The Railway Age Says That 53,436

miles of new railway have already been projeeted in the flrst quarter of 1889. There are 666 new Unes. Nearly half of the new milenge will be in the south and southwest, which now seems to be a favorite field for investment of many kinds. Many of the new railroads will meet diaaster, however. There is already more railroad in the country than is able to pay even running expenses. The large roads have decided not to extend their linos. It has been found necessary to regúlate the use of explosives for blasting purposes in New York city. A great amount of blasting through solid rock is done in the upper part of the city. The regulations that have been adopted with regard to explosives require that contractors employing them shall give a $5,000 bond. Every person engaged in the work must furnish securities. Those selling the explosives must do the same. Nobody under 16, and nobody who cannot read and write English, is perniitted to haudlo the explosive3. Those applying for permit tosell or handle the explosives must submit to an examination as tothe use and composition of explosives ho wishes to handle. The dyllamite powder or other material must be stored in buildings bearing the placard "Danger." St. Paul will probably soon own and opérate her own street railroads. The legislature lias authorized the city to issue bonds to the amount of a million dollars with which to buy existing lines. The question is to be submitted to the people at a special election. If the purchase ia approved, then St. Paul will go into the municipal street railway business. The experiment will be watched with great interes? bv otber citiea. The Wood-Turners International Union is growing.