The daily morning journal and courier., 1899-06-06
EASTERN CONNECTICUT HAPPY.
Details Regarding the Opening of tso Groton Branch ROGd-Norwich's Red Letter Day.

one or, the most important events af-
 fecting the commercial prosperity ot
 eastern Connecticut and the hope of its
 citizens which has happened during the
 past quarter of century occurred on
 Saturday, when the Groton branch of
 the New Haven railroad was formally
 opened, and Norwich and New London
 connected by rail on the east bank of the Thames. The occasion was one for re-
 joicing, and was participated in by rep | resentative citizens of both cities, who congratulated each other on the con sumption of project which promises so
 much for trade in the two industrila
 centers of New London county.
 i It is just sixty-four years ago that the Norwich and Worcester railroad was opened and a train run from Norwich to Worcester, having on board the direc- tors of the road and the members of the | Norwich Rifle company. One of the 1 survivors of that event is William Tubbs of Norwich Town, who was pres | ent on Saturday and was a passenger on the ride over the new extension to | Groton. MT. Tubbs talked Interestingly of the opening in 1889, stating that the rifle company, of which he was mem ber, was entertained by the railroad company at dinner at the Worcester House. He had much to tell of the early history of the road, which are part of the history of Norwich and some of the towns prominent citizens.
 The exercises of Saturday began when the train of six passenger coaches, drawn by the powerful engine No. 992, pulled out of the Union station at New London at 50 o'clock, with about three hundred citizens of that city on board. Among those present were Mayor Cyrus c. Beckwith. Postmaster John McG1n- ley. ex-Mayor James P. Johnston Su- perintendent S. A. Gardiner of the nla- rine district of the Consolidated system, Superintendent J. P. Gardiner of the Stonington division, Congressman Charles A. Russell. Stops were made at the naval station, at Gales Ferry and at the famous fill just south of Allyn's Point, which continued to sink for SO long in spite of the quantity of earth dumped into it. The train reached the Ferry street station in this city at 2.20 o'clock, and was met by Tubbs militia Iy DdJlI anu IClIINGCtitueiNN No cA 'A'N N'NN wich board of trade.
 A line was formed and headed by the band marched up Ferry strest to Main, to the Buckingham Memorial, where light refreshments served by commit tee of Sedgwick Post, No. 1, G. A. R., was thoroughly enjoyed by the visitors after their ride in Saturdays heat. Tubbs' band stationed on the lawn played several selections, after which the line reformed and returned to the station Four additional cars were at tached to the train to accommodate the Norwich citizens who numbered some eight hundred. Among them were many of the representative business and professional men of the city, including Acting Mayor Vine s. Stetson, Alder man P. H. Hartman lSouncilmen Louis P Roath, John S. Sherman and Duncan Gilmore, First Selectman A. S. Spald ing. Town Clerk S H. Freeman. Judge Lucius Brown, states Attorney Solo mon Lucas, City Treasurer Henry w. Tibblts, Chief of Police J, A Bowen, Captain of Police J. M. Burdick and Postmaster William Caruthers.
 The train left this city at 3:15 o'clock and the din of steam whistles and can non was deafening All along the line of the road were displayed flags. Horns were blown by many of the residents as the train went by. Stops were made as on the trip up the river, and New Lon don was reached about 3:55 o'clock. The passengers alghted at the Union station, and headed by the band marched up State street to above the public building and back again. assem- bling in the fine new freight station on the steamboat pier. Mayor C. G. Beck with of New London called the compa- ny to order and after extending well come to the visitors in behalf of the city of New London, introduced the Rev J. D. Herr, D. D., of this city as toastmas- ter. D. Herr in a happy vein referred to the occasion as being a time of con- graduation for Norwich and New Lon don and likened the two cities to Ja- cob's two wives, to each of whom he was faithful for so many years.
 He presented President John McGin- ley of the New London board of trade. MT. Mckinley was very cordially re- ceived and explained that he had always believed in Norwich and New London putting their shoulders together and working for mutual benefit He said that now was time for renewed effort, and if the results are what they should be he should be sorry for New Haven and Hartford. He spoke very pleasant ly of his brief residence in Norwich, and said that after New London Norwich would be the city of his choice.
 President A. R. Aborn of the Norwich board of trade was the next speaker. He extended thanks to the management of the New Haven road. in behalf of the Norwich board of trade, for the invita- ton to participate in the opening He said this road had been talked about for fifty years. and now that it was a reali- ty he hoped it would matedially benefit the community. It is another tie which binds together Norwich and New Lon don for trade and social interests. MT. Aborn said that railway companies were subject to much criticism, some deserved it and much of it was unjust, but the fact remained that the railroad was one of the greatest factors in the develop ment of civilization and trade.
 Mayor Beckwith when called upon claimed that he would not be doing his duty if he had not extended a hearty welcome to the citizens of Norwich. He congratulated Norwich on now being on the preat thoro1phfare between New