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

five minutes, affording a gentleman from
St. Cloud an opportunity to narrate his
experience of the time when he staged it
through from st. Cloud to St. Paul. and
came no oftener than he could help; while
now, making weekly trip down on busi-
ness, he left home after breakfast, and,
riding in the pleasantest part of the day,
took supper at st. Paul. Upon the cars
the one universal expression was that the
experience of the day had learned every
one something more practical than they
had thought of before in favor of the ex-
tension of railroads throughout the State,
of the resources of the State, which
would be developed by railroads and in re-
turn, aid in their support-and of the mu-
tual benefits to town and country of rapid
and sure communication.
GREAT WESTERN BAND.
Of course the most musical part OF the
party was the band, and being composed
of hearty, jovial good fellows, they had
good time themselves and helped the rest
along that way by their example. 1t is
useless to say anything about their music.
Everybody knows it was good-they al
ways furnish that
SUPPER AT THE INTERNATIONAL.
W. oopnof NJ fbio 1ofa EOpr do ;uet;oa
to the preparations made at the Interna-
tional for the supper. We give it the
highest praise in fewest words, when we
say that it was worthy of the reputation of
the InternatiOnal-the tables being fully
provided with all the edibles of the season,
unexceptionably arranged and amply
served. As the play of knife and fork
began to cease and the popping of corks
resembled skirmish of sharpshooters,
Hon. Edmund Rice proposed the health of
Gov. Miller, which was drank with cheer
Gov. Miller, responding, said he could
demonstrate in two minutes that he had
no speech to make. He had, of course,
prepared deliberately for the occasion, but
was unfortunately arrested and compelled
to deliver his speech at another place.
But he had been learning a little about
railroads to-day. Told the story of
Dutch Governor of Pennsylvania, who,
thrown off a railroad track at Lancaster,
was told the accident was occasioned by
frog, and wondered at frogs staying out
in winter, but learned ON that occasion
that frogs are used on railroads. He had
learned something about switches-not at
school, could not be expected to know
from personal experiences-in connection
with railroads. He would like to hear
from some railroad man whose knowledge
of railroading was more full In concIu-
sion, he expressed his qualification at the
results celebrated to-day; at the success
OF this road, and over the prospect of the
other at Winona, and Of others; he hoped
in his time, even in the time of his aged
friends around, that one may ride thou
sand miles in Minnesota behind the iron
horse. He proposed the health of Presi-
dent Rice. Drank with cheers, standing.
Hon. Edmund Rice, responding, re-
marked that if the Company's guests had
experienced as much qualification from the
occasion, as was felt by officers, managers
and all connected with the Railroad Com
pany, then they must be happy. There is
a railroad in Minnesota, though there has
been so many disappointments, it is the
harder to really believe it and understand
what it imports. In 1867, when every
thing was buoyant and all were hopeful,
some of the best citizens of our State took
hold of the management of this road, with
hope to advance the Interests of the State.
When dark times came and some were
discouraged, yet some, perhaps with more
pluck than discretion, adhered to the pro-
ject, determined on success. After the
financial convulsion of 1867, it was thought
to bridge over the chasm in finances by
the loan of $4,000, 1000. 1t did not do it,
but with extreme satisfaction, l announce
that the chasm was bridged. The road is
a success, it is a fact. And we have thirty
miles from Winona into a beautiful and
rich country. And next year from Min
neapolis, south, there will be eighty miles
more built. know it. Let US remember
that these railroads are permanent, for all
time, fixtures everlasting almost as the
hills. They carry wealth and close de-
velopmeut of resources, with refinement
of superior advantages everywhere. As
l said, the chasm was hridged-it as
by keeping the one object in view. be-
lieve no serious troubles in financial cir
Giles need be looked for in next two or
three years. II not, there will be more
railroads in Minnesota than you have
dreamed of and know Won have dreamed