The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1879-10-04

water to Morgantown, were carried
out on Saturday last according to the
programme. After a delay occasion
ed by an unforeseen accident to the
Little GEN." we found ourselves
afloat on the (now) damned Monon-
gahela about 10 o'clock A. NJ, aboard
large fiat provided with excellent
seating arrangements.
The Point Marion Band furnished
most delightful music, and the sec
ton Of artillery kindly loaned by the
University authorities, with the hand
some Cadets armed and equipped for
''horrid war;" were graceful and
elegant accompaniment to the flotil
Ia.
The fleet left the wharf amid en-
thusiasm, and majestically breasted
the tranquil waters. Down we steam
ed past, or rather over, the old mill
dam, which has been for generations
Gland mark" in this vicinity; past
the Granville Island-one Of the
three, and the most extensive one,
in the whole course of the Mononga-
hela for its $50 miles in length. At
jamestown (vulgarly called Jim
town. we added largely to cur par
ty; the patriotic and handsome ladies
being largely in the ascendant, GOD
bless them.
In consequence Of the burden of the
fleet the little Gem was taxed to
her utmost to keep the craft moving,
but plenty of fun and holding Of the
breath of the cargo, enabled them TO
reach the dam by one o'clock. We
landed abreast of the centre of the
dam, and found footing on its broad
coping on which we walked ashore;
not, however, until the cannon walked
the echoes by blowing its sulpurous
breath and sending it's deafening roar
out on the hitherto undisturbed wa
tiers, and then, "what crowds Of peo-
pie" was the universal exclamation.
The banks were lined with the coun-
try-side folks, and a great many were
! there from other sides as we'll. The
| dam furnished most substantial and
safe bridge from either shore, and
was constantly thronged with pass
ers to and fro during the day. About
2 o'clock Col Ed. Stellar and other
gentlemen organized n meeting, and
Joseph Moreland, Esq, was presented
rs the first speaker. Mr., Moreland
had a carefully prepared Grafton,
] which reflected great credit on him,
and was greatly relished by the au-
dience. His general theme was Pro-
gress,as evidenced by the work before
us. From this text be elaborated in
to many departments of practical and
useful knowledge. After he had
concluded, Hon. j. NJ. Hagans apol-
I ogized for not being prepared to do
/ justice to the occasion by reason oil
his professional duties for tie past
month. He could, however, he said,
speak to the practical part of his
subject. Since the Indian had ceased
to part the placid waters Of the Mon
ongahela with his rude but rapid
keel, it had flowed on in almost I'M
vexed silence, mirroring the prime
val forest for ages, and later the
fruits of the husbandman on its
banks Many failures had taken
place in the effort to have it made
navigable by slackwater, which had
beginning far back in the settle.
ment of the county. But it was not
until few years ago, when mem
Der Of Congress from an adjoining
county Hon. j. G. McGrew) con
ceived the idea of National aid. BY
his efforts, seconded by those of the
people of Monongalia, a wise and
beneficent government had extended
its liberal and powerful arm to the
hills of West Virginia, and caused
her people to feel that it had moral
as well as physical influence over
the whole country.
Mr. Hagans set forth the improve
ment in its commercial and political
aspects also. The audience seemed
to enjoy his remarks very much.
The dancing went on alice samee.
The huge gates, not yet in place,
made most excellent platform and
right well did the lads and lassies
improve it. Other places we're occu-
pied in the same mode Of enjoyment,
and all went merry as a marriage
bell.
And so the day wore away all in
peace and hilarity. We have seldom
seen so large a crowd in such excel
lent humor Each seemed to vie
with the other in contributing his