Camden Division No. 170, and a yardmaster on the Amboy Division. Mrs. Sheppard is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Section 5 by Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Kilgore. Brother Kilgore is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division.

Section 6, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Sparks. Brother Sparks is a member of Camden Division No. 170, and a conductor on the West Jersey Division.

Section 7 by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Kalkman. Brother Kalkman is a member of Capitol Division No. 378, and a conductor on the Maryland Division.

Section 8 by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Morris. Brother Morris is a member of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the Maryland Division.

Section 9 by Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Foster. Brother Foster is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division.

Section 10 by Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Cohee. Brother Cohee is a member of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the Maryland Division.

Section 11 by Mr. and Mrs. James Dougherty. Brother Dougherty is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division.

Section 12 by Mr. and Mrs. James H. Moore. Brother Moore is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division.

Drawing room by Doctor and Mrs. C. E. Mattson. Brother Mattson is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division; he is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, and has quite an extensive practice, to which he devotes his time when not engaged in his duties on the road.

Brother Mattson has kindly consented to give the party his professional care while on the trip, if needed, but it is earnestly hoped that there will be but a very few occasions for an exercise of his professional skill and that his labors in this direction will be light.

Entering the “Orchis,” the fifth and last car on the train, I found the polite and obliging porter, George Custis, busily engaged in the duties pertaining to his position. His passengers all looked comfortable and George looked happy.

“George, do you like fun?” I quietly asked as he passed near me to deposit a huge telescope valise in the state room. “Yes, sir; somewhat,” he replied, with a questioning look in his eye. “You will have a circus on your hands, my boy, or I fail to read the combination,” I added, as he emerged from the state room. I had glanced down the line as I entered the car and noticed among the occupants some well-known characters for fun and frolic, and conclude there is a picnic in store for the porter and passengers of the sleeper “Orchis.”

Turning now to the business that brought me to the “Orchis,” I find that the state room is occupied by Messrs. Charles Sloane and William Haas. Brother Sloane is a member of Quaker City Division No. 204, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division; he is the Nimrod of the party, and has come equipped with fishing tackle and rifle. He is well acquainted with some of the best hunting grounds in the West, and is familiar with the haunts and habits of bear and deer. Brother Haas is a member of R. B. Hawkins Division No. 114, and a conductor on West Penn Division; he has a kodak with which he expects to secure some interesting views. Brothers Sloane and Haas enjoy the privileges and liberties of single-blessedness, but are not averse to the society of ladies.

Section 1 by Messrs. Joseph Schuler and John B. Crispen. Brother Schuler is a member of R. B. Hawkins Division No. 114, and a conductor on the Pittsburgh Division. Brother Crispen is secretary and treasurer of Renovo Division No. 333, and a conductor on the Middle Division, Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. He is a bachelor, young in years, and inclined to be shy in the presence of the ladies.

Section 2 by Messrs. T. J. Denniston and J. J. Restein. Brother Denniston is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division; he is a bachelor, arrived at the years of discretion, cautious and modest in his habits, an excellent conversationalist, whose companionship is appreciated and enjoyed by all. Brother Restein is a member of Wilmington Division No. 224, and a conductor on the New York, Philadelphia and Norfolk Railroad. He keeps his kodak always handy, for it is his purpose to try to obtain some of the best views of incidents and scenery on the trip.

Section 3 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Elder. Brother Elder is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division.

Section 4 by Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Leary. Brother Leary is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Schuylkill Division; he has been but a few days married, and both bride and groom receive the congratulation of many friends in being so fortunate as to be able to take such an enjoyable wedding tour. May sunshine, health, and happiness be ever theirs.

Section 5 by Mr. P. J. Barrett and his sister, Miss Anna S. Barrett. Brother Barrett is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Being a single man, he had no wife to accompany him, but he did the next best thing and brought his sister, a commendable act that redounds to Brother Barrett’s credit. A man that is good to his sister will be good to a wife. Mark it!

Section 6, Mr. William H. Post and daughter, Miss Ella L. Post. Brother Post is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Mrs. Post being unable, on account of ill health, to accompany the excursion, permitted her daughter to take her place, a privilege the young lady highly appreciates and enjoys.

Section 7, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Climenson. Brother Climenson is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division.

Section 8, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Foulon. Brother Foulon is a member and P. C. C. of Quaker City Division No. 204, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division.

Section 9, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Haefner. Brother Haefner is C. C. of Susquehanna Division No. 331, and a conductor on the Philadelphia Division.

Section 10, Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Smith. Brother Smith is a member of Susquehanna Division No. 331, and a conductor on the Frederick Division.

Section 11, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. McKernan. Brother McKernan is a member of Neptune Division No. 169, and assistant passenger yardmaster at Jersey City.

Section 12, Mr. and Mrs. M. Houston. Brother Houston is S. C. of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Schuylkill Division. Mrs. Houston is a member of Erickson Division No. 5, L. A.

Drawing room, Messrs. C. E. Waddington, O. Williams, and H. H. Taylor. Brother Waddington is C. C. of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division; Brother Williams is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the Maryland Division; Brother Taylor is a member of West Philadelphia Division No. 162, and a conductor on the New York Division. Brothers Waddington and Williams are unmarried, but it is not known for how long. We can only wait and see.

On the rear platform stood Brakeman T. M. Tobin, who was selected by Trainmaster Simms to accompany Conductor Bostick as flagman because of his well-known adherence to the rules that govern this important position. We are spinning along at about a fifty mile per hour rate of speed, and have passed through some of the finest farming country in the world. A “fleeting view” is all we get, but one glance is sufficient to show us fine, substantial buildings and fences in good repair and men busily engaged in preparing the soil for the reception of seed.

We have passed the city of Lancaster and are nearing Harrisburg. Dinner has been announced, and I retrace my steps to the dining car to find the tables filled. Although hungry I console myself with the thought that “there are others, lots of others,” and that in my misery I had lots of company. In the meantime I avail myself of the opportunity of ascertaining who our guests are, as a number of gentlemen accompanied us from Philadelphia.

Glancing up the line of tables, I see Trainmasters Frank Carlisle of the Maryland, James G. Ruth of the Central, Walter B. Gormley of the Schuylkill, and Rees L. Hannum of the Delaware Extension and Kensington Divisions; Yardmasters L. H. Smith, Kensington, and Anthony Hughes, Fifteenth and Washington Avenue, and George Stults, assistant secretary of West Philadelphia Division No. 162. They seem to be having a good time, and are all bravely battling with Jersey mutton and Long Island spring duck.

In the centre of one of the tables is a magnificent bouquet of choice flowers, presented to the party in Philadelphia by Messrs. Myers & Lautman, florists, of Wyndmoor, Chestnut Hill. It is much admired by all for its beauty and fragrance. As the tables became vacant they were rapidly filled up by those in waiting, and it was not long until the entire party had partaken of a dinner that was admitted by all to be hard to beat, and a credit to Conductor McDonald and his competent and obliging help.

At 1.22 P. M. we arrived at Harrisburg, where a short stop of eight minutes was made in changing engines. We bid adieu to our guests, receiving from them many congratulations and compliments as to our outfit and prospects, and best wishes for a happy trip and safe return. The jovial trainmaster of the Central Division, as he bade us goodbye, said: “You people could not travel in better form or fare better if you were a party of millionaires. I am sure you will have a good time.”

Whole-souled, big-hearted Frank Carlisle heaved a great sigh as he shook hands with Manager Wyman and Colonel Mitchell, and with a tear in his eye murmured, “Boys, I wish I could go with you.” Walt Gormley and George Stults turned their backs on the crowd to hide their emotion as “all aboard” rang out, and the last seen of “Tony” Hughes he was struggling in the grasp of Lew Smith and Rees Hannum, who had to hold him to prevent him from boarding the now fast-receding train, they knowing full well that business at Fifteenth and Washington Avenue would suffer did they not take “Tony” back with them.

It was just 1.30 P. M. when we left Harrisburg, drawn by P. R. R. engine No. 32, handled by Engineer John Ficks and fired by Jesse Reynolds. Conductor A. W. Black had charge of the train from Harrisburg to Altoona, with Flagman J. S. Wagner and Brakeman A. Gable. W. Brooke Moore, trainmaster of the Middle Division, was a guest on the train from Harrisburg to Altoona. We arrived at Altoona 4.50 P. M. and left at 4.57 P. M. with P. R. R. engine No. 867, Engineer F. W. Masterson, Fireman E. W. Pugh, Conductor W. B. Chislett, Flagman Frank Bollinger, Brakemen John Cline and C. D. Chamberlain. As guests we had C. W. Culp, trainmaster Pittsburgh Division, and D. M. Perine, assistant master mechanic, of Altoona, who accompanied the party to Pittsburgh.

Six miles west of Altoona we reach Kittanning Point and circle round the famous Horseshoe Curve. From this point a magnificent view of Alleghany Mountain scenery can be seen. Nine miles further and we reach the highest elevation on our trip across the Alleghanies and pass Cresson, a beautiful summer resort, the

location of the noted “Mountain House,” whose marvelous reputation for rates and rations attracts the bon-ton patronage of the world.

We now enter the Conemaugh country and note its picturesque hills and mountain ridges, among which winds and wriggles the historic Conemaugh River, which at present seems but little more than a harmless, babbling brook; but when the rains fall and the snows melt, and this sparkling little creek receives the waters from a hundred hills, it becomes a very demon in its resistless fury. For eight miles we have followed this stream and part company with it as we pass through the city of Johnstown. Johnstown will ever remember the Conemaugh River, flowing as it does through the very centre of the city. It is a constant menace to the tranquillity and security of the people, and in yonder hillside cemetery two thousand glistening tombstones bear sad and silent testimony to the awful horrors of a Conemaugh flood.

It has grown dark and we are approaching Pittsburgh. A stop is made at East Liberty, and a delegation of brothers from R. B. Hawkins Division No. 114 of Pittsburgh get aboard and accompany us into Pittsburgh. The visitors kindly present each one of our party with a bouquet of roses. We arrive at Pittsburgh 8.12 P. M. and stop for eighteen minutes, leaving at 8.30 (7.30 Central) P. M. Time changes now from Eastern to Central, which makes us leave at 7.30 instead of 8.30. To some of us this is rather a perplexing thing, for we are leaving Pittsburgh forty-two minutes before we arrive there. A number of our party are setting their watches to Central time, I will allow mine to remain as it is, and will use Eastern time in my notes in connection with the Standard time of whatever locality we may be in.

Left Pittsburgh with P. C. C. & St. L. engine No. 183, Engineer A. F. Winchell, Fireman O. Brown, who runs us to Dennison, Ohio, 93 miles. Conductor L. E. Schull, Brakemen W. A. Chambers and E. S. Chambers go with us to Columbus, Ohio, 193 miles. We almost regret that it is night, for we desire to see the country. At 9.50 (8.50 Central) P. M. we arrive at Steubenville, 43 miles from Pittsburgh, and stop five minutes for water.

We are now on the Pittsburgh Division of the Pennsylvania lines, operated by the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway Company. The Pittsburgh Division extends from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Columbus, Ohio, a distance of 193 miles. Most of the party have turned in and at 11.30 (10.30 Central), just as our train stops at Dennison, Ohio, I prepare to undertake the novel experiment of trying to get a night’s sleep in the berth of a Pullman car. It is a new and strange experience to me, but I go at it to win. There is nobody in sight, but the presence of a carload of people is felt. The long, narrow aisle of the car is deserted, but I hesitate to exercise the privilege its deserted condition would seem to warrant. I desire to undress, but I wish to hide to do it, and with this end in view I crawl under the curtains that inclose our berth. As I do so the train starts on its way again. Mrs. S. has retired some time ago, and I think is asleep. There is not much room for me, but I determine to make the best of it. Balancing myself on the edge of the berth, I make a few changes in my apparel, and come very near being precipitated into the aisle while so doing by a sudden lurch of the car as the train struck a curve. In regaining my equilibrium I stepped upon the madam, who quietly inquired what I was trying to do. “Only coming to bed, my dear,” I answered. “Is that all,” she replied, “I have been watching you for some time and thought you either had a fit or else was practicing gymnastics and using the curtain pole for a horizontal bar.” I made no reply, I didn’t blame her, and lay down thankful that she was the only witness to the performance; and ours was not the only circus on the train that night; “there were others.”