The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-11-21
OUR VISIT TO MONTREAL.
The Great Railway Celebration.

OUR VISIT TO MONTREAL.
The Great Railway Celebration.
We left Portland for Montreal, in the cars
ofthe Grand Trunk Railway, in the gray Of
the morning, on Tuesday Of last week, to at
tend the great Railway celebration got up
by the citizens Of Montreal to commemorate
the opening OF the Grand Trunk Railroad to
Toronto and its connection with the lines OF
railroad leading through Detroit and Chicago
to the Mississippi river. Two trains Of Eve
CO, each, one following directly after the
other took our party over the road The
morning though cool was fine one for the
season and our party left in high spirits, de-
termined TO make the most Of their proposed
visit. Passing rapidly over the road we soon
arrived at the Station at South Paris where
our numbers were increased by large dele
cations from Oxford and other sections OF
the State who had, like ourselves, concluded
to avail themselves Of the hospitality prom
ised in the courteous invitations Of the citi-
Iens Of Montreal. Starting again after hav-
ing refreshed tho Iron horse with IN ample
supply Of wood and water, We were soon
speeding along at rapid rate through the
picturesque region of the Androscoggin
valley. On arriving at the Gorham station
we stepped from the cars moment while
the cars stopped, to take look at the old
mountains, and to renew an acquaintance
contracted Eve years ago with a Monsieur
Bruin, who we understood was still the
observed Of Observers" at tho Alpine
House. Bruin was there, but he had retired
to his lodgings, and was not at first disposed
to show himself. Some ofour party not un
Outstanding his habits, made an unsuccess
ful attempt to force him into their company
by Juggling at his watch chain which Wal
thrown loosely around his neck and mad,
fast to pole some 30 feet high, near by
Not relishing such forced introductions
Bruin hung hack until he was politely call
ed by his old acquaintance, rhen he cam,
out and "the bar" was presented to tn,
company. We had left him n cub, bu nov
we found him full grown bear Of goodl,
proportions and elegant manners. Con
graduating him on hisimproved appearance
and his refined manners, probably acquires
by the select company he had kept, We obey
ed the word .ali aboard" and continued on
journey through the frowning mountains
and the dense woods to Island Pond. GU
mex, stopping place. Ii was little lat
dinner hour when our train arrived as tn
island Pond station. Tho cars had hardl
come to stand when the passengers wer
seen tumbling out and making hurried exit
over the stairways leading to the Hote
where dinner was understood TO he in readi
ncss. About that dinner we shall say little
When we got victimized we generally keel
rs quiet about it as We can. We got a
small glimpse Of tho elephant when we fork
cd over that IS cents for cup Of poor tea
aud few scanty mouthfuls Of badly cook
ell meats, but Us we all suffered alike, the
old adage OF ..misery liking company" was
some consolation. From Island Pond to
Lopgueil, opposite Montreal on the St. Law
renee the speed Of our train was not remak-
able even for the broad gauge, and We had
ample time to survey the country over which
il was passing and to observe the faithful
manner in which the Grand Trunk road was
completed. Everything about the Grand
Trunk road has been done with view to
perrnanance and in tho most substantial
manner. Our train arrived at Longueil
about six or half past six o'clock. The
shades of evening were upon us, and raw
chilly air from the St. Lawrence saluted us
as we leit the cars to take the boat to carry
us up to the city, distance Of about two
miles. On the boat we were met by mem
Der OF the committre OF arrangements who
in the blandSt tones Of hospitality inform.
ed us that the hotels were already filed to
Overaowins, aud although he did not wish
to dictate, still he would advise US to find
quarters ON board ola steamer "thc John
Maria" which had been opened as hotel
for tho occasion. The larger part Of our
company coneurring in the wisdom Of the
advice, ourselves among the number, obtain
Ell quarters in this floating hotel, and every.
thing considered. taking into consideration
all the circumstances, were fortunate in -
doing. Some went good deal farther, paid
much larger bills for hack hire, and Jared
worse. We shall always remember the
&" John Mum House," and the incidents
connected with our stay there, while on tn $
Vii, to the Island city. Prominent among
them were the false alarms Of dinners and