Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-08-13

TO BEDFoRD.-Mr Editor DIR. Robson, in
behalf OF the citizens of Bedford, kindly invited
the Bethel, Ragged and Industrial Schools of
our city, to visit their beautiful little town on
Wednesday last, to enjoy grand pic mic pre-
pared by their nOble-hearted people. Mr. Far
ner, President of the Pittsburgh Railroad, with
his characteristic iberality, generously tender
ed to Rev. Mr.. Prosser and Mr.. Foljambe what
ever number Of cars would be necessary for the
excursion, and accompanied his gratuitous offer
Of ride over the Road, with many cordial ex-
osessiOns Of friendship and good viii for the
title ragged children, which showed that he
lad big heart and that it was in the right
lace Owing 10 the injuries the track sustain
ID by the recent heavy rains, fears were enter
aimed by some that the excursion would have
20 be postponed to some future day the more to
os regretted, as extensive preparations were
being made at Bedford, and the region round
bout" to give the children from Cleveland q
hearty welcome; but Mr. Farmer after learning
he particulars, said the children should not be
disappointed, and that was enough to quiet
heir apprehensions, Tor they seemed TO know
hat the Farmers generally make the earth
,ield 10 their energy and skill, and that in this
Instance all would be done that was possible
10 put the track in order to admit Of the pas
sage Of the train.
The Ragged and Bethel Schools and teach
rs, numbering one tnonsanJ, preceded by the
Heeker Bank, paraded down Superior and Wa
er streets 10 the Depot, giving our citizens an
p eaa tins hitherto
ion of our juvenile population. Officers War
ren and Lawrence, with most commendable
spirit, met the children at the Depot, aud rem
dersd good service In assisting them into the
cars; some little delay was Oceasioned in seat
ing them under the watch care of their teach
ers but soon, however, the signal was given
to start and the old iron coursers began to paw
the yielding air impatient of restraint 4" In
about an hour we arrived at Bedford, where a
crowd Of people, with about 500 Sabbath
School children from the adjoining town
ships, were formed in line to review the
children from the city. It was indeed beau
liful sight to see several hundred bright
eyed, rosy-faced little girls, all dressed in white,
giving smiling welcome TO those who came
rom homes of ubscurity, poverty and want
The procession marched through the village to
a grove a short distance from town, where the
great Disciple Tent, capable of seating three
thousand people, was spreai for he occasion.
Dr. J. P Robson In a very handsome and
feeling manner addressed the children, weleom-
ing them to the hospitalities of Bedford, and the
Doctor proved on this occasion that with his
many noble qualities Of heart he has no small
claim to that Of orator. Rev. Mr.. Prosser and
Samuel Foljamb, Esq, replied in behalf Of their
respective schools, in some telling remarks
which met with warm response from all
present; and last but not least Mr.. PrOudfoot,
the Poet Laureate Of the day, delivered an i'm |
promPtu poem suggestive Of the occasion, /
weaving in some incidents about the Bethel '-in |
general" and Uncle Prosser'' in particular |
which was received with evident satisfaction, and
a large choir seated upon the platform sang some |
beautiful pieces in fine style.
The table exercises now commenced, which |
was the most interesting of them all to the /
children, as the long ride seemed to import an
keenness TO their appetite The man.
moth tent was encircled with tables, loaded |
with the most inviting kinds Of edibles-enough /
TO tempt the palztes Of the most dainty. The little
Of biscuit and butter; piles of cakes Of
all sizes, forms and colors pies poultry, meats,
etc, were really delightful for a little hungry
ragged child to look at and don't know but
some of them had in their little minds associ-
lted with the "happy land" Just such table as
they saw at Bedford The ladies' stationed
round the tables, with their winning smiles and
happy faces, seemed determined that each and
all should have portion in due season, -
pals filed with lemonade were freely passed
% the children; and in fact everything was done
hat could be by the good people of Bedford to
contribute their utmost 10 the comfort and en-
oyment Of all present After a short ramble
through the leafy grove, the children were
narcied hack TO the depot, when they left for
home, where they arrived about fve O'Clock
without any accident whatever occurring to
mar the recollection of day that will long be
remembered by many, as day of unalloyed
pleasure Great credit is due Conductor Russell,
Gorham, and even the brake
nen for their unwearied exertions to have the
excursion pass off without any casualty.
Returning home vote Of thanks and three
,heers were given to the President and Super
ntendent of the Pittsburgh Railroad, also vote
# thanks and three cheers to the citizens of
3edford, and three cheers for the Atlantic Ca
lie.