The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-04-16

A PROUD DAY FOR THE GATE CITY

fhuiD Ioh HE VIA Nh
Yesterday, agreeably to notice, and to an
invitation as extended as the nccommoda-
tions Of the Company would permit, con-
course OF our citizens assembled at the de-
not OF the keokuk, Fort Des Moines and
Minnesota Railroad, TO enjoy an excursion to
Belfast, twenty miles,-on the occasion of
the formal opening Of the road to that point.
train was standing upon the ground, and
the cars were speedily filed with mass Of
people in the highest of spirits and the mer-
riest mood. AT ten O'Clock the signal was
given, and we sped away under convoy Of
the good locomotive keokuk, turned the cor
ner at Buena Vista and were out upon the
rich bottoms Of the Des Mones, now skirt
ing the bluffs that hem them in, now running
along the riverside, and now shooting across
prairie with the speed of the wind. Ii was
a pleasant alienation Of glade and grove,
aud the river scenery and the putting stsam-
boats added much to the interest and excite
ment Of the occasion.
Stopping wherever there was any interest
to examine the locality or the work upon the
road, we arrived at Belfast at twelve o'clock.
The crowd took fancy to walk q mile or
more up the river, we suppose to coax up an
appetite. For ourself, we felt sufficient con-
fdence 10 our ability to dispose Of our allow
ance, and preferred a seat by comfortable
fire in the Engineers car until their return.
At one o'clock the dinner was served, and
though partaken of in rather primitive way,
it was abundant, and was disposed OF in
summary manner and with an excellent relish.
After the dinner was finished, meeting
was organized by the appointment Of Mayor
Taylor as Chairman, and J. r. Briggs, Jr.,
as Secretary. Gen. Reid, the President of
the Company, was called upon to address the
people, and responded in pleasant and point
ed manner. He was succeeded by the Sec
Rotary, Mr.. Leighton, in one of his amusing
and telling speeches. Mr.. Parsons, Treasu.
rer Of the road, being called up, gave brief
but clear explanation Of the request now
made by the road upon the people, in the tax
soon to be voted upon, and referred to the
finances Of the road generally. Mr. Taylor
briefly responded to call, and was listened
TO with applause. J. X. Hornish, Of the
keokuk, Mt. Pleasant and Muscatine Rail-
road, madea speech full of the right spirit,
urging harmony of feeling and a unanimity
OF effort in oil our undertakings. Col.
Curtis dwelt at some length, and in a
happy manner, upon the character of the
enterprise, the operations Of the Company
and the personal efforts and responsibilities
assumed by the Directors and other friends.
Mr.. Barney, of New York, spoke of the rep
ntation Of the road abroad, of its aattering
prospects, Its great advantages TO this com.
munity, and Of the public spirit and energy
with which the people, unaided by public IA
vor, had pushed ii out SO far into the inte-
rior, aud provided for its construction so
much farther. We could hear but little Of
Gen. Reds or Mr.. Leighton's remarks, but
the speeches of all were pointed, pleasant
and enthusiastically received. AT their close
Mr.. Blackwell presented the following reso.
lutions, which were unanimously adopted
Resolved, That we rejoice in the construc.
ton aud successful opening of the frs.
twenty miles Of the keokuk, Fl. Des Moines
and Minnesota Railroad, and we con6dentl,
anticipate its early completion to Ben,ons
port,-3S miles and IL remunerative anC
satisfactory business.
Resolved. That the success of the presi.
dent aud Dlctors Of this road, in their effort.
10 carry forward this important enter, rise
demonstrates their energy and fidelity, ans
we conhde in their future efforts for final sue.
cess.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks Il
the Officers and Directors Of the road fo
the agreeable excursion and bountiful cola
ton which We have enjoyed ut their hands
The train then started on its homewart
journey, and at FIVE O'Clock we were set dowr
AZ the point OF departure in the morning. -
And 90 the keokuk and Fort Des Moine
Railroad is, after all, thing ia operation
and in two to four weeks will be open 70,
general business.
THE CARS.
IL IS proper that we should speak Of TIN
passenger cars Of the Company. They wer,
manufactured by Messrs. Farms worth < Co.