The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1853-06-11
Caual Ce,ebra,iou-OId Tjmes.

CaOat eeieDruuOU-OiU bbmfSs
We guess, if the forefathers of Evansville,
when they had their great Canal celebration
in 1886, over seventeen years ago cele-
bration intended to commemorate The com.
mencement of this magnificent enterprise in
connection with other improvements-had
been told that their children would not cele-
brate its completion, they might have gwen
the lie to the asserter Of SO seemingly SLAM
derous a statement. Yet even SO does it
seem. that we are to have no celebration OF
this great event. On the completion OF
railroad. which was probably only the enter
prize of q couple years, towns interested gen.
orally mark their Joy by public meetings, a
comingling of feeling, and rich treat of
congratulations and victuals. But when we
are about to see the lsa, shovelfull Of earth
thrown from the mightiest public improve
ment in the West, if not in the whole coun-
try, and which has been nearly a quarter of a
century in the thoughts OF the people and
building-a canal connecting the Lakes at
the north with the Ohio river at the south
no one but a poor devil OF an editor raises
his voice for a celebration, and he is left alone
to set the ball in motion.
Probably in the next half century to come.
no event will transpire SO important to the
interests of Evansville. as 6pal compile
ton of the graf Wabash and Erie Canal.
having its lower terminus at this point
We do not Iesire celebration as a mere ex.
hbtion of Joy, on the part of our feliow-cit.
liens, hut to let the world know in loud
manner, that this magnificent enterprise is
compile ed, and TO let it now too, how great
is the work importance to this city. 1t will
help turn the eyes Of the public to Evansville.
We may draw here for few days, hundreds
from every part of the State, and distinguish
ed men from adjoining states. They will go
home to talk OF this great improvement, and
of Evansville where it terminates. The
eyes Of thousands will turn here, that never
regarded Us with especial interest before
The effect will undoubtedly be hi. bly, bene-
fetal to Us, and that enough.
There are few old citizens among US who
fecollecr the great celebration at Evansville
in 1896. 1t will be pleasant memories re-
tived tn have some matters connected there
with brought up again, and at the same time
exhibit to new citizens some of the enthusi-
astic spirit, which marked old times in
Evansville. Let US see. Here is copy of
the printed invitation, sent to persons all
over the State. The copy in our possession,
and probably the only one extant,s address,
ed as follows:
EVANSVILLE, March 20, 1886.
CAPT. JAS. NEwMAs-Sir: The citizens
Of Evansville, impressed with a belief that
the act passed al the last session OF the
Legislature, "to provide for a General Sys.
tenn Of Int nal lmprovene nts''-is one tha,
will promote the wealth and prosperity of the
people OF In lana, and rebound to the honor
and glory vi the State; and wishing publicly
to mi nifest their high regard for the servic.
rendered to the State al large, as well as to
their own town, by the acts OF Executive and
Legislative departments of State, in regard
TO Internal improvements, have resolved on
CIV ng to his Excel!ency the Governor, his
Honor the Lieutenant Governor, and all OF
the members OF the General Assembly, who
supported the Internal improvement bill, q
Fuonc Dinner, on the 4th day of May next.
beieiVing that you, sir, entertain the same
enlightened and liberal views, that have cha
racterlzed the proceedings OF the Executive
ana Legislative councils of the STATE, DUR
lug the passed session of the General Assem-.
bly, we, N behalf OF the citizens OF Evans.
vile respectfully invite You to Join witt US in
paying tribute of respect to exalted merit
SIl.AS STEPHENS,
IRA FRENCH,
JOHN SHANKLIN.
MES LOCKHART.
JOHN M. lockwood.
F. E. GOODSELL,
V.K. PhAR,
Committee.
Capt. Newman lives no longer. Sila
Stephens, John Shanklin. and james Lock
hart, are living in this city, and all enjoying
prosperity and health. Ira French lives il
Cincinnati, and is an enterprising citize
there as he was here. John NJ. Lockwood, I
whom v e are indebted for the above circula,
lives within few miles of this city. F. E
Goodsell resides at Bowling Green, KY. V