Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1913-03-18
EVENT WHICH FORMALLY CON
NEcTs TWO VAST TERRIFIC
RIES BY RAIL WITNESS
ED BY LARGE THRoNG
CHRISTENING Is IMPRESSIVE
Dallas Joins in Demonstration III S.
lem; Bands, Banquets and Good
Choer Mark the Advent of New
Electric Line; Governors Daughter
Breaks Entrance.

"A AoA6c AuA1DpA VI Ak4At4o AllV uAA
county people welcomed the entrance
of the new railway line which con
meets this county with new section
Of the Willamette valley, at Salem
last Saturday, at the formal opening
Of the bridge which spans the VIII
lamette. Nearly 40 went BY train
and many more by auto.
Little Girl Presides.
| The pretty ceremony Of the break
| ing Of two flags at the middle Of the
bridge between Marion and Polk
counties was given over to the little
daughter of Governor West. Miss
West was garbed in q pretty white
bonnet and coat and performed her
part of the christening admirably.
She displayed no nervousness, not
withstanding the position she occu-
pied was rather shalxy and the deep
Willamette being in plain sight un-
der the train wheels.
Ceremonies Impressive.
Probably there was never chris
tening or celebration of an opening
Of note 80 impressive. No cheering
took place until the official train
passed over the entire length Of the
bridge. The event will he historic
Salem and one which will 60 down ia
the annals Of the capital city as be-
ing the most creditable and splendid
display Of enterprise ever known
there.
Flowers Are Strewn.
With the dainty little hands Of
Miss Helen West casting red and
white carnations on each side Of the
new steel bridge, the official opening
of the structure which means the
opening of thousands Of acres of land
to railroad transportation throughout
the valley when an engine and three
coaches broke through a flag barrier
stationed on the east end Of the
bridge and carried with it hundreds
Of passengers and railroad officials
the throng gave vent to their enthus-
Iasm.
The engine. which was decorated
in red, white and blue, left the west
side promptly at IL 10 a. m. Be-
Iides the railroad officials, Mayor
Sleeves, Judge Darcy, Graham P.
raber and newspaper representatives
we're either standing or sitting on the
'unning boards and COW catcher Of
he engine. When the train arrived
within ten feet Of the flag barrier,
he governors daughter was assisted
o her feet and handed a basket Of
AS the pilot Of the en-
ine broke through the barrier, Miss
Vest scattered the flowers in its path
While the motion picture machine re-
orded every action Of both the per
on christening the bridge and the en-
husiastic participants.
Arrangements Excellent
The arrangements were made care
ully and carried ont in all precision.
1ot hitch marred the plans for the
fIicial opening Of the new bridge
nd the whole affair was the most
omplete and interesting ever ar
anged in the city. The railroad Of
cials were greatly impressed with
be greeting given them by the people
4 Salem and the large audience at
ending the christening also manifest
d appreciation Of the event
Luncheon For oficials.
With eleven officials Of the Port
and, Eugene & Eastern seated at the
ables q luncheon in their honor was
iven in the grill room Of the Ma
ion Hotel at IL o'clock. While these
otables were feasting, the wives Of
ONE Of them, together with promi-
ent ladies Of the city were banquet
d BY Ms. Robert Strahorn in q PM
ate grill room Of the hotel.
Brief speeches followed the ban
net to the officials. Those present
'ere the following:
President Robert r. Strahoru, Eu-
Of Southern Paci6o
ields, Chief Engineer Guppg. Right
Z Way Agent Woods, Auditor Mel
ln, Superintendent Of Equipment
ears. Freight Agent Sheldon. chief
raiae Clerk Forbes, Superintendent
Electrical Operation Bi'lngz'eT.
Agent Woodruff and 3 W.
ear, the builder of lbe bridge.