The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-09-29
FIRST RIDE ON A RAILROAD.

We have often thought that to a person
who saw train Of cars in motion for the
first time the sight must be most miracu-
lous and astounding. As Jack Downing
once said, "'twas so queer TO see hull lot
of wagons chucked full ofpeople and things
agoin' off at that ere speed. and no hoss
TO draw 'em."
A genius OF the sort referred TO, lesely
made his experimental trip. He was a
green horn, genuine backwoodsman,
who feared nothing in the shape of man or
beast,but anything that he could not under
stand puzzled him even more than it did.
perhaps, the ordinary run Of his fellows.
Well, he came to Gainesville short time
since. for the purpose Of taking his first
railroad trip.
He'd hearn tell on 'em, but didn't be-
lieve, he said, half the nonsense folks said
about 'em. When the cars arrived at the
place, our hero was there patiently waiting,
and much excited and elated in anticpa.
ting his intended ride. As the cars aP-
preached, he stood gazing with wonder
and awe at the engine, putting and smck.
ing. Following the example Of others, as
soon as the cars stopped he hurried aboard.
with his saddle-bags on his arms. and seat
ted himself near the window. Then look.
ing around at the passengers. manifestly
much surprised, he put his head out Of the
window TO see the "critter start;" while in
this position, watching with anxiety. the
whistle sounded. Our hero, much surpris-
ed. and evidently little alarmed, drew
back his head with motion that might be
called jerk. and turning to gentleman
setting near him, said:
"Well, stranger, did you ever hear such
a noise as that?"
s'The engine?" suggested the other.
swell, | don't know what it is, but
hollo. how she goesp'
"Guess yon are not acquainted with
railroad traveling!"
"Hang it, no! haint they run away!
Creation, how it ierks''
"It's all safe enough, you may rely; the
cars are starting"
"That's all: well stranger, amt afeard
you know, but kinder surprised like. that's
ALL" said the mountain boy half ashamed
81. golly! stranger. did you hear that ere
snor,l it beats dads jack.ass, and he's
roarer, no mistake. Whew, how it does
puff; somethin' bustin', Pm sure"
40, fudge! it's all right" said the other
settling himself up for nap.
81 swow! don't see how you can sleep
darned i'll dol"
4 "Nothing like getting used to it," sait
the other. "You've heard Of the eels tha
had been skinned so often they rather lik
ed it, and used to come ashore every few
days to get their hide taken off, haven
you?"
>. You're gassin', stranger.
i The bell rang, the engines moved OH
away went the cars at rapid speed. and be
fore our hero had recovered from the shocl
which the .'snort'' produced, the cars wer
moving slowly over Etowa bridge. Dis
covering change in its gate, he poppe,
his head out of the window again. ''to Sc
, how it moved" saw that it was some dis
tance from the earth, and supposing ih
/; "crittur'' was flying, swooned and fell fror
t his seat speeohless. Several gentleme
| sitting near, caught hold OF him. raise
, him up, shook him and rubbed him unit
he revived a little.
/ "This mans crasy," suggested some I
!, the by-standers, eagerly.
. "No, he's not" answered he, who ha
5 before spoken, hes frightened"