The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-01-22
by inviting all present to like celebration
at st. Cloud this time next year.

humorous remarks, and an anecdote illus
trating his good wishes for Anoka, and his
willingness to have as many railroad towns
as possible in the State.
Mr.. Litchfeld thought the day belonged
to Minnesotians, but felt himself one for
the occasion. The road was part of all
time hereafter, but the day was an epoch.
The road had been constructed under
many difficulties, and Mr.. Rice had labor
ed hard and deserved credit for his success.
The war had advanced their estimates of
cost, and delays had sprung up at every
step. With contracts for $500 tons OF
iron, only 800 had been delivered. If
enough iron had come, the road might
have been completed to St. Cloud. The
construction had from such causes as low
water delaying the iron, and lack of labor,
been attended with more difficulty than
any road he had ever been connected with.
But We are at AnOka, and have accom-
pllshed all we promised.
Mr.. Smith gave credit to Mr. Rice for
the success of the road, which was due to
his hopeful and energetic perseverance
of years for the accomplishment of this
enterprise. The people of Anoka see
now their wishes for the railroad gratiied,
and he hoped would prosper by its facili
ties.
Mr. Thompson, interrupted by Mr.. Kid
der, finally succeeded in saying what an
excellent dinner had been given the party
and complimenting the citizens of Anoka
for their successful hospitality. The day
was proud one for Minnesota, in having
a railroad in successful operation. This
was but the beginning. In two years we
shall have several railroads in progress,
carrying good prices for products and
other advantages into the country. Mr.
Ri e's efforts in the darkest days of dis
enlargement, with this success, entitled
him to thanks and congratulations of every
citizen He also complimented the con-
tractors, upon the nerve they had dis
played in investing in the construction of
the road at the time they commenced.
Mr.. Ingersoll followed in similar re-
marks, conplmenting Mr.. Rice and the
Messrs. Litchfield. Thought this success
will aid the other roads, and expressed the
general feeling of thanks to AnCka citi-
zens.
Messrs Prince and Moss explained their
condition, too full for utterance, as COM
ically allude to by Mr.. Thompson when
he had succeeded in recovering from Mr..
Kidder's abrupt interruption.
Mr.. S1owell, as a citizen of Anoka, felt
grateful for railroad communication-tha
they were now at the head of navigation.
Was pleas ed to see SO many representa-
tive men of Minnesota. The hearts of
Anoka's citizens were open to give all
hearty welcome. They appreciated the
railroad, after q few years of business by
the sand-hilly roads, which had made of
business there slow aud dull work. The
change is pleasant, -frcm five hours te-
dious riding to half an hour by the cas-,
to get to the mercantile emporium. If
we are accountable for blessings received,
our responsibilities are increased, and we
will try 10 sustain them. And the respon-
-ibility of St. Paul is increase,l-see that
she sustains it He was glad of the con-
nection with St. Paul, and hoped it would
make AnOka place its citizens would be
proud Of and the guests pleased to see
again. We have been named in connec-
ton with rival town, (alluding to Gov.
Miller's remark but We do not object to
see the road continued. We are willing
to have all the roads we can get. If the
wisdom Of the State, (alluding to Mr.. KID
ders magnificent but hume GUS PROMISES
give Us the terminus of the grand Superior
road, We will take it with good grace. The
citizens of An ka we're glad to see their
guests. He hoped these enjoyed the oc-
ca>icn and received good impressions of
the Anosa people.
M. G: ute was reminded by the present
occasion of the contrast fifteen years ago,
when, with party conducting the Winnie
bago Indians To their reservation, he was
first here where Anoka now is. There
were NO houses then here, perha twenty
in St Paul and but three in st Anthony
The Sioux were west of the river, owning
all that country. This land had just been
bought of the Chippewas and the Winnie
bagoes by treaty had been assigned TO re-
servations. As had been remarked to him
to-day by fellow-traveler at that time,
we are on the same old trail nnw After
briefly sketching the contrast between then
and now, he concluded by referring to the
enterprise and intelligence OF the commu-
nifty Of Anoka, and joining them in their