The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1883-09-12
rnE GOLDEN SPIKE.


HELENA, Mont, between Garrison and
Gold Creek, N. P. Railway, Sept. SIT is
eight miles from Helena u the point
where the steep range Of mountains be-
gins, and twelve miles from there to the
mouth Of Mullen tunnel. As the tunnel
is not completed, Mullen pass is crossed
by running on curves or an advance Of
about four miles. The grade il the same
as Bozeman and the sidings were safely
lifted over the nights and descent made
to this point, where the ceremony Of
driving the last spike has just been COM
pleted, and the contrast between the
rugged heights of the east side and the
long meadow-like slopes of the west side
is very striking. The distance from this
place TO Helena is fifty-four miles. In
making the descent of Mullen Pass, the
chr of the British Minister became dis
abled and the occupants had to be trans
ferred to another car-nO one was hurt
or Inconvenience. The train arrived at
this point little behind time but in
good shape. From Portland there came,
somewhat earlier on a special train, the
prominent citizens from that section to
participate in the ceremonies. There
were hearty greetings between the Am
erfcan guests of the east and west and
the occasion was regarded as q remark
able one and as presaging prosperous
future. All were surprised at what they
beheld, and instead of the wilderness OF
the Rocky Mountains, they here beheld
a mammoth pavilion capable Of seating
more than 1000 people, over which
floated the national colors ofthe Ameri-
can, British and German nations. In
front, reaching to the road bed, was an
extensive promenade, skirted by a plat
form with comfortable seats. To the
right was q band stand, and on it were
seated the Fifth Infantry band, who
were to entertain them and who came all
the way from Fort Keogh but even
stranger than this evidence of civiliza-
ton were the scores of vehicles and the
hundreds of hardy mountaineers gather
ed to welcome Henry Willard, and as
the last of the guests arrived the cere-
monies were opened by President VIII
lard, who divided the honors Of the en-
thusiastic multitude with General Grant,
who was seated on the platform.
:. Mr.. Willard said that as they had pres
ent distinguished guests from England
and Germany he would give those pres
ent an opportunity to hear their senti-
ments.
Mr.. Willard introduced Minister Sack
vile West, Of England, who said that
Sir James Harmon would speak for the
English visitors. Sir James Harmon said
the English visitors were filled with
wonder and admiration by the sights Of
this magnificent country and its institu-
tons. Henry Willard was person who
had their warmest sympathies and graft
tude for this splendid spectacle. We
have had the happiness of seeing the
manner OF man he is. We have been
able to see in him the abilities which
earned him the confidence of those with
whom he has been associated through
his life, and he shall now carry back the
recollection of having known real man.
1t fills me with wonder and awe to see
the prosperity which has advanced with
such rapid strides and which has at once
reached the highest development Of civ
ilization.
German minister VonEisen decker
was then introduced and expressed the
hearty good wishes Of his fellow country
men for this enterprise. We are sorry
that we have lost Mr.. Willard but as he
has come to country that has always
been closely allied to mine here he may
remain.
DR.. Kneis, of the Berlin University
was introduced and spoke at length on
behalf OF the German visitors and ex-
pressed the hope that the Northern
Pacific would be the new highway and
main line to all northern colonization of
America and Europe, and may it be for
ever a monument in honor of that noble
son Of Germany, Henry Willard. You
may be sure our mother country is proud
Of such son.
DR.. Holman, the greatest microscopic
Of the day, said the construction Of the
Northern Pacific was a modern miracle,
and unlike the ancient miracles, was
here formed in compliance with the
laws of nature and not against them.
This was an international festival of
civilization. The Northern Pacific coun-
try presents features of unsurpassed fer
tiity, and will at NO distant day be pop
ulated by millions of happy citizens.
Governors Of Minnesota and Dakota
made brief and appropriate remarks.
There were loud cries for Grant by the
crowd and as the general came forward
the airwas rent with cheers. He made
few characteristic and appropriate re-
marks.
After Grants speech, the foreign
guests were given seats on the platform
by the railway. Photographs were
taken of them, Willard and family and
most Of the distinguished Americans.
Three hundred men with brawny arms
then quickly laid the iron aud drove
the spikes on 1000 feet Of uncompleted
track, except the last spike. The band
played, q cannon salute was fred bv an
infantry corps and the last spike was
finally driven home by H. B. Davis,
assistant general passenger agent Of the
road, who drove the first spike on open
lug Of the road. This spike was the same
one first driven by him. The end was
reached as the sun was setting behind
the mountains. The enthusiasm of the
people, variouly estimated from 5000 to
5000, was indescribable. The mingled
sounds of cannon, shouts of men. Thus
was brought to happy conclusion a
very remarkable event in American his
tory. The trains were reformed and
the guests departed, the English and
part of the Americans, including Geo.
NJ. Pullman and Vice President Haines
II A