Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-10-31
Editorial Correspondence.



The completion of the European and
North American Railroad from Bangor
TO St. John, the business metropolis
OF New Brunswick, is an event Of great
commercial and political importance, not
only to the two cities named, but to the
State and the whole country. Only about
forty miles remain between st. John and
Halifax. which will soon be completed,
when continuous rail will exist between
Halifax, the first port made by vessels
crossing the Atlantic, and California.
This shortens the European trip about
two days of sail, Il matter of considera
bic Importance in these days when time
is valued as money. The Bangor peo.
pie have been about twenty years in
pushing the enterprise much OF the road
passes through IN unsettled country, and
funds were hard 10 be procured, The
Canadian people built to the State line,
having government aid, and by means OF
some city and State aid and a transfer of
the debts due Massachusetts, and Maine
from The general government, the great
enterprise has been conSummated Well
may the go-ahead people of Bangor re.
joicc in the result. They determined to
celebrate il in a magnificent way, and
we'll did they carry out the idea. The
President of the United States, three OF
his Cabinet, distinguished Army an1 Ma
w officers, Senators and Representatives
OF the United States, the Governor Gen.
eral OF Canada. Lord Lisgai, and the
Governor of New Brunswick, Hon. Mr..
Wilmot, Gov. Perham and distinguished
men of Canada and the States were pres.
ent, and Bangor was in blaze OF glory,
with decorations of flags. bunting, ilu-
limitations, &c, for several days. All the
railroad lines in the State cou:tcously us.
sisted the European by transporting its
guests without expense, and the State al.
forded all the aid in il power in send
ing forward its troops for military dis
play. Though Bangor and the European
road expended thousands for the occa.
sion, it is probable that they made good
investment in IN advertising way. The
leading journals of the country aud the
Dominion were represented On the oc.
casion. and the incidents of the celcbra-
ton will be spread far and wide.
Our space will not allow us to 80 into
details, and we will only attempt gen.
cral recital.
We joined the Presidents party at the
State line in company with Senator
Hamlm and Hon j. A. Peters. NJ. c..
and Adj. Gen. Murray, Gen j. A Hall,
Coils. Millikin, Chase and Dow OF The
Governors STAFF. The train was special
one, the Presidential party having two
Pullman cars. beautifully decorated
Senator Hamlin extended the salulatioug
OF the city OF Bangor - the President
and Gen. Hall rendered those OF the
Governor The President made no re-
ply, but bowed his acknow Judgements.
At every stopping place, crowds OF peo-
pie were in attendance, and the President
stepped to the platform. in most cases
having only time to put in an appearance,
when the train would move. At -
o'clock a capital dinner of turkey, salads,
ice creams, cakes. &c, WAS served in the
forward saloon, where a cook stove was
fixed up. and in full operation. A.
there was To be u public reception nj
Portland ON the Presidents retrrn, there
was no demonstration goiEg through. \
large crowd was assembled at brunswick,
where Gov Chamberlain came ON board
and introduced the President - follows:
Fellow citizens. the President The
crowd stared and he received their gaze
of curiosity without relaxing a muscle Of
his countenance, casting his eyes around
upon them rs though he were scanning
the breaStworks of nm enemy on battle
field. Al last one fellow in the crowd
sang ont, General, YOU look Just as YOU
did in the Wilderness That's so,
said another. Secretary Robson. Of the
Navy. who was standing by, remarked,
"Well, it was mighty mean place boys,
wasn't il ?" Ii was interesting 10 get
among the crowd, and hear the various
comments, indicating views Of the man,
suggested by their preferences or preju-
dices. One says, "hc looks like Il plain,
practical man." another. . he looks stu
pid-wonder il he's drunk" \ lady
says, II wish he would make u speech, J"
while another remarks "hc knows too
much TO make fool of himself by talk
ing And So on, some of the crowd
would hardly be pleased al anything
We reached Augusta on time, and had .
grand reception. Near the depot II stag.
ing had been erected, OH which was Gov.
Perham and State officials. with the
Capitol Guards of Augusta, dra Yn up rs
military escort. \ military salute WAS
fired from the Arsenal grounds rs the
train came in, and Il large crowd WAS rs.
sembled. The President and dignitaries
accompanying, were conducted to the
platform, where Gov Perham welcomed
him rs follows:
PRESIDENT GRANT: II affords me great
pleasure to welcome you to the State OF
Maine and lis capital. In behalf OF our
people extend to You hearty greeting,
and tender their most generous hospi-
tality.