The weekly Oskaloosa herald. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Iowa) 1855-1885, 1871-06-22
EXCURSION TO ST. LOUIS,

The Excursion to st. Louis has
proven successful beyond all expec-
tation, and probably there has never
such an outpouring of the people oc-
CURED in this country before for the
same purpose, as was seen on Tues
day evening week at Ottumwa. Nor
is it to be wondered at when we re-
member. the extreme lowness of the
fare, and the very cordial invitation
of the st. Louisans to the people of
the Northwest to come and visit
them in their beautiful City.
THE FARE
from Ottumwa to st. Louis and re-
turn was only FIVE dollars; less than
one fifth of the regular rates. This
was, of course, great inducement
for many who could not otherwise
afford it to 60 and see the "First city
of the West" Merchants, profess
ional men, mechanics, and in fact
representative of all classes sought
this as the suspicious time for them
to more carefully inform themselves
in regard to the inducements held
out by; the resources and the char
acter of the leading men of st. Louis,
who have been, and still are endeav-
oring to engraft themselves in our ia
vor, as reliable Merchants, manu-
facturers, and dealers and to fix up
on the mind of the people of the
North west the fact that their legiti-
mate trading point is st. Louis.
This may be called self interest on
their part, but the truth Of their as
sertions is apparent to all who will
carefully consider the matter.
THE START.
From noon Tuesday, until the
time ofleaving, people fiocked to OF
tumwa from every point available by
rail /; some even from Minnesota.
Trains on every road having arrived,
at 6:45 the excursion train consisting |
of seven coaches well filled, moved |
out of town and crossing the Des
Moines River, were soon speeding
onward over the great iron link that
binds together two great states. At
Bloomfield, three more cars were
added and at every station crowds
OF expectant, eager excursionists
came pouring in, only to find a
chance for standing room, and after
a while not even that. At Glen.
wood, eighty persons could not be
accommodated at Kirksville, fifty
more; the same of many other sta
tons. Losing time at each station,
1t soon became evident that st. Lou
is could not be reached before at
least ten O'Clock. This of course
gave us an opportunity of seeing the
new and famous
ST. CHARLES BRIDGE
by daylight. 1t is certainly a won
derful work. Having been described
in all the papers it only needs NEIL
ton. AT st. Charles, a committee of
twelve prominent citizens of st. Lou
is were in waiting for US, and upon
our arrival, entered the cars and dis
tributed badges and programmes to
all, without partiality. These were
to be worn on the coat front as a
pass or mark of recognition. No
complaint was heard about partially,
either at this time, or at any CT the
banquetings, all were alike treated
well, and regardless of dress or ap-
pearance, received the same atten-
ton and careful consideration.
ARRIVAL IN st. LOUIS.
On arriving in st. Louis, the ex-
cursienists found at their disposal
omnibuses and carriages sufficient
to seat them all comfortably.
Once filled, and in procession
these vehicles made line over
mile in length. The first feature of
THE ENTERTAINMENT
was the free boat ride on the great
Father of waters. To many this was
a rare, and richly enjoyed pleasure.
The elegant Getty of Vicksburg,"
the finest vesselin their line was
generously rendered by the Memphis 7
packet Co. When all were safely on
board, the boat moved gracefully up
and down the river, allowing fine !
view ofthe shipping, ship yards and !
docks, manufactures, &C., with
which the river is lined. During the
trip
A BANQUET
was served i'm the cabin of the Steam.