The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1858-09-03

wended our way from the Barrett House to
the depot Of the Burlington and Missouri
River Railroad. We found oil Burlington
on the ground as spectAtors and participants
upon the joyous occasion, and after slight
delay in which passenger cars and platform,
were rapidly filed, the excursion train moved
offamid the firing of cannon, and enlivened by
the music Of the bands. The day was de-
ligh tful, the rays of the sun having just
sufficient power to make it comfortable on
the platforms without umbrellas. Reaching
Mt. Pleasant, after pleasant run through
finely improved country, the train was re-
ceived with jubilant demonstrations, and an
additional train bearing the beauty and Chiv-
airy Of that pleasant town, was united with
the one from Burlington. Thence We pro-
ceeded on a newly laid road in FIRST rate con-
dtion, greeted at every farm and hamlet
with the joyous ~elcome Of the natives.
The long train Of cars approaching Fair
6eid, with banners and flags Of every device
flying in the breeze, with the fine military
companies Of Burlington and Nit. Pleasant
in full uniform, and with the Burlington FIRE
company, all in full view on the platforms
and bearing thousand people, presented a
magnificent eight to the residents of the
prairies. And while the train presented a
moving and novel spectacle of majesty and
beauty to the eyes Of the expeotant multi
tnde, the gathered masses Of human beings
which lined the track and filled the wide
commons all around the Depot grounds
north Of Fairfield, excited almost equal sur.
prise and admiration in the minds Of the ap
proaching visitors. Such an immense crowd
Was not anticipated. 1t seemed a. il the
"Divide" and the Valley had turned out en-
mass in honor Of the occasion, instead OF
sending delegations to represent them. The
hearty shouts Of the immense multitude sent
forth an enthusiastic welcome to the newly
arrived guests. The crowd soon marched
itself into order around the place designat ed
as the speakers stand, and our friend Scott
Of Fairfield, delivered an enthusiastic vel.
coming speech, which was responded to in
admirable taste by Mr.. Coolbaugh, Of Bur,
lington.
In due time procession was formed ant
marched to the enclosed grove constituting
the public square of Fairfield, which viii
its fine grass plat and deep shade, is tn,
most ornamental - we'll as useful ''institu
ton" Of the town. Here the citizens hat
prepared wide table about thousand fee
long, extending entirely around the enclo.
sure, which was beautifully furnished witt
an ample dinner, to which the crowd soor
did full justice.
From the dinner table the crowd proceeded
to the centre Of the square to listen to the
toasts and speeches.
The following were the regular toasts Of
the occasion:
/. Steam and Electricity-The great ides
OF the age; the annihllator of time and dis
lance and the agents which are destined al.
timately to fraternixe oil nations and unite
them in the bonds Of peace and unity.
2. lron-The metal which transcends ia
value the finest gold its magic tissues make
distant nations ncighbors.
3. The Iron Horse-M6g the time speedily
come when he shall stop to take o drink al
the Missouri, and anon quench his thirst in
the waters Of the Pacific.
4. The B. NJ. X. r. r. Company-with
untiring energy and zeal, in time Of great
financial embarrassment and depression OF
Railroad securities, and during the most
unfavorable Of seasons, they have prose.
cuted their work and extended their road
further west than any other Iowa Railroad
may the Company be rewarded for their en-.
terprise.
S. AgricultureA The basis OF oil real
prosperity-without it the Iron Horse would
starve.
6. Governor Lowe Our worthy Executive
beloved for his private virtues, and note
for his intelligent support Of the Railroad
system Of Iowa.
7. Our Invited Guests We welcome them
to the Inequalities Of Fairfield, and hope the
friendly greetings Of to-day may often be
renewed.
s. Burlington, Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield
Fair sisters three--their interests are one
and inscparabls; may they coptinue to abide
in unity.
.. The Military-The soldier is his coun-
try's defence in the hour Of danger-let US
honor him.
10. Tho Fire, and Hook & Ladder Compa-
nics-Ever ready and ever willing to protect
and save the homes and property or their
fellow citizens from the fAvAges OF the
destructive element; let US honor the brave,
true-hcarted 6remen.
IL. The Music--As the Locomotive has
awakened new schoes in our valleys, 90 has
the music to-day awakened new echoes in our
hearts.
IL. Burlington = The City Of tho Flint
Hills. The enterprise and energy Of her
citizens, whom no difficulties have ever APP
palled, have placed her in the van Of the
cites Of Iowa.
l3. Mt. Pleasant--The Athens OF Iowa.
IA. Ottumws-Iier rapid growth shows
the pre-eminent perseverance, Of her citi-
xena.
Is. September lst, A. D. 1S5S--The date
OF the beginning of new era in the history
OF Fairfield.
Speeches were made in response to the
tcasts by Senator Harlan, DR.. Ssebbins and
4. L. b. Clark, Of Mt. Pleasant, Prof. Rob.
crts, Mr.. Corse, Mr.. Walbridge and others,
OF Burlington. We have not space to "a
into detail, but must characterize the
speeches MS generally good and appropriate