The Van Buren press., 1876-08-01
THE EXCURSIONISTS.
What they had to Say.

A correspondent of the Little Rock
Gazette, who was along, writing up the
excursion trip, last week, oyerthe Little
Rock and Fort Smith railway, has this
to say Of their reception:
"For all that Bro. Durham, of the
Van Buren, Press, unjustly says so far
us Little Rock was concerned, the eXcur-
sion was decided failure, it was an en-
joyable and profitable trip. He onl J saw
among the Little Rockers Mayor Fletch-
er and Dr. Dodge, and entirely overlook
ed Judge Eakin, Dir. Dibrell, Messrs. =.
Raleigh, W. A. Okr, l.. W. Mason, J. A..
Foncs and Thos Laflerty, Lieut. 1. W..
Morrison, and many others. We admit
that the Little Rock delegation was not
as large as we wished, but the majority
of those who desired to attend were pre-
vented by the threatening and, as itpro-
we'd, inelement weather
"The cxcursonist tr.e...ii,, consisting vi
two new coaches and "A combination car,
was nicely decorated with flags and ban
ners, and with such officers in charge as
Conductor Buckner and Engineer Rog-
ers, sped over the ground at the rate OF
thirty miles an hour.
"At Van Buren, the reception was
most cordial and hospitable. A banquet
was served in the new depot, to which
the eXcursionists were not backward in
coming forward. The band played, the
anvils roarcd, the locomotive whlstled,
and everything went delightfully."- merry
on the new road Hon. Jesse Turner
delivered the welcoming address. He
congratulated the people and the compa-
ny on the completion Of the great rail
way, which now placed them in direct
communication with the outside world.
He predicted great opening of the Ar
kansas valley, and doubted not that it
would, in a few Years, be one Of the finest
valleys in the world--the garden of the
great southwest. He wildly portrayed
the delightful climate, fertile soil, etc,
and assured welcome to all who settled
among them. The gates Of his hospita-
bic town he assured us were open wide,
and all were welcome. Mayor Fletcher
replied in a suitable vein, and was sure
the people from abroad would appreciate
the rare blessings here found. He was
delighted at the union of Little Rock
and Fort Smith by the band Of iron"
At Ozark, Mrs. Geo l.. Brown, the ac-
complished editor of the Banner, was ad-
ded to the excursionists, and this is the
way she relates her experience Of the
trip, so far as our town is concerned:
"At Alma, large number were await
ing the arrival Of the train most ofwhom
got aboard, making large addition to
our number. On reaching Van Buren,
the excursionists were received with
marked distinction by the citizens ofthat
entcrprising and rapidly growing town.
Hon. Jesse Turner, in an appropriate
address, welcomed the excnrsionists, and
rendered them the hospitalities of the
town, which was sponded to by Mayor
Fletcher, on the part of the excursion
lists. An excellent lunch was prepared
and spread out for the occasion, and which
was relishcd with right good cheer by
the partakers. The hearty welcome and
hospitality extended to all by the citi-
zens Of Van Buren, ON this occasion, will
icne be remembered by her visitors.
"On the return tin quite number of
ladies and gentlemen took occasion to
come down as far as Van Buren, return
ing home by special train. Also a num-
Der of the good citizens of Van Buren,
come down the road as faras Clarksville,
returning by the regular train in the eve
ming. Taking everything into consider
alton, the excursion was success, and
enjoyed by all who participated. We
take occasion to return thanks to our
many friends at Van Buren, for the en-
thusiastic reception given us, and the as
surance of our welcome to their town on
this our first visit
The excursionists held meeting, and
Mr., Raleigh offered the following resolu-
tons, which were adopted:
Resolved, That we desire hereby to
express to the citizens of Van Buren and
Fort Smith our hearty appreciation of
the warm and cordial welcome they have
extended to us on the occasion of this our
excursion to their beautiful cities, which,
with their generous entertainment, has
been one of unalloyed pleasure.
Resolved, That we thank the officers
of the Little Rock and Fort Smith rail,
road for the facilities afforded for two
DAYS of recreation along the route OF
their excellent and well-managed road,
and sincerely wish them continued sue
cess as the result of their enterprise.