The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-09-19

Eesenteu at tne DrtV1DS Oh tic 0Oiu-
en- Spike-Distinguishe American
and Foreign Guests Present at the
Ceremony.
BETWEEN GARRISON AND GOLD
CREEK, September s, via Helena,
Montana, Sept 9.-It is eight miles
from Helena to the point where the
steep grade of the Rocky Mountains
begins, and twelve miles from there
to the mouth of the Mullen Tunnel.
AS the tunnel is not completed, Null
len Pass is completed by running
in curves at distance of about four
miles. The grade is the came as at
Bozeman. The sections of the train
bearing the Willard party were safely
lifted over the height, and descent
was made to this point, where the
ceremony of driving the last spike
in the Northern Pacific Railroad has
iust been concluded. The contrast
between the rugged heights of the
east side and the long meadow-ike
slopes of the west side is very
striking. The distance from this
point to Helena is 55 miles. In
making the descent of the Mullen
Pass the British Minister'S car
became disabled, and the occupants
had to be transferred to another car.
Nobody was hut or inconvenienced.
The train arrived at this point a
little behind time, but in good shape.
From Portland there came some
what earlier splendid train, bear
ing prominent citizens of that sec
tion to participate in the ceremo-
nies. There were hearty greetings
between the American guests of the
east and west and the occasion was
regarded as remarkable one and
as presaging prosperous future.
All were surprised at what they be-
held. Instead of the wilderness of
the Rocky mountains, they here
beheld magnificent pavilion, capa-
BILE of seating more than 1000 peo-
pie, over which fioated the national
colors ofthe American, German and
British nations. In front and reach
ing to the roadbed was an extensive
promenade skirted by a platform
with seats to the right was band
stand. occupied by the Fifth United
States Infantry Band, from Fort
Keogh. When the last of the guests
had arrievd the ceremonies were
opened by President Willard, who
divided the attention Of the multi
tude with Gen. Grant, who sat on the
platform.
President Willard opened the for
NAL proceedings by an address of
welcome to the distinguished guests
and rendered the profound thanks
Of the Northern Pacific Railroad
Company for their presence and
participation in this the most i'm
portant event in its corporate exis-
tence. He briefly reviewed the pro-
gress of the undertaking and con-
cluded by introducing the orator of
the occasion, Hon. VIM. NJ. Evarts.
In an elaborate address this gentle
man gave a thorough resume of the
gigantic undertaking and paid well
merited compliments to Mr.. Willard,
Governor Smith, ex-President Fred
erick Billings, and others connected
with it. In conclusion, he said; AS
our flying footsteps leave these
heights of moral and natural vision,
[ am sure this company will feel
this occasion was not unworthy of
an assemblage which the Secretary
of the Interior honors with his at
tendance, and the illustrious soldier,
after following his own fame around
the world, finds attraction in its in
terests. To which the Ministers of
the Powers of Europe lend the favor
of their countenance, and which col
lects so many eminent men of our
own country and of the old world to
assist in this international celebra-
tion."
Mr.. Willard then introduced Sec
retary Teller, who spoke Of the great
energy and capital required to COM
plete the various transcontinental
lines and their practical benefit to
the nation. This enterprise of the
Northern Pacific Company, along
whose lines there would be in few
years 100000 of people, could not
be called local in its character. 1t
was more than national it concern
ed the welfare of other peoples. 1t
now remains for the managers to
Justify in the future the wisdom OF
the government, and that they
would do if the policy announced
by President Willard were carried
out.
Secretary Teller was followed by
President Billings, who presented
in detail the difficulties which had
beset the enterprise in its earlier
days.
Mr.. Willard said that as they had
present distinguished guests from
abroad, he would give those present
an opportunity to hear their senti-
ments. He then introduced Minis
ter West, of England, who said Sir
James Hannen would speak for the
English guests.
Sir James said the English visit
ors were filled with wonder and
admiration at the sights of this
magnificent country and its grand
institutions. Mr.. Willard was per
son about whom their warmest SYM
pathies and gratitude for this splen-
did hospitality could well cluster.
I'VE have had the happiness" he
continued, "of seeing what manner
of man he is. We see in him quail
ties which have erned the confidence
of his associates through life, and we
carry back the recollection of having
known a real man. II was a happy
thought that representatives of
countries which have contributed to
the population of the American
nation should be present on this
extraordinary occasion. 1t fills me
with wonder to see the property
which has reached the highest de-
velopment of civilization"
The German Minister, Won Eisen-
decker, was then presented, and
expressed the hearty good wishes of