Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-08-17
THE WEST WISCONSIN RAILWAY. |
Opened to EauClaire
GR.s.N.D CBLBBB1TIOJS:


rejoicing. The celebration of the event
yesterday will not soon pass from the
memory OF her citizens, and it will long
be cherished remembrance with the
large number of invited guests who
were permitted to enjoy their hospitality
and participate in the festivities incident
to the OCCASION. From Milwaukee and
st. Paul, from Madison and La Crosse.
aud from num5e,less other places Of les
ser note, delegations were present. Chip
pvwa Falls came down with procession
of IA horse teams, moving like an army
with banners. Various notices and in-
scriptions were borne in the procession.
the most striking and appropriate of
which were these:
"CLippewa Falls to Eau Claire greet
ing. We rejoice in your prosPerity."-
ENERGY and Enterprise combined
Humbird and Baldwin" "West Wis
consin Railroad. 'Now by St. Paul the
work goes bravely on "Eau Claire
30 minutes for refreshments. Change
cars for Chippewa Falls and Lake Su
perior."
Hon. ]. G. Thorpe was President OF
the day. The opening address was de-
livered by Alex. Meggett, Esq. The
speaker glanced briefly at the early days
of Eau Claire, and noted its present
wealth and importance. Where there
was little else than wilderness twenty years
ago, stands thriving city of nearly
5000 inhabitants, surrounded by grow
ing towns AMI cultivated fields. Mr..
Meggett's address was responded to by
John Nazro, Esq, Head Center of the
Milwaukee delegation, in neat and
happy speech. He supplied the place of
Matt ii. Carpenter, who was expected
to be present but failed to put in an ap-
pearlnce.
After a sumptuous dinner had been
disposed of in the usual way the crowd
assembled to hear the toasts and respon
ses prepared for the occasion, the report
of which we extract from the La Crosse
Leader of last Saturday:
The first toast, "7Ke West Wiscon
sin Railroad" was responded to by
Pre- sident D. A. Baldwin in very fine
speech, in which he reviewed the origin of
the road, the difficulties encountered, and
the manner in which he overcame them,
but thanks to liberal Congress, and
State Legislature backed by the people,
he had succeeded beyond his expseta-
tons.
Mr.. Humbird, the man with a long
head and long purse, received a fitting
tribute: and when we were told that
Chief Engineer Roberts had worth and
merit which exceeded his modesty, we
knew what it meant.
Mr.. Baldwin took bis seat amid the
most uproarious applause, and the sec
ond toast "Ihe Ladies" called out the
Hon. Sat. Clark. of Horizon. Sat. said
he always did think they were angels.
and over thirty years ago, when white
women were scarce in his district, he
even went so far to think pretty well of
n souaw. He made some very humor
GUS remarks, and like all the speakers,
gaye the ladies of Eau Claire DIES
erved compliment.
The third toast-"Ihe Old Stage
Coach to let gitbout money and acifhout
price," was responded to by Hon. w. I.
Price, in good speech. His reference
to the old system was very amusing, aud
his hopes for the future of progress and
civilization, were first class. He too,
complimented the ladies.
The fourth toast" The State Of
Wisconsin,, brought Governor Fair
child to the front, and after dwelling up
on the great event. that gave Eau Claire
connection with the railroad system of
the Union, he spoke of our resources,
our people, and our institutions, in spir-
it that made US all feel a just pride in our
home.
"Milwaukee-n,ay the iron bond that
nov connects as serue to unite as social
ly and commercially" was responded to
by Mr.. Nazro in an eloquent speech,
which pledged the fulfilment of the
bond.
"St. Paul and Milwaukee. represen-
tative cities of representative STATES"
was ably responded to by Gen. Sanborn,
of St. Paul.
"Chicago. Queen City Of the West"
was responded to by Mr.. Webster in
style which brought down the house.
"TRe Western Terminus of NE West
Wisconsin Railroad, including Menomo-
nee." Capt. VIM. Wilson being called
upon, repeated bis faith in the country
and its resources, took down the "old
Declaration of Independence" and inser-
ted a new and very important clause
The Captain never forgets one duty
while performing another.
Our Country" was respond ed to by
Judge Orion, of Madison, in one of the
mos! eloquent speeches we ever heard.
"1ne Gateway CITY Of La Crosse. "
Mayor Rodof defended the position in
gallant style. and proved that while the
s,gates" cannot be assaulted with impuni-
ty, they are always ready TO swing open