Burlington tri-weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1852-1855, 1855-06-01
The Celebration in Honor Of the Opening
Of tho Burlington and Chicago
Railroad. -

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Of tho Burlington and Chicago
Railroad. ~
This affair so suspicious for Burlington
and Southern Iowa, and for some time
looked forward to with joyous anticipations,
took place on Wednesday last. The day was
inauspicious. Frequent showers, however
much they may have gladdened vegetation
and Frightened the green Of our fields,
added nothing to the beauty Of our streets
Invited guests from our neighboring
cities Of Keokuk, Davenport IT. Madison,
Mt. Pleasant, Fairfield and the interior
generally continued to arrive during the
day until long before the arrival Of the
Eastern Cars our streets presented quite
thronged appearance.
Precisely at the appointed time to min
ute (6 o'clock P. NJ the excursion train
arrived at East Burlington, consisting OF
ten we'll filed cars, and bringing probably
FIVE hundred passengers, among whom we
rejoice to say, were very large number Of
ladies. Among the number were the Hon.
LEWIS CAss, Hon. s. A. DOUGLAS, the
Mayor and Aldermen Of the city Of Chi
caro. and distinguished gentlemen and
representatives of the Press from Detroit,
Cleveland and many other places even as
far East as the New England States. And
it Is but justice to say that never before
have we seen SO many good looking men
that bore the air and mark of distinction.
And the ladies, numbering nearly moity
Of the visitors, were as beautiful and fascl-
mating as any equal number we ever ex-
meet to meet. Take them all in all we
are not soon likely to "look upon their like
again."
When the invited guests came on board
our magnificent ferry boat, they were re-
ceivcd by the Committee Of Reception and
Mayor Hudson. Mr.. Hudson, on behalf
of the city made short and appropriate
speech welcoming the visitors to Burllng-
ton and Iowa, to.which Mayor Boon, OF
Chicago, responded in a neat and we'll
timed address. The boat then crossed
over to the Iowa shore, the whole scene
presenting the most animating and excl
ting spectacle. All her decks and cabins
crowded, dressed out with flags and carry
ing upon the upper decks one Of the best
hands that ever discoursed music. While
the levee clear down to the waters edge,
and front street were completely crowded
with spectators.
So much in a hurry were they to get in
to our city, and SO little did they appa-
rently care for the muddy state Of our
streets, that ladies could not be prevailed on
to remain on board until the limited num-
Der Of carriages and omnibusses pressed in
to the service, could carry them to their
destination. But either by carriage or a
foot, all were at last taken to comfortable
quarters. At least, that is the general i'm
preston. Every effort was made on the
part of our citizens, to render the visit, to
all our guests, one of unmixed pleasure
And if there is any, from the East or West,
who failed to receive proper attention, or
obtain comfortable quarters, they will
please consider the fault in our ABILITY
and not in our DISPOSITION.
Tables were spread in Marion Hall for
two hundred and seventy. And as no
suitable room, that would seat any greater
number, could be found in our city, this
was the best that could be done. The Ia
bles were beautifully supplied with provin-
der, handsomely set and dressed out with
flowers, under direction Of Capt. McKell,
Chairman Of the Committee on Refresh
ments. All Of our invited guests that de-
sired and few of our citizens participa-
ted in the festivities.
Fitz Henry Warren presided at the
Banquet and opened the festivities of the
evening in very neat and well-timed ad-
dress, which, together with the remarks Of
Gen. CAss, Judge DoUGLAs, Mr.. CHAN
DLER Of Detroit, and other gentlemen pre-
sent, will be reported at length in our next
Al facilities were not afforded the city