The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1886-07-03

AS the second page Of the LEADER
contains partial report of the late
convention of the Press Association at
Aberdeen. and next week will contain
complete report. we will here only
mention a few interesting items con-
cerning the entertainment at Aberdeen
and the excursion.
The editors of Dakota and their
wives, to the number of $50, accepted
the invitation Of the good citizens Of
Aberdeen to partake of their hospitality
during the convention, and right
royalty were they entertained. Owing
to the thrift of that city the hotels have
but little spare room for transients, and
it was with difficulty that sleeping ac-
commodations were found. But one
and all opened their homes to the use
of their guests, and all were provided
for. The banquet on Wednesday even
ing. also provided by the citizens, was
an elegant affair. The tables were
spread with the choicest OF viands, for
800 people. The committee which ar
ranged for the entertainment worked
increasingly, and have the thanks Of
the entire company for their efforts.
The city of Aberdeen, but five years
old, is a leading city of central Da-
kota. 1t has a population Of $500.
Among the enterprises and attractions
of this growing city are electric lights,
two artesian wells, with fine system
oe waterworks, well organized COM
panies of militia, hook and ladder, and
hose, and cornet band, This is an ex-
cellent showing for a city but five years
old. Aberdeen now has two railroads,
with third being built.
On the morning of the oath the COM
pany boarded a special train on the G.
NJ. & st. p. road bound for st. Paul.
The highest honor and praise is due to
this railroad company for their gener-
osity. They not only furnished train
free of cost, but sent one OF the most
genial and accommodating men ever
known, Capt. Flagg, to take charge of
the excursion. The road was cleared
for the special. and the run of 800 miles
was made i'm less than ten hours, with
out stop except for water and coal. On
arriving at st. Paul the party marched
to the Ryan, their headquarters while
in that city, and sat down to much
desired supper. On Friday morning a
st. Paul s. Duluth train was rendered
the party, and they took an excursion
10 White Bear Lake and a steamer ride
On that beautiful body of water. This
steamer ride was conceded by many to
be the pleasantest hour spent during
the entire trip. A lunch was provided
nv II. p. Hall, after which all returned
to st. Paul and the Ryan for dinner.
ATT O'Clock the "St. Paul. was boarded
and the trip 6cwr the Father Of Waters
began. The "St. Pacr' is the largest
and finest steamer on the river, being
800 feet long, and capable Of accom-
modating $50 persons. The boat icadc
about sixteen miles an hour. The trip
Gown the river was lovely, The Asso-
citation band-the Clark Cornet band
played at every town passed, at which
the people gathered on the shore and
gave cheer after cheer. The genial
pilot. Mr.. Tibbits. kindly allowed his
room to be filed with ladies and gentle
mem of the party, who eagerly listened
to his descriptions Of the various points
Of interest.
At WinOna n short stop was made
about 10 O'Clock, and at IL the boat
touched at La Crosse.
On the shore was gathered large
crowd waiting to receive and entertain
the party. Speeches CT welcome were
made by the mayor and the presidentof Of
the board of trade, responded to by
President Conklin. The La Crosse
cornet band gave some music, after
which carriages were taken and the
sights of this beautiful and growing
city enjoyed for an hour.
The first place of interest visited was
the cemetery. These grounds are
decorated the finest of any we have
seen. Flowers and plants form the
greater part of the decoration. After
leaving this place the party were driven
through the principal streets and by
some elegant residences. AS ye
LEADER man left the excursion at this
place and returned home, the balance
of the trip cannot here be recounted.
But from others we learn that the ride
to McGregor was made without Incl
dent, though very pleasant; and an en-
joyable ride across Iowa on a c. NJ. &
st. y. special landed the party at the
various functions on that line Sunday
evening, all reaching home Monday.