Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1878 — I.D &. C. R. R. [ARTICLE]

I. D &. C. R. R.

Opening of the Second Division of the Indianapolis, Delphi and Chicago Railroad. Fmi Notices, Comments, Incidents, Etc. The Monticello Herald says ; “The celebration was delightful, and the surroundings could not have been more favorable for the railroad celebration. The formal opening of the new road era tore off as previously announced, and was in all respects a complete success. Large delegations were here from Rensselaer, Loweil, Bradford, Delphi aod the country along the line of the new load. The occasion was enlivened by music from the Delphi and Monticello bands, and visitors were escorted to the public square upon their arrival.” “Exercises were begun at the court house at 11 a. in. The room was densely filled, every available space being occupied. Mr. John H. Wallace, chairman of the committee of arrangements, called the meeting to order and appio prlately introduced the chairman. Mr. Rowland Hughes. The names of the Vic » Presidents were then called, and those present took seats alongside the President. On motion, the ediiors present, of all newspapers, were authorized to act as secretarh e. The chairman then stated the object of the meeting, which was for the purpose of celebrating the completion of the railroad to this place. Mr. H. P. Owens came first among uhe speakers, being introduced by the president as “Hon. Harry Owens, a young attorney of this place, and one of Kentucky’s brightest sous.” Mr. O. delivered ihe address of wel come, in an appropriate and eloquent manner.

Mr. R. S Dwiggins-not being present, Mr. S. P. Thompson was called uoon to respond to the address of welcome upon the part of Jasper county. He said that while we were celebrating the narrow gauge enterprise, lie would say that tne hospitality of Monticello p.opie was on the broad gauge—as broad as the universe. He made a brief out pleasing speech, which was enthusiastically received by the audience. Hon John Lee, President of the I. D. <Ss C. R. It., was next introduced. His remarks embraced a history of the enterprise fiom the period he took control down to the present time. The speaker elosed by telling his hearers to be of good cheer and 'ere long he hoped to be running trains, not only to Delphi, but to Chicago und Indianapolis. A song was poposed, but in the absence of volunteer singers it was omitted. Mr. A. W. Seyiolds was then introduced and favored the meeting with remarks concerning railroads in general, and the narrow gauge in particular. He hoped the road would soon be extended in the northwest to Chicago and in the southeast to Indianapolis. Let the same tpet on the part of the part of the builders and courage on the part of the people continue and all these results wuuln soon follow. Mr. L. D. Sims, of Delphi, and former president of the road, addressed the meeting briefly ami to the point. He congratulated the people on the success already achieved, and elosed by saying that another railroad thanksgiving would soon take place at Delphi. Col. Hulburt was introduced as the king of narrow gauge railways in the United States. He denied being king, but simply an humble advoeute of the narrow gauge system. The. Col. gave Jiis experience of eleven years in building this kind of roads. He ideally demonstrated the great utility of these enterprises and showod a heavy balance in favor of narrow gauge against standard gauge roads. His speech was very interesting. Col. Yeoman, of the firm of Yeoman, Hegler & Co., builders of the read, was called upon and returned thanks to the citizens along the line for uutiring efforts in behalf of the road. Impromptu speeches were made by Mr. Conger, of the Union Stock Yards. Messrs. Wasson, Beebe and Lawrence, of Lowell, and Mr. Wallace, of Mouticello; at the conclusion of which the meeting adjourned for dinner. The afternoon was spent in a general way, some visiting the races, whi a i thers enjoyed a ramble about the Tippecanoe. Thh watchword now is “On to Delphi.”

From Delphi Ti mes. To the numerous citizens of Delphi who had made piepanttions to a tend the celebration at Monticello, the rain on Wednesday morning was a bitter disappointment. An early start was impossible, and many had determine! not to go; but about seven o clock the skies cleared and gave promise of a tine day. As early as half-past six the exodus began ; and trout that hour to nine the road leading to the river was lined with vehicles of till shapes and sizes. The Timex representative was among the number badly oiscouraged by the rain, and, as a consequence, did not reach Monticello before eleven o’clock, just iu time to miss the excursion traiu to llensselaer. The train should have waited for him, but it didn’t, and, consequently, he is unable to provide the anticipated glowing description of a ride over the narrow gauge. Late in tho afternoon he endeavored to cod vince the conductor of a train that the interests of the road would bo subserved by running a special train for the Times representative, but be wouldn’t do it. Strange how obdurate some mu> are ! Compelled to remain in Monticello, the reporter sought other means ot amusement. Tho facilities for killing time were by no means limited. We first decided to take in rhe lion of Monl'cello—the point to which tbe natives with prideful hearts direct the steps of every stranger —the Pan Handle bridge, where, a week or two ago, a freight train “took a tumble.” We walked out on the bridge,.looked at the timbers, shivered to think of the fearful plunge, listeued to the wonderful stories told by eye-wiinesses, and in every way endeavored lo play the role of an awe-struck sighicoer. The stories told about the accident by the Monticello people are indeed wonderful. Of course we believe them, as we are in"duty bound to do. We even endeavored to swallow the narrative of an cmhusiaslic c tizen who assured us that the brakemua leaped from the train into the top of a sycamore tree, fifty feet distant, and passed down to tLe ground without a scratch. We say we endeavored to believe that. If we did not succeed it was owing to u natural predisposition to incredulity which we could not control; for there was the tree, there was the bridge, and there was the spot where the train went down ; all of which are very convincing. About eleven o’clock a meeting was held at tbe court house, presided over by Rowland Hughes, Esq. Those how were so fortunate as to secure an entrance to the room were entertained by the address of welcome delivered by H. P. Owens, Esq., and the response bv S. P. Thompson, Esq., of Rensselaer. Congratulatory addresses were also delivered by Hon. John Lee, president of the road, Alf. Reynolds, L. B. Sims, Oi l. Ilurlbnrt of Georgia, and others. The preparations for refreshing the tuner man were equally complete. An elaborate dinner was set at the Presbyterian ohurch, presided overby the ladies of Monticello. Uundreds were fed, and, notwithstanding the immerse crowd, none wee turned away. This was, naturally, one of the most enjoyable features of the entertainment, and

its completeness reflected great honor upon the citizens of Monticello, and the skill find taste of the ladies. At two o'clock the boar of directors of the road convi ned at the court house, togethei with a/iumber of the citizens of Lake county, and arrangements were inaugurated for the bnilding of the road through that section. The track, engines and cars of the narrow guage road were objects of mueh interest to the Delphi vigin r , and were critically examined. The engines are models of strength and beauty, and the oase with which one of them moved off with a train carrying not less thai one thousand passengers called forthexpressions es astonishment. So far the road is provided with but one coach. This is an elegant affair, however, and more commodious than would be supposed. The seats can be comfortably occupied by two persons, and the aisle, though narrow, is wide enough for two persons to pass readily. Nothing will go thoroughly disabuse a person’s mind of prejudice against the narrow gauge system as an examination into its working. The cheapness with which the road can be built and operated is the strongest point in its favor; but shippers nnd passengers will find an entire absence of the inconveniences which preconceived ideas have rendered inseparable from the narrow gauge system. In conversation with the officers of the road we learned that it is the intention of the contractors to at once begin the construction of the line between Monticello and this city. Work will probably commence both here and at Monticello, and the road be pushed forward to its earliest possible completion. From Monticello Democrat. Last Wednesday will ever be a memorable day in the history of Monticello. It was the day on which we celebrated the completion of the second division of the Indiana polis, Delphi & Chicago railway—the day which completed the link that united Monlicello with our beautiful and prospering cousin of the prairie—Rensselaer. It was a day anxiously and nervously looked for by' our citizcus, for ever since the first survey of the line the project has been bitterly oppused by. many, but happily, the men who had undertaken the work were not easily discouraged, and the word “fail” never entered the vocabulary of Messrs. Yeoman, Hegler & Co., the contractors, livery obstacle was met, every barrier broken down, and with the assistance and indomitable perseverance and energy of a few of our citizens, the work was pushed forward to an early completion. We now hail the whistle of Rowland Hughes and Alf. McCoy,.the little giants, with no little degree of pride. It marks the beginning of a new era in a commercial point, in the history of our little city. Though not as pretentious as others, we may, without any display of egotism, class ourselves among the little cities of western Hoo-ierdom. “>Ve have two roads,’’ is the exclamation that now greets us on every hand, and, today, we feel proud of our success, and look forward in bright anticipation of a glorious future. But, though we may feel proud to-day, we must remember that the work is not done. The road is only commenced, and we should continually urge, encourage, at-d do what we can towards the completion of the line which is to give us an outlet to the great lakes on the north, and the gulf shores on the south. Let us hope for the day when we cun see placed on our railway guides, in glaring letters, “Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago road, the great Air Line to the Metropolis of the West.” “Our opening” was celebrated in a manner befitting our condition and circumstances. Every' one was anxious for duty and earnestly performed the parts assigned him Meetings were held, committees appointed, a programme prepured and carried out to the letter. At an early hour the silver cornets and a large number of our citizens, congregated at the depot, to welcome the strangers. At 10 o'clock the first train arrived from Rensselaer, bringing about 700 people. They were at once tendered the “freedom of the city.” Eleven o’clock was the hour announced for the exercises proper to begin at the court house. The building was filled. Rowland Hughes was chosen president, with the following vice-presidents: Allied McCoy, Liberty Burns, Dr. Richardson, George Kanual, David Harley, Dr. Fisher, John Debriel, Hiram Mason, Fred Tice, Jesse Watson.

Speeches complimentary, were made by the following gentlemen: S. P. Thompson, Rensselaer; Hon. John Lee, president ot the road; Col. Hurlburt, of Georgia; L. B. Sims, Delphi; A. W. Reynolds and John Wallace, Moniieello; Col. Yeoman, the coi« tractor; Mr. Conger, Chicago; Messrs. Wassan and Beebe,of Lowell; and Alf. McCoy Rensselaer. Each speech was limited to 15 minutes. At the close of tho addresses, three rousing cheers were tendered Col. Yeoman, and the strangers we taken to the auditorium of the Presbyterian church where such a dinner had been prepared as only Monticello ladies can set before a hungry' man. Words fail to describe the bill of fare. Many persons were enterlaiued at private residences by friend. After dinner the directors held a meeting, at which Hon. Jlpbjn Lee presided. After considerable discussion, it was determined that work should be commenced at the earliest moment in Lake county, or as soon as the citizens of that counly would raise $50,000. Several gentlemen were present from that c .unty who stated they wuuld go to work immediately on their return home Speeches were made by Lee, Yeoman, Richardson and Halstead. Adjourned. After dinner the visitors were turned loose to amuse, interest and enjoy themselves, w deli the Democrat hopes they did, until the evening trains carried them borne. The chief ammusemeuts for many in the afternoon was at the race grounds of the Turf Association, where the first annual fair of the association was held. A number of horses were entered, but. with the exception of the running races, no remarkable speed or interest was developed. Monticello never presented a more lively appearance than on this occasion. Large delegations we e present from Logansport and Delphi, in addition to the large number brought over the narrow gauge, and the numbt r is estimated at 3,000 persons. The narrow gauge run two trains, the second arriving at 3.30, being several hours bite. A number of citizens, including the Delphi baud, went to Rensselaer on the morning train and returned with the excursionists. The occasion was greatly enlivened by beautiful selections of music, rendered by the Lathrope Siher Cornets, of Delphi; the Rensselaer Cornets, and our Monticello band. Thus concludes our say of one of the most successful and enjoyable gala days ever witnessed in Mont.cello, and the . Democrat's parting shot is that these strangers will oft return that we may often extend tbe hand of fellowship and good feeling.

From Monticello XatumcU. Last Wednesday, the 14th inst., was a grand day for the friends of the Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago railroad. Monticello put ou her best attire, and the doors of our citizens were thrown open to our guests, which have come and gone. Tbe day was all that could be desiretl, and such a one as we love to see. It was a day of rejoicing for three thousand or more souls that live along the route of the Indianapolis, Delphi & Chicago railroad. It was a day of enjoyment and band shaking. It was the celebration of the completion of the second division of this road. But they are gone! The three thousand guests that visited us from along this line have returned to their homes, yet their pleasant faces are indellibly impressed upon our hearts never to be forgotten. We bide them adieu, and tender them a hearty welcome when it shall again be their good fortune to call again. Our guests arrived from Rensselaer, Delphi, Bradford, and many from the extreme north end of the route, riding all tbe day before in the hot sun to witness the ceremony that '‘tied” Bradford, Rensselaer and Monticello together. At the hour appointed, as many as could, were seated within the walls of the court house, and John Wallace introduced the president of the day, Mr. Hughes, who took the chair. Mr. H. P. Owens made the welcome address, and Mr. Thompson was called upon to respond to the address of welcome upon the part of Jasper county. The Hon. John Lee,*president of the road, was introduced, and

favored the audience with the history from the time he toek charge of this line down to the preeeut. Mr. Lee is a thorough railroad mas, and with such men as him at the helm, the enterprise can’t fail. Mr. A. W. Reynolds, one of the warm supporters of the narrow gauge, was introduced, and made some telling remarks, said he for one would push the work very rapidly. L. B. Sims, a former president of the road, was called for and responded in a short speech, congratulating the people along this route ou the success of the enterprise. Col. Yeoman, one of the contractors, made a few remarks, telling the people that as soon as they were ready he was ready to complete the division between this and Delphi, and that he did not propose to build a mile of road till he was satisfied that sufficient funds had been guaranteed to accomplish the work. The meeting was interestirjg. many impromptu speeches by gentlemen that live along this line of road. The meeting adjourned, and our guests repaired to the church where the ladies had prepared many good things, and were invited to “eat, drink and be merry.” We hope to meet again soon. Mr. L Lowman, proprietor of the Narrow Guage One Price Clothing Store, will start for the east, Saturday, to purchase the largest stock of ready made clothing, geni's furnishing goods, hats, caps, etc., that ever struck Jasper county.