The evening Argus., 1866-10-09
THE EXCURSION TO RACINE.

THE EXCURSION TO RACINE.
Many of the good folk of Rock Island will
never forget the days replete with pleasure,
jolly good humor and kindly feeling that be-
gan last Wednesday morning early morn
ing it was, too, tor before day had tairly
claimed this part of the earth as her own, by
twos and by threes and by hali-dozens they
gathered OF the depot. They who had hasti-
" swallowed o wee bite of breakfast commits
Grating those who had had none, the hungry
ones declaring meanwhile that ride before
breakfast was just the thing needed.
"All aboard" ended the wordy debate
however, without either party proving mast,
ers of the field, and started the crowd for the
cars with a rush, leaving many brilliant
nothings to remain forever half said. Taken
in charge by our estImable townsmap, w. H.
Whitman, whom no amount OF persuasion
could induce 20 neglect business to ac-
company us, the trip to Port Byron was
speedily made Here the Widespread tables
would have tempted less hungry crowd to
break 5heir fast, and it might not be amiss to
remark, If any had eaten at home the eff
feet on their appetites was by no means vlsl-
be
Standing a moment on the pIszZo OF the
hotel watching as with sprlnglng step and
merry laugh our usually careful, csreworn
business men, and stsid thoughtful matrons
made their way to the train, one could well
believe 1.-The wine of life was in the mornin &
air, )" and that the beautiful valley before US
was filled TO overlooking.
Such thoughts as these though, quickly
fed before the cry of hurry, hurry, and al.
most without thought of self each one found
themselves comfortably seated
Here, as the Western Union has only fin
ished it's track to this point, Ocr excursion
really began. Two fne coaches were at the
service OF the party an elegant new passen-
ger car and aD admirably constructed pay
car fitted up with kitchen, dining room and
parlor. One of the most attractive pieces of
dining room furniture was handsome look
ing glass that adorned its walls, and which,
strange to tell, received such particular at
tention from the gentlemen as to lead
to grave doubts of the truthtulness of all
those hard things said of feminine vanity.
The iron horse, eager to do his share OF the
work, bounded up the valley, and each sight
seer determined that nothing should escape
his ewes strovs TO watch both sides of the
track at once, but failing, were tsin content
to exclaim over the felds, the farms, and the
little towns that lay along cur beautiful riv
er.
Leaving the Mississippi at Savannah and
| turning eastward the route was through one
of the most fertile parts of this little world OF
| ours, and beautiful enough 10 have been a
| part of Eden.
Looking over the N les of farms, we'll till
| ed, one might well understand why the home
STAYING millions of crowded Europe must
! look 10 us for food as the venturing emigrant
| does for home.
| The towns were busy, bustling and told, of
prosperity, one not yet four years old, but ex-
| ceedlnly large OF its age, seemed very well
| able to care tor itself.
Where our admiration of every thing nigh,
| have led us, it is difficult TO tell, for just be
| fore it became dangerous, the steward of the
| pay car announced dinner. And to the as
Constituent of those who did not fully believe
the officers of the Western Union road could
do everything, an anexcellent dinner was served
| aboard the train.
But our way was still onward, through
towns and farms and gay autumn woods till
| night found us in beautiful Raolne.
| Here with score or more of her brave
sons aud fair daughters, Rt pleasant, home
like Congress Hall, with laughter, song and
dance, time passed till midnight.
Then grand old lake Michigan chantin Q
the eame lullaby that hushed the first day te
rest sang US to Sleep.
Morning found US fresh for another day land
| before we ourselves knew W hat we wish cd kind
| LUZ C1AKihRcc WcTe
at the door, and we whirled away over the
city, to find beautiful homes speaking of so.
cial refreshment, busy, bustling streets tell
ing of enterprise, huge manufactures thrOng
| ed with workmen, and showing almost un
bounded wealth. TO Rock Islanders the rich
| es of Racine and it's road to the Mississippi
must pass into a proverb, for nowhere in the
the city or along the route could they find use
for their money green backs became dreg
and postal currency a nuisance.
Noon found our pleasure seekers once more
| in their car, and off for tho Milwaukee june
tion. Still hedged round by the constant care
! that never lett us we reached that town
where rooms had been secured for US at the
| Newhall House.
Who can tell the surprise of the party her
several members of the Board of Trade called
| to bid us welcome, and say carriages were In
| waiting to take them over the city.
The most modest body of the crowd fell
vanity taking possession of his soul, and fol
| the nonce was very sure Rock Island was the
| Hub of the Universe and Boston somewhere
away on the verge of Chrietendom.
| This ride like all things earthly ended but
before leave.taking the gentlemen informed
us that NJ. II. Carpenter, q son of whom Mil
waukee was justly proud, would speak thai
evening and seats would be reserved for al
who wished to attend, and that there would
also be reseryed seats at the theatre for those
wao preferred the play.
Each went their way and returned delight
ed, one party bossting loud applause,th 9th
er of bouquet of rare exotlcs.
Friday morning as light was coming owe,
the lake We turned our faces homeward still
q merry, happy crowd. Was it fancy OF had
the hearty laughter, and true, kindly feeling
/ OF tho pAaA fo~ dava raallu L~I
/ wrinkles from those familiar faces?
The homeward miles were very short, for q
social, genial party of true ladies and gentle
| men from Racine increased our happinsss by