Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-05-21
THE ARRANGEMENTS

work upon the road were themselves
especially unique in inception, and fully
commensurate in their extent with the
magnitude of the event to be announced.
The. spike OF California richest ore, and
the hammer of pure Nevada silver were
SO prepared as to form the broken ends
of grand telegraphic circuit. leading to
al the principal cities in the land. 1t
will be seen, of course. that the instant
the natalie hammer and spike came in
contact with each other, the circle would
be completed, and any preconcerted sig
nal might thus be given as the line ex-
tended.
The day was magnificent. for the pur
pose, and many gentlemen, thoroughly
familiar with the working of all forms of
telegrsphy. were sanguine that the pro-
ject would prove successful. In this city
the idea had been still further extended,
and arrangements had been perfected for
noting each blew of tho silver hammer
upon the bells and gnngs Of the fire de-
partment. Wires led from the main in
strument in the court house up into the
tower of the building. to the great iron
alarm bell suspended there. and from
thence out into the CITY. where connec-
tons were formed with the various engine
houses.
THE FIRST SIGNAL
was given shortly after half past l
O'Clock. announcing the fact that the
final ceremony would be Immediately
completed. and intense was the interest
created among the little band of waiting
ones, when this information was receiv-
ed
Pressing eagerly around the table. ev-
cry movement of the instrument was
watched with breathess anxiety. The
operator, usually stolid and imperturba
BILE. was visibly agitated, and bis hand
trembled with excitement as he carefully
adjusted the machine, eager to catch
each tiny sign. and fearful lest be might
miss single letter.
She sharp clicking of the magnet told
that the operator, sitting by the newly
LAID track at Promontory Point, was per-
feeling his connections willis the principal
offices of the country. and then, after a
short pause. came the announcement:-
"AIl ready" i hen came the message:
"They have given him the spike" fol-
lowed by another aggravating wait of
about ten minutes duration.
THE HOUR OF TWO
sounded hoarse and impatient from the
huge clock of the city. Five minutes
next dragged their seemingly 'ntermina
BILE length along, when the little hamn err
of the instrument again tapped out the
signal of attention.
Then came the abrupt monosvllable
snow" followed instantly by IL clear,
sharp strokes, ringi' z ont triumphantly
from instrument, gong and bell, and q
great city knew that the mammoth work
was ended.
Sitting in the cool office at the court
house. it was strange to realize that each
tap of the magnetic hammer was but the
echo of dozen blows that were sinking
the little golden shaft into the laurel rail
road tie. 1900 miles away. And stran
ger still it was to know that every stroke
of the silyerv sledge, as it fell upon the
precious bolt beneath, was resounding
through every city of mighty land.
THE JUNCTION.
Both parties being in readiness, the
ties were thrown down on the open space
of about one hundred feet, and the en-
pIoyees. two companies, approached with
the rails to fill the gap j. H. Stem.
bridge, sub contractor, who has had
charge of the building of the Central
Pacific from The laying of the first rail
on the bank of the Sacramento, com
manding party of Chinese track lay
ers advanced from the west with Assis-
tant General Superintendent John Cor
ming. who had the general supervision
and final arrangement. he Cinnamon,
conscious that the strangers from tho far
last were watching their movements
with curious eyes, welded the pick,
shovel and sledge with consummate dex-
tertv; but their faces wore an appear
RICE vi uuCOuCcFu anu lBullIcfcuCc "OH
derfu If real, and not the less so if affec
ted White laborers from the East did
their best work, but with more iDdca
ton of desire tn produce an effect, and
at IL A. NJ the Europesn aud Asiatic
private soldiers of civilization stood face
to fee in the heart of America. each
proudly conscious that the work was well
done, each exultant over the victory no
bly, won.
THE LOCOMOTIVES SALUTE.
Engine No. 119. from the Atlantic,
and Jupiter, No. 60. from the Pacific,
each decorated with flags and evergreens
for the occasion, approached within
hundred feet from opposite directions,
and saluted with exultant screams.
DISPATCH TO PRESIDENT GRANT.
PRooMoNTARY PoINT, Utah. May TO-
His Excellency, U. S. Grant, President of the Uni
ted States:
We have the honor to report the last
rail laid, the last spike driven. The Pa
cific Railroad is fms bed.
LELAND STANFORD,
..- President Central Pacific Railroad.
THOS G DURANT.
Vice Pres't Union Pacific Railroad.
.upopr.Ncr oE TIE TELEGRAPH DEMON