Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-06-13
EXCURSION TO SAGINAW.
Editors and Railroad Officials ON a
Grand Trip and Frolic Their
Reception at Fort Wayne
and Elsewhere.
Our Memphis Representatives. and
= $3.50 How They Like II.


On THE WING, june Z, 1871.
Here we are at Fort Wayne, an ancient
and highly respectable town in Indiana,
several miles from Memphis and about
half as large, We left the latter city
Sunday the 4th inst, at 12.45 pm.
Major j. M. Waldran, that prince of
conductors, was in charge of the train,
and the small party of Memphis folks
on board felt safe and welcome. His
genial smile is worth good salary to
the road, even if he never punched a
ticket or chalked an editors hat The
trip was undertaken at the instance Of
certain railroad officials OF this place
and connected with the great jackson,
Lansing and Saginaw railroad, who may
be mentioned hereafter when time and
space will permit. Nothing occurred of
special note to Louisville, though the trip
was quite comfortable and pleasant;
yet the often viewed scenery lost half
its interest in the anticipations Of sweep
ing in gorgeous cars, with cushioned
springs, all the way across the mighty
States of Indiana and Michigan. AT
Jefefsonvilie, Indiana, we were safely
introduced into the finest cars, doubtless,
in the United States, under charge of
Conductor A. Whedon, of the Jefferson
vile and Indianapolis railroad, who
made himself eminently agreeable, and
his whilom guests in every way sat
is6ed. We were met at Indianapolis by
Col. John J. Grafton, general ticket
agent of the Fl, w., NJ. and G. R. R.,
who thenceforward had charge of the
excursion. Our numbers had increased
now to crowd, including members of
the press from two or three States. The
trip was, socially, the gayest of the sea-
son, and the pleasantries of the occa-
sion, as well as the Inequalities of the
railroad men, win long be remembered,
Tie few of US from the South received
marked eourtesies, and felt that we were
among friends.
Yesterday Tuesday EVENING" we
reached this place, Mayor Randall and
a large committee of the best citizens
met us some City miles below, on the
Muncie and Cincinnati railroad. The
officials of the road had prepared
sumptuous dinner for the party in a
beautiful grove at place called Key
stone, where the Fort Wayne people
were ready to welcome us with hospi-
table turkey bones, unctious champagne,
fat spare-ribs, and other Injuries; but
drenching rain changed their minds,
and they cheerfully accepted an invita-
tation from us to 60 on to Fort Wayne.
They brought their dinner with them,
and we were soon well acquainted. A
splendid force was on hand to assist in |
the welcome, and nothing was wanting
to show that Fort Wayne was heartily
in earnest in giving us the attention
due such distinguished guests" The
excursionists were all taken to private
houses for entertainment. 1t was the
good fortune of your correspondent and
wife to be taken to the house of Judge |
Lowry Of the Circuit Court, an old |
time gentleman and staunch Demo
crat-one whose high standing and
attachments command the respect Of
all, while charmed by the grace and ease
Of his manners.
Shortly after eight o'clock the excur-
sionists and citizens who assisted at the
reception met at the Rink, where a splen-
did supper and band Of music awaited |
our arrival. Mayor Randall presided.
He made handsome speech of welcome,
and stated that the object of the excur-
sion was to show the great facilities Of
the new route from the Ohio to the lakes.
Short addresses we're made by several
others, among the number Colonel Keat-
ing, of the Appeal. When the speechi-
tying and the eating we're over, the
crowd dispersed and we travel-worn tour
lists retired to take some genuine rest.
We go hence to Jackson, Mich, where
we may make short call, and thence
for the Saginaw Valley and the city Of
the name, with its reported wealth and
attractions. The party numbers one
hundred and fifty now, but seems to be
increasing at a rate that will soon reach
three hundred.
This hAsty letter is merely "wayside
note" When we get to Saginaw you
may hear from US again, and at some
greater length. Thus far the trip has
been delightful in every respect
sauft nrl ~ aHt y. w.