The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1891-11-21
THE NEIHAaT CELEBRATION
Many Ve0ple from Great Falls and
Other Points in the State
Attend.
All Enthusiastic over Their Reception
Il Was n Rgd-Lctter bay
Prominent Men speak.

to the famous camp most gloriously
dedicated amidst hospitality unbounded
and uncSccllcd. This day had been
long and earnestly desired by the people
of Ncihart and the people Of
Great Falls and the state in general
have been as earnestly waiting to par
ticipate in the cornwall day with them.
The excursion had been well adycr-
tiHcd and IFS success was everything that
any one could desire. The morning was
somewhat cold. being near zero, and il
was known that considerable snow had
fallen in the mountains, but this did not
mar in the least the enthusiasm of those
who had determined on the excursion.
The two chartered cars. with flying
steamers and decorations. fr0m Helena
which had arrived the evening before
helped 10 cnthusc any who had fingered
in these thoughts.
The train consisted of five coaches.
which were very much crowded. con-
tanning more than 800 passengers. Many
were unable to find seating room the
entire trip. The train was under the
charge of Engineer Young and Fireman
Kennedy. who did good service at
that end of the train, while Conductor
Carroll very gcntlcmanly and gracefully
punched the tickets. General Agent
Langley and Passenger Agent Stebbins
of Helena were also supervising the trip.
The train left the Union depot at s
o'clock. everybody light-heartcd and
filled with expectations Of the pleasures
at hand. The cold day and the slightly
falling snow, which had already covered
the ground. did much to mar the scenery
along this branch of the Great Northern,
which in summer is very picturesque.
Though there is no great bridge or
trestle OF this line yet the finishing Of
the Ncihart branch was the most diff
cult piece of railroad building in Mon
tana. Before getting far into the noun
tains a very beautiful scene is observed
in what is called the Sluicc Box. 1t is a
canyon 10 feet wide and nearly 100 feet
deep which winds along the railroad
track like "A serpent, and resembles a
trough or sluice box from which it de-
rives it name. After entering the noun
tains through the valley which leads to
Neihart, the ranges on either side are
lofty and are completely covered with Il
healthtul growth of pine and fur.
These sights would have been worth
the trip, but only few withstood the
chilly blasts to witness them.
The train arrived at its destination at
y o'clock and was met by the people of
the city and a brass band. but it was
considerable below zero and the snow
flying. so little time was devoted to re-
ception ceremonies. But on the hill
side close by immense charges of powder
and dynamite were discharged which
spoke royalty the words of welcome. The
crowd Immediately marched 10 the
scene of the final climax in the COM
pletion of the road, the driving of the
silver spike. This being done the crowd
gathered at the hotels and other places
for dinner and refreshments. And a
most glorious dinner awaited the party
that would most glori usly appreciate
it. Many expected the free dinner
promised to be something like the bar
becue affairs after a fashion
in eastern campaign rallies.
But tins was a grand mistake and one
not to be regretted. a committee
boarded the tram before it arrived in
the city and presented each person with
a beautiful souvenir badge and a meal
ticket good at any hotel or restaurant in
town. The meals were prepared up with
all bounty and taste and the menu not
eyeelled by any hotel in hotel in Mon
tana. After dinner the reception meet
ing was held in the large hall of the
Miners Union which was completely
filled by those who wished to witness the
ceremonies. The Ncihart band being
unable To play in the frosty air on our
arrival in the city now discoursed some
beautiful music which was highly APP
prcciatcd. After the music Capt. ID. W.
lie was much disappointed that the
programme proposed could not
I've carried out because Of the
inclcmency Of the weather. lie spoke
proudly Of Neihart and the railroad men
WHO SccuItu Tdlllbdt communicable ibI
them. His little speech was loudly ap-
plauded.
This was responded to by United
States District Attorney Weed Of Hell
ena, who congratulated them on their
success, and dwclt on the railroad and
the advancement and growth Of this new
country. The speaker impressed the
idea that a country could prosper only
to a certain extent without railroad com
munication, and that the railroad in the
Belt mountain camps was significant of
IA great future.
Col. Sanders made a pleasing speech.
liking the union Of the mining region 10
the outside world TO It resplendent we'd
ding in which mutual bliss is attained.
His remarks ON the history and hard
ships of early Montana life were well re
ceived.
+. II. Collins, the last speaker, made
only a few remarks. He congratulated
the people of Ncihart ON the completion
of the railroad. which. he said. must act
as a handspring in the progress and de-
~NplOnmppt pf the rDIun He WAS IluhlN