Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1886-06-24
LETTER FROM REV. T, M. BOYD

Mr.. EDIToE:-It may be that tn
Lewiston people will think that | hav
forgotten them entirely. Such, however
Is not tne case; although we have me
many new friends, yet the old, famiia
faces OF our western homes are not for
gotten. The cause of the delay of writ
ing was other than that of fIrgctfulness
The journey across the continent on +;
train Of the Northern Pacific r. r., with
sleeping and dining cars attached, is q
pleasure trip. The sleeping cars are very
comfortable and the dining cars are sup
piled with the delicacies of the season.
Some of the country through which we
passed, especially along lake Pen d Oreille
was very beautiful, but some in Montana
was very barren. The day we arrived in
Minneapolis, we passed through Sank
Rapids, q town that has been recently
visited by a cyclone. Its track, TWO
hundred feet wide digagonally through the
town, was plainly visible by destroyed
houses, wrecked bridges, overturned ears
and general debris. We may be thank
full that in Idaho we are, as yet, free from
such unwelcomed visitors.
Minneapolis was surprise to us. We
had heard much Of it, but did NOT expect
to find city SO large, so hands ono, and
30 prosperous. 1t has population of
ono hundred and fifty thousand, and is
growing rapidly. The general assembly
Of the Presbyterian church is large
body, numbering mere than five hundred,
but We were entertained handsomely.
st. Paul is also beautiful city, about
the same size, or little less than its twin
sister. The people of that city were
scarcely less enthusiastic in their efforts
to make the visit Of the Assembly pleas
ant. On the first Saturday of the scs.
SONS, an excursion was given by them to
the Assembly. Starting from Minneap.
oils at 3 p. M, We rode short distance
In the cars, and were then met by car.
riages in sufficient number to take all of
the Assembly. We rode first around the
grounds Of Macalister College, then
through the principal streets of the city,
o. then to the state capitol where sup.
per WIS provided. Badges were given
to each OF us, on which were tho words
"St. Paul to the General Assembly
greeting After supper, in response to
different toasts, speeches were made by
members Of the Assembly. Remaining
until lOp. M, We returned by special
train to Minneapolis. Excursions were
also given BY the last named city to Lake
Minnetouka and Minnehaha Falls.
At Minneapolis we met Mr.. and Mrs
). 9. Thompson, who are having pleas
ant time at the house Of their brother
in-law. Mr.. 7. and myself called on the
sister Of Mrs. Hale, Of our town. Her
daughters husband is one Of the promi.
nent lawyers Of the city.
From Minneapolis VIC proceeded to
Chicago, where we remained part of two
days at the house of Mr.. Little, father.
in law Of w. Q. Campbell of this CITY.
Tbs second day, in company with one of
the family, We visited Lincoln Park and
other points Of interest in that rapidly
growing city. We would have gladly
remained longer but our time did not
admit.
The contrast between the means of
travel east and west is marked. Thew
ass ahead Of Us in the speed Of their rail.
road trains. Leaving Chicago at 315
=. n, We were in Pittsburg, 4GS miles,
the next morning. for breakfast. This
smoky city, has, by the introduction Of
natural gas as fuel, been greatly improved
n ito external appearance. The bust
nes interests seem also to have increased
largely. 1t has the appearance of busy
and prosperous city. Here we had the
pleasure Of meeting Mr.. Hampton J
Miller, brother in.law Of our friead, p. II
Winston. He seemed very glad to meet
70 and mado many inquiries respecting
hm sister and her family in their Idaho
home.
From Pi.tsburg we came to this CITY
where we are visiting my eldest sister |
Much OF the time has been spent in sight
seeing Yesterday we visited the Arr
Gallery, gift Of w. W. Corcoran, one
q her citizens After spending some
time in that delightful place, we went to
inc State Department building, which,
n its proportions, is model Of beauty
and grandeur. We then proceeded to the
White House. Of its beauty and pro.
portions We cannot say so much. In our
travels We haze seen private residences
which surpass it. But it is time.hon.
'rsd spot, and wealthy politicians would
. glad of the opportunity to occupy it.
lanes G. Blaine and B. +. Butler each
wn houses here, which, perhaps are fin.
, than the White House. But who ,
'ould say that either of them would not
refer the latter residence? We were +
'rmitted to visit the east room, a large j
'om 5Oxl0O on the east side OF the 4
'use, the furniture aud drapery of n
hich r. mt ol.ho,at. :: -