Wabash express. [volume] (Terre-Haute, Vigo Co[unty], Ind.) 1841-186?, 1860-12-12

the rest OF mankind that they
now might have an opportunity Of visiting
and adm ring the fair daughters Of Psrke
County.
Mr.. John P. Usher. being called upon
said, while he rrjeiced in the completion
of this road be could not but recur 10 years
gone by, and imagine the intense pleas
uro il would have afforded him had
this speedy and convenient method of
reaching Rockville-existed some Gftecn
years ago when used 10 plod his way
weekly through mud aud rain. task which
nothing could have inspired but that senti-
ment Of the human heart that puts man on
his highest mettle-the love Of early man
hood.
He then gave the people of Parke some
excellent advice aud proceeded TO speak at
some length on topics appropriate 10 the
occasion in that forcibie and argumentive
style-so.highly Characteristic Of the think
ing man aud profound lawyer.
His remarks were listened to with Fixed
attention.being frequently interrupted with
applause and laughter.
Col. Edwards, who had been previously
called upon, next took the stand and closed
this part of the programme. with one Of
the happiest efforts of his life. This
speech was in fact the dessert OF this intel.
lectual feast-light, andluxurious. We give
his speech entire.
/ Mr.. President, Ladies and Gens;emen:-
All that can be has already been we'll said.
Called out am obliged TO say something
TO be privileged To retire. This occasion
aud the merited compliments bestowed
upon those connected with the Railroad
interests, who have contributed to the
result that brings US together to receive the
kindly greetings Of the people Of the
county Of Parke, are appreciated;
In olden times, before railroads were in
operation, when tho waters ruled com
merce. those living by the sea coast, and
upon the borders OF inland lakes and
rivers, claimed To be within the heart Of
civilizatioa-to enjoy more fully its bless
ings and privileges. Those residing of
from water commune .s,,is.
cred that far removed from the benefits and
judgments Of refined life. Railroad en-
terprise, by its wonderful success, has
changed this condition. and chained the
leading trade Of the world to the car OF
commerce, giving TO those living on the
line Of railroads the fullest realization,
and benefit Of all the blessings that flow
frem progress and matured civilization.
That is your position-for your are now
connected by bands of iron with Terre
Haute-"and the rest Of mankind"
Therefore in the name Of the assembled
people, declare Rockville from this time
henceforward-Lo be n seaport town-ihe
head Of railroad navigation-snd from the
number Of visitors who have. to day, for
the first time entered within her gates
will say it is port OF enlry-coliecting
duties only in the exchange Of generous
feeling-giving the hospitality that adorns
the heart and dignifes life.
Ofthat mission-through mud and wa
ter, referred TO by Mr.. Usher, was with
him, at this place, to witness the success
full accomplishment OF his fual pilgrimage
Of love. he married into family, which
with former alliances caused them to move
to Terre Haute. and thereby depopulate
your town Of the best half Of your popula-
ton; with the present facilities you may 10
greater extent be dcpopulated by the same
law Of love.
On this festive day can say that the
bands Of iron connecting us. were laid by
Steeie-and with this expression am dono
that Steele piu neper rust.
This speech was received with unbouu-
dcd applsuse-and closed the ceremonies
at the Court House. The company then
returned to the depot-preccdence being
given 10 strangers from abroad-where ex-
tensive tables were spread-most profuse-
ly laden with the fat Of the land. IL was
indeed a sumptuous feast-regal in extent
and every way worthy the hospilablc
people by whom it was provided.
With whctted appetites, hundreds par
took, were sufiiced and left, and yet The
diminution ofthsse rich viands was scarce-
ly percep.ibe-so bounieous was the store.
Thess retired and fresh troops continued
the battle-but II was no usc-we doubt
indeed if all Parke and the adjacent coun
ties could have exhausted the supply
A fter the feast, at 4 O'Clock, the train re
turned to Terre Haute. leaving however
small train and large number Of Terre
Hauteans and others, who. after enjoying
the Inequalities Of the people OF Rockville.
returned to the depot at night and "tripped
the light fantastic toe" until III o'clock,
when the wild scream Of the locomotive
called US 10 the cars, and we were borne
rapidly and safely to our Prairie City
home, with a most vivid impression that
this had been proud day TO the people OF
Rockville. and one brimfull Of delight to
heir guests from Teuc Haute and else
where. We saw not the slightect thing 10
mar the general joy.
IIlinsis.