The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-22
that domain to use and Improvement. The

that domain to use and Improvement. The
wires are already in Montreal for tele-
graph line from Pembina to Puget Sound,
and it is proposed to St. P, & P. r. r.
Go. to construct a telegraph line from St
Paul to Pembina. The same interest has
offered to the managers of this road to
take it GU from Watab to Fort Garry. Re-
viewing the history Of the road through
the discouragements of the years 1858
and 1859, to the construction of the
first ten miles undertaken at the con-
mencement Of the civil war, he came
to the connection of Mr.. Litchfield with
the road as contractor, and, abiding to
the unexpected difficulties that had met
the contractor, he complimented him on
his energy and his success. Saying that
Mr.. Litchfeld was coaxed into this thing,
it suggested thought for the Legislature
You cannot drive or force capital into our
State; you can coax it. E"ery man con-
nected with the road had been devoted to
the project, but the contractor experience,
his suggestions and his energy made it
possible for US to celebrate this occasion.
And he is prepared to do more. We feel
assured we are going to persuade him to
take hold Of this enterprise and help build
it on west to Idaho He proposed the
health of Mr.. Litchfeld. [Cheers.]
Mr.. Litchfeld, in response, reviewed his
first acquaintance with this railroad pro-
ject. Bore witness that Mr. Rec had rail-
road on the brain, as he said of himself,
| but he had correct ideas for Minnesota
railroads, and showed me the resources
here and there of the State and yonder of
the British Possessions, till /, too, got the
railroad on the brain. Ia rapid history
of his connection with the road, and Of the
| successive overcoming of obstacles and
| delays, it is too late for lis now to give in
full ]
TO the Legislature he remarked, that
the country really profits more by the
roads than the builders. These sought q
fair remuneration, of course. The State
has been liberal, and he hoped it would
continue SO. Land grants will secure the
building Of good many miles of road,
but little embarrassment in legislation
will drive off Eastern capital. Leave capi-
talists the choice of points, &c. If they
protect their own interests in locating the
lines of roads they will protect with them
the interests of the State.
Speaking Of Mr.. Rice, he said that
but for his energy this would be yet SIM
ply railroad on paper. l have been
aided by all in the company, and never
saw so little of selfish interests in the build
ing of road. ask no better than credit
for my connection with the road that
could invite you at this time to celebrate
its progress in construction.
Mr.. Kidder then proposed the health
Of
Mr.. Nelson, who briefly sketched the
past progress of railroads, and carrying it
forward, pictured the time when reaching
and passing St. Paul, the ears from New
York will run on to the Pacific shore.
Judge Flandrau made happy speech,
illustrating the experience of the Presi-
dent Of the road in laboring for this road
and his successful perseverance, and made
an allusion to legislatures, which called up
Mr.. Kidder, who had made his speech
at Anoka, but went on to drily bit every
body around in his peculiar style, finally
representative himself as exponent of the
civil part Of community, and concluded
with story about Judge and an assertion
of the House dignity, sobriety and decor
UNI, giving health to
Mr., Benson, who felt proud that he
represented Anoka, and was pleased with
the complimentary remarks he had heard
on all hands as to the fine style in which
it had received the excursionists. He
reviewed the railroad history in Legislation,
and was glad he had in the past sustained
Mr. Rice.
Mr.. Cooley occupied the floor moment
in response to cali and Mr. Smith was
also called up, but the late hour compelled
us to close up our note book, and even
then We have only had time to hastily
condense the leading points in what was
said by the several gentlemen who for two
hours interested their hearers
All in all, the great railroad celebration
of yesterday was the most happily con-
ceived and carried ont of any similar oc-
casion within our knowledge, and not one
of the guests but will long remember that
it was his good fortune to participate in
tire unfailing and unalloyed pleasure of
the day.