, 1872-03-28


HFrancsco.
s,uUELs, 90 Front street, Portland.
n ,G,1ADAY.-Last Friday was gala
law in Seattle. The occasion was the
4 oompletion of the Seattle Coal Compa-
rvs railway from the Bay to Lake un-
i'm The old tramway had recently
Ebeen leveled and graded, laid with L
r.i and stocked with a locomotive and
large number of box cars. The length
E.,f this railway is one mile to Lake I'm
IN: there it is met by steam-tug
which takes in tow large scow sur
Emountedby rail track, and convey II
kbree miles by water to the portage,
where another railway of about a quar-
-ar of a mile connects with Lake Wash
ngton, where another tug conveys a
ra,lvay scow eight miles to the landing
vhe.e a connection is made with the
coal mine. The cars loaded at the mine
are thus conveyed, without breaking
bulk. to the Oompany's wharf in this
eity, and dumped upon slide either
upon the wharf or directly into the hold
Of vessels for transportation.
When these improvements were COM
nleted, Mr.. Densmore, the Superintend-
snt, published a general iRvitlon to the
citizens, to join in an opening excursion,
and he spared no pains or expense to
make the excRsienists as comfortable
and happy as possible. The brass band
was engaged for the day, the new and
clean box cars were furnished with seats,
as was also the large scow on Lake Tn
ion, every portion Of the steamer was
thrown open to the guests, and Mr..
Densmore, Capt. True and all the en-
ployees of the Company we're constantly
on the alert to to secure the safety and
minister to the comfort of their guests.
The invitation was responded to with a
..ranimity never before equalled on any
occasion in this city. Trains were con-
sanity plying between the city and Lake
Union from IL o'clock in the morning
till 6 o'clock, in the evening, during
which by far the larger portion OF the
population, old and young, male and fe-
male, had passed over the rail; many
who had never ridden upon railroad
before, and few who had witnessed
the first railroad operations in the Uni
ted States; all animatedly discussing
the subiset according their several ex-
periences some reyaaling in specula-
aioas Of fhe future, and others indul9
ing in pleasant reminisceGees of the
past, in which subsequent events mad so
fmexeeeded their youthful antieipahons.
This may seem small affair to our read
ere in the old States, but to US who saw
tte first railroad operated upon this com
tnent and have noted their subsequent
progress, it excites as deep an inter
est as in any one who was never be-
fore within the sound of q locomotive
whistle; it is the initial of mighty events;
the mimic life representation of the con-
nection by railroad Of ocean commerce
with the inl.:nd seas. whereby an mex
haustabIe mine of wealth is opened to
perpetual use.
Ar interesting incident of the excur-
sion was the attendance Of the public
schools. Mr.. Densmore set aside spe-
cial train for their accommodation. The
senior department, Mrs. Bell principal,
was under the charge of School Director
D. r. Lord; the intermediate depart
ment, Mrs. Sanderson principal, under
the charge of School Director D. T..
Denny; primary department, Miss Par
sols principal, and the private school of
Miss JoLls, we're under charge of School
Director John Webster. About one
hundred and fifty scholars were in at
tendance, and while all were hdbhlipg
over with happiness, perfect order and
| lecorum were maintained, creditable
alike to teachers and scholars. While
waiting at the depot for the train, the
children of the primary department sang
with charming effect several pieces, ex-
aibiting excellent training and credita-
BE proficiency in vocal music.
But one untoward incident occurred to
mar the harmony of the occasion. Three
boys in row boat carelessly attempting
to cross the bow of the tug, while under
way, were struck and capsized, causing
intense excitement for brief space; but
all were rescued without material injury.
New COURSE OF TRADE.-Capt. Blinn
Informs us that the ice intended for this
market and Olympia. will come from
iruckee River, Nevada, from whence
1t will be sent by the Central Pacific
hallroad to San Francisco and there
shipped to the Sound on return lumber