BOOK OF THE ROYAL BLUE. PUBLISHED MONTHLY COPYRIGHT, 1907, BY THE PASSENGER DEPARTMENT, BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD, From Steel Engraving by John A. Lowell Bank Note Co., Boston, Mass, U. S. A. Copyright, 1906. THE OPENING OF THE NEW UNION STATION, The Baltimore & Ohio the first to enter, on October 27, 1907. echoed through its walls day and night through four long years of strife. "Le roi est mort! Vive le roi!"" HE opening of the New Union Sta- tramp, tramp of feet and rattle of musketry tion at Washington on Sunday morning, October 27, was a matter of national interest. The great white granite structure, whose classic columns and arches accord with the dignity of a great nation, becomes the vestibule through whose portals all must pass who enter the capital city. The high and low, the rich and poor, the President or the citizen, ambassador or diplomat, senator or congressman, friend or foe, alike will tread its marble floors. And who can read the horoscope of the future to foretell the comedies or tragedies that may be recorded in the annals of its history? From a viewpoint of sentiment, it is fitting that the Baltimore & Ohio-the nation's first railway, and the first to enter Washington, should be the first to open the doors of the new terminal; and, by a coincidence, the first train out of the new terminal was headed to Baltimore from whence the first train to Washington came seventy-two years ago. The passing of the old "B. & O" station at New Jersey Avenue and C Street at the same time, also marks an incident in the history of Washington. The kaleidoscope of time could reveal many scenes of anxious war times, when the incessant tramp, Although the great granite building with its huge concourse and track system are completed, there is much to be done in finishing the interior. The approaches in both directions have been completed and the tunnels are ready for use. The mammoth roof of olive green in rectangles of composition terra cotta harmonizes well with the granite of the exterior and gives a most pleasing architectural effect. Some idea of the immensity of the station may be obtained from the fact that it is less in size than the Capitol building in one dimension only-that of height. In length and breadth it exceeds the Capitol. From east to west the sta ion proper is 760 feet as against the Capitol's length of 746 feet, 6 inches. The breadth of the station from north to south is 343 feet 9 inches, against the Capitol's 270 feet 10 inches. The great plaza facing the station when finished will be 940 feet wide with 540 feet from the main entrance to the farthest edge to the plaza circle in Delaware Avenue. From the entrance to the plaza and the nearest end of the train shed is 833 feet, and the train platform extends 1,200 feet beyond this. From the entrance to the WYRTLE 131 2 THE OPENING OF THE NEW UNION STATION, WASHINGTON, D. C. to accommodate a total of sixty-six trains. The general waiting room is 236 feet long by 128 feet wide, and when finished will be the finest and most commodious in the country. The center of its roof is 120 feet from the floor and is beautifully decorated with sunken panels or coffers. The light is supplied through a circular window at each end 75 feet in diameter. The main dining room, 80 by 100 feet, will be beautiful with its marble columns and mural decorations, and can accommodate 1,000 people at one time. Attached to it is a commodious lunch room. The ticket lobby, not yet completed, is 105 feet long by 51 feet wide, with ticket offices on one side and the baggage room on the other. The portion of the station now in actual use is that which will eventually be devoted to the reception room of the President and distinguished visitors to Washington; the entrance to which will be through what will be known as the State Entrance, reserved exclusively for the President and those prominent in national affairs, and representatives of foreign governments. Although the station is not completed and it will be several months before it can be enjoyed as an entirety, the railways entering Washington will be compelled to use it, to make way for other contemplated improvements. The Baltimore & Ohio was compelled to abandon its station at New Jersey Avenue and C Street at once to make way for the great plaza. In like manner must the other Washington station on Sixth Street, south of Pennsylvania Avenue, be abandoned, and it is officially announced that the Pennsylvania Railroad, Southern Railway, Chesapeake & Ohio, Atlantic Coast Line, Seaboard Air Line and Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad will abandon this station and enter the New Union Station on November 17th, bringing all of the railways which enter Washington together under one roof. With all the railroads entering the District at the new station, it would seem that perfection has been reached in the way of facilities and accommodation for the public. But with the underground tracks running to the Capitol building, a President-elect as well as the legislators may be landed there direct from their homes, and enter upon their duties before coming in contact with the Washington public. It will be possible, therefore, in the inauguration of a President, for him to start from his home and go direct to the Capitol. |