The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1877-09-13
PLATTE CITY AND COUNTY.
The Metropolis ofKansas Sends Two
Hundred of its Business Men
and Their Families Across
the Missouri,
To See What is TO bel Seem. and
Renew Old Friendships With
the People of Missonri-
The Races Yesterday
Afternoon.

several days. At ~ O'Clock Hon. ii. VI. Al
Ter, Genr Western Passenger Agent, took
charge of another train, consisting of an
engine, managed by engineer Miles DoIan
and James Donavan, and two e aches con-
Quoted by MI, Gus. Howard and loaded
with two hundred more Of our citizens
who had gathered at the Union depot and
desired to see, not only the little city of Platte,
but also the exposition, for which, none
are so famous, as Platte county. On board
this train were many of our most prominent
citizens, comprising Legislators, merchants,
members OF the bar, physi-
clans, and last, though 10y any means least, a
of TIE TIMES. On reaching
the Kansas and Missouri bridge the train was
stopped and another passenger was taken Oh
board, who was no less parsonage than
GEN. JEFF. c. DAVIS,
Post Commander Of the garrison at Fort
After a delightful ride, the en-
tire party was set down at the depot, within "A
hundred yards OF the fair grounds, just hall
hour after leaving the Union depot.
THE FAIR GROUNDS
were found to be beautifully situated on a
level plateau, near the bank of Platte river,
and filed to overfiowing with people from all
parts of the country. The reporter, after
showing his credentials at the gate, was re-
spectfully shown inside by a very gentleman
ly gatekeeper and given the freedom of the
premises. His first object was Of course too
see what there was TO be seen in the way of
stock, and forthwith visited the stables, where
he found a large number of horses that
would be a credit to any exposition. Var
ions articles of
MANUFACTURE
were next observed, and our city was not
behind in the exhibition of first class pro-
auctions. The "Prize Kansas Wagon" which
created such a J,rore at the Centennial, stood
was the subject of general observation and
favorable criticism In the
ART HALL
was found a large variety OF goods manufac-
turcd, and farm, and garden products, which
in quality, If not in quantity, eNcelled any
thing previously exhibited in the county.
Here, too, were found Leavenworth goods,
such pianos, organs, sewing machines,
scroll saws, etc. While speaking of the home
products of Platte county, we cannot over
look the fine display Of patch-worked quilts
in silk. quite number Of fine specimens of
the handIwork Of fair fingers in this drec-
ton were TO be seen, and were admired by
every one of taste who visited the hall.
Many of the business men If Platte City
were also.represented in this department, fore
most Of whom was Mr.. Charles Eurtz, who
had on exhibition a good display of pictures,
which added much TO the beauty of the walls.
THE PEOPLE
ON = h, grounds observed in n ,r,,-
seemed TO be thoroughly enjoying themselves
according TO their own ideas. Some being
employed in watching various games, some
stalking in" the inevitable circular swing..and
Others promenading about the grounds seeing
pleasure only in the society oil friends.
THE FEATURE
of the day, among the sight-seers, was the
grand ''free-for-allr trotting race, which be-
gan AT two O'Clock, in the afternoon, for a
pnrse of 5000; inst 500 second, $50, and third
so.
This being a contest where fast horses
were to be entered, considerable excitement
was manifested by lockers on, but when pool
selling began there seemed To be a lack OF in
terest among the betters. The cutreis were
" Dictator lHuckleberry) of Kansas City:
" Stranger" and " Kansas Girl" OF Leaven-
worth. ''Stranger" seemed TO be the fayorite
from the bids. but no pools of consequence
Were sold. When the time for the trot ar
rived, the crowd which gathered about the
judges stand was immense
THE JUDGES
selected for the races, during the afternoon,
were Gen. Jen. {, Davis, of Fort Leaven-
worth, Senator Waller Young. of st. Joseph,
Mo-, and VIM. o. Oldham, of Platte City,
with J. dillingham;, timer.
THE RACE
was AIRED, by the judges selected, TO be I'M
der the government of the national rules,
and by agreement, no flags were placed at hs
quarter poles.
At the word slime the three horses were
at the wire with Dictator" at the pole
:. Stranger" second and kansas Girl" third,
The start was made at the tap of the drum
the bell being used to recall. The trio made a
splendid start with STRANGER slightly
ahead. The first half mile was made in l:2O
by " Dictator with Kansas Cir crowding
him closely in the wethers and Z" Stranger
behind. The heat was won by dictator"
Time $40 "Kansas Girl second, and
:. Stranger, third.
SECOND HEAr-"Dictator' at the pole,
Kansas Girl" second, stranger outside
First half mile l:lS12 by Dictator" who won
the heat in 2:55. stranger second, and"Kan-
sas Girl" third; all three being. close. In this
heat complaint was made that stranger cut
in during the race and Stacked the speed of
Dictator"
THIRD HEAT g Dictator" at the pole.
stranger" second, kansas GirIr third. A
air start was made, but at the first quarter
dictator" broke and caused trouble to his
iriver, but made the first half in Il6, and the
neat in "a. stranger" second, and "Kansas
iIrl" far behind. At the end of this heat the
iriver of stranger made official complaint
hat Dictator" during the first quarter, had
rotted foul, by breaking, and running in
ahead, tand also in the last quarter. The
Judges called in the patrols, and after he ring
he evidence on both sides, declared the heat
,f, and ordered a new start.
Last and race; three best in five: The posi-
ions were taken with dictator at the pole,
stranger" second, and "Kansas Girl third.
The start was made with kansas Girl be-
lind, and stranger" about half a head i'm
'front.' of "Dictator." The first half mile was
IN exciting race, and was cleared by "Dicta-
or and stranger" neck and neck i'm l: g.
The heat was won by Dictator in 23s
stranger" second, and "Kansas Girl- third
RUNNING RACE.
The running race was made by .'Gray Nell,
Bird" and an old roam horse which the rider
,all Timber Jim"
First heat--''Gray NelI- started ahead.
Bird" second and "Jimr third. The first
heat was won by "Nell, in 2:571l.