Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1857-04-23
OHIO AND MISSISSIPPI RAILROAD.
I.+ Eastern Division.

On the 18th Of this month, in the Rock
Cut, east Of Mill creek, in Lawrence coun-
ty, Indiana, the last spike was driven in
this road. The ceremonies were Of an i'm
posing character, and participated in by dis
citizens of Missouri, Ohio, ILL
nois and Indiana. Well they might be-
The road is equal to any in the world,-
broad guage in its whole extent.-and has
been pressed forward to completion under
difficulties which would have Frustrated any
other parties than those engaged in it.
Messrs. PACE g. BAcoN, it is well known,
undertook to carry it through. The Gnan-
cial disasters of the period broke them
down, --produced their suspension in Cali
fornia an5 New York;-but notwithstand-
ing, they went toward, in the face Of, and in
spite of, hard words and bitter and unre-
lenting persecution, to the end of the West
ern Division,- (which was completed over
ayear ago.
The work, however, was only half done
The Eastern Division was still more en-
barrassed, and if not completed, would leave
the Western comparatively valueless.-
From the published proceedings, of the
ceremonies at Mill creek, we learn how
this was brought about, and as it reflects
the highest honor upon the character and
energy of Mr.. BACON, we deem it a simple
act of ofjustice to put it on record.
We copy forom the account of the cere-
monies, as editorially stated in the Missouri
Republican of the 9Th.
"After due introduction the guests made
q more familiar acquaintance with the large
variety offered 10 their tastes. The tapping
Of bottle Of sparkling Catawba was the
signal for the initiation of sentiments and
toasts. The first one offered was: S. L. M.
BARLOW, Esq, Vice President of the Com
pany, who presided at the table. He was
highly compimented for the efficient part
he had taken since last spring in urging the
road to the earliest possible completion, for
his skillful European negotiations with the
holders of the first and second mortgage
bonds in reference to funding the interest
already accrued and to accrue for some time
to come, and for the pleasant arrangements
made by him and his associates for this
happy bridal occasion when St, Louis and
Cincinnati were 10 be united by an iron
bond. In responding to this call upon him,
Mr., BARLOW contented himself with re-
marking that year ago, when all plans for
the completion Of the road were hopelessly
environed with difficulties, and the pros
pect of its abandonment 10 the bondholders
was imminent, Mr.. Henry d. BACON came
from St. Louis to New York, called togeth-
er seven or eight of his friends among the
capitalists of the latter city, and submitted
to them plan which he deemed feasible
for the completion of the eastern division Of
the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, and So
licited their cooperation. They were at
first reluctant; but finally, quite as much
out of friendship for Mr.. BACON and desire
to aid him in the completion Of an enterprise
that had Frustrated him, as from any other
motive, they adopted his plan, agreeing to
execute it. provided certain contingencies
were complied with, and became response
BILE for the payment Of three millions of dol
lars, the sum estimated as requisite to put
the road in running order for the entire
route"
Further on, in the proceedings, The fol-
lowing toast was officially offered:
"Mr. HENRY D. Bacon, of St. Louis
we regret his absence on the present occa
sion, peculiarly entitled as he is to be here
at the completion of a road, the progress o.
which he has done more to promote thar
any single man East or West. A few hearty
observations were offered in response t
this toast, as TO the eminent and indispen
sable services rendered this road by Mr.
Bacon"
As the ceremonies progressed the object o
the meeting was arrived at-ths laying III
last rail of the Road. That was an event
ref.cting the highest honor on some one
and that one should be publicly honored b.
the assembled multitude. The publishe,
proceedings give the information as fol
lows:
"At this moment, notice was given tina
the last rail was waiting to be laid. There
upon the motion was made and seconded land
carried with much cordially, that Mr.. ID
d. PAGE, Of St. Louis, be invited to take thu
lead in driving the spikes to fasten the raj
TO complete the track between st. Louis ant
Cincinnati. The company then adjourne'
to the spot where this operation would b.
performed. The locomotives from st. Loui
and Cincinnati, with their cars, drew up an
stood cycling each other at distance of sbou
fifty feet, while in the interval was gathere
dense crowd Of guests, contractors, work
men, and citizens of the neighborhood. MI
: PAGE Invested himself of surtout and un
der-coat, took the sledge, and amid man,
cheers and much rejoicing, while Mr.. BAR
Low, the Vice President, baptised the raj
the tie and the spike, with free libation
from bottle Of sparkling Isabella, drov
home the spike that fastened 10 the tie I'll
closing rail Of the road"
Here, then, is the solution of the Who'll
matter. PAGE & BACON, as Bankers, bs
: came financial agents of the Ohio and Mi.