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Salt Lake
Daily Telegraph of May 11th, 1869
The Pacific R.R.
Finished
" The long looked-for day has arrived. The inhabitants of
the Atlantic seaboard and the dwellers on the Pacific slopes
are no longer separated as distinct peoples- they are
henceforth members of the same great family- united by great
principles and general interests.
At noon yesterday the great event was achieved, and the
celebration of the occasion was unmarred by the slightest
accident or circumstance to cause it to be remembered by any
with either sorrow or pain. The weather was propitious and
the best of order prevailed.
Promontory Summit
There was nothing in the design of either the Union or
the Central company to give to Promontory Summit the
world-wide notoriety that it has to-day, but accident or
providence, is mattereth little for our purpose now. Looking
at it with certain predilections and with the unchanging
confidence that everything is 'all for the best,' we are
satisfied that the great struggle had a fitting termination
and a fitting place.
The spot hereafter to live in the local history of the
Pacific Railroad is probably without a similitude between
the turbid Missouri and the placid waters of the Pacific.
The meeting occurred in the center of a small narrow valley,
probably not over a mile wide, bounded north and south by
low rounding mountains. There was an air of calm about the
country that seemed to whisper, 'Peace, be still,' to the
rivals who had resolutely and manfully struggled for greater
possessions.
Early in the morning, the engines and trains of each company
faced each other in silence, like rival armies on the morrow
of a battle, each hoisting the flag of truce and prepared to
smoke the pipe of peace. Those who had expected trouble were
woefully disappointed. We heard not an angry word nor saw an
eye betokened displeasure. From the least to the greatest
the air of each was, the contest is over.
The Meeting
In situation, the last rail was laid 1085 4-5 miles west
of Omaha and 690 miles east of Sacramento. When all was
ready the multitude was called to order by General J.S.
Casement, and the program of the ceremonies was read by
Edgar Mills, Esq., banker, of Sacramento.
The Rev. Dr. Todd, of Pittsfield, Mass., offered an
appropriate prayer.
Dr. Harkness, of Sacramento, on presenting to Governor
Stanford a spike of pure gold, delivered the following
speech: 'Gentlemen of the Pacific Railroad: The last rail
needed to complete the greatest railroad enterprise of the
world is about to be laid- the last spike needed to unite
the Atlantic and Pacific by new line of travel and commerce
is about to be driven to its place. To perform these acts,
the east and west have come together. Never, since history
commenced her record of human events, has she been called
upon to note the completion of a work so magnificent in
completion- so marvelous in execution. California, within
whose borders and by whose citizens the Pacific Railroad was
inaugurated, desires to express her appreciation of the vast
importance, to her and her sister states, of the great
enterprise which, by your joint action, is about to
be consummated. From her mines of
gold she has formed a spike- from her laurel woods she has
hewn a tie, and by the hands of her citizens she offers them
to become a part of the great highway which is about to
unite her in closer fellowship with her sisters of the
Atlantic. From her bosom was taken the first soil- let hers
be the last tie and last spike. With them accept the hopes
and wishes of her people that the success of your enterprise
may not stop short of its brightest promise.'
The Hon. F.A. Trittle, of Nevada, in presenting Dr. Durant
with a spike of silver said: 'To the iron of the East and
the gold of the West, Nevada adds her link of silver to span
the continent and wed the ocean.'
Governor Safford, of Arizona, in presenting another spike
said: 'Ribbed with iron, clad in silver, and crowned with
gold, Arizona presents her offering to the enterprise that
has banded the continent and dictated the pathway to
commerce.'
Gov. Stanford's
Speech
'Gentlemen- The Pacific Railroad Companies accept, with
pride and satisfaction, these golden and silver tokens of
your appreciation of the importance of our enterprise to the
material interests of the sections which you represent on
this occasion, and the material interests of our whole
country, east and west, north and south. These gifts shall
receive a fitting place in the superstructure of our road,
and before laying the tie and driving the spikes, in
completion of the Pacific Railway, allow me to express the
hope that the great importance which you are pleased to
attach to our undertaking, may be, in all respects, fully
realized.
This line of rails connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, and
affording to commerce a new transit, will prove, we trust,
the speedy forerunner of increased facilities.
The Pacific Railroad will, as soon as commerce shall begin
fully to realize its advantages, demonstrate the necessity
of rich improvements in railroading as to render practicable
the transportation of freight at much less rates that are
possible under any system which has been thus far anywhere
adopted.
The day is not far distant when three tracks will be found
necessary to accommodate the commerce and travel which will
seek transit across this continent. Freight will then move
only one way on each track, and at rates of speed that will
answer the demands of cheapness and time. Cars and engines
will be light or heavy, according to the speed required and
the weight to be transported.
In conclusion, I will add that we hope to do ultimately what
is now impossible on long lines, transport coarse, heavy and
cheap products, for all distances, at living rates to the
trade.
Now, gentlemen, with your assistance we will proceed to lay
the last tie and drive the last spike.' Gen. G.W. Dodge,
Chief Engineer of the U.P.R.R., then spoke: 'Gentlemen- The
great Benton proposed that some day a granite statue of
Columbus would be erected on the highest peak of the Rocky
Mountains pointing westward, denoting this as the great
route across the continent. You have made that prophecy
to-day a fact. This is the way to India.'
Mr. Coe, of the Pacific Union Express Company, made a
facetious speech in presenting Gov. Stanford with a silver
hammer, with which to drive the spikes.
S.B. Reed, Esq., superintendent of construction for the
U.P., and J.H. Strowbridge, Esq., superintendent for the
C.P., placed the last tie in position on which the rails
from east and west met. This tie was eight feet long, eight
inches in face and six inches thick, of California laurel,
finely French polished, bearing a silver escutcheon with the
inscription- 'The last tie laid on the completion of the
Pacific Railroad, May 10th, 1869.'
The names of the directors and officers of the C.P. Company
and the presenter of the tie, were also engraved on the same
plate.
Dr. Durant took his position by the north rail and Gov.
Stanford stood by the south, and when the signal was given
both gentlemen struck the spikes. By arrangement with W.B.
Hibbard, Esq., superintendent of the Western Union Telegraph
Company, a wire was attached to the gold spike, so that when
it was struck by Gov. Stanford, that instant the electric
spark communicated with the cities east and west, and
announced that the work was done.
The cheering throughout the ceremonies showed the interest
experienced by the spectators; but on the completion of the
work there was the wildest enthusiasm and cheering. Cheers
were proposed by the Union representatives for the Central
Pacific Company, the Central Pacific representatives
proposed the same for the Union, Dr. Durant and Gov.
Stanford struck hands and greeted each other with the
warmest cordiality. The Doctor, in the warmth of his soul in
greeting the Governor, shouted, 'There is henceforth but one
Pacific Railroad,' Gov. Stanford was equally
enthusiastic.
Cheers were shouted for the President of the United States,
the Engineers and Contractors, and Mr. Dillon made a happy
hit in proposing cheers for the laborers who did the work.
The excitement was intense. Mr. Mills read the following
dispatched: 'Promontory Summit, May 10th, 1869 12 p.m.
To his Excellency, Gen. U.S. Grant, President of the United
States, Washington D.C.
Sir-We have the honor to report the last rail is laid the
last spike is driven- the Pacific Railroad is finished.
Leland Stanford, President C.P.R.R. Co. of Cal.
T.C. Duant, Vice-President U.P.R.R.
Promontory Summit, May 10th, 1869, 12 p.m.
To the Associated Press:
The last rail is laid, the last spike driven, the Pacific
Railroad is completed. Point of junction, 1,086 miles west
of the Missouri River, and 690 miles east of Sacramento.
Leland Stanford, Pres. C.P.R.R.
T.C. Durant, Vice-Pres. U.P.R.R.'
During the ceremony, the news had traveled to New York and
before the audience was dispersed the following dispatch
from leading Californians in the east was received: 'New
York, May 10th, 1869.
The Presidents of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific
Railroads, at the junction.
To you and your associates we send our hearty greetings upon
the great feat this day achieved in the junction of your two
roads and we bid you God speed in your best endeavors for
the entire success of the transatlantic highway between the
Atlantic and the Pacific for the new world and the old.
S. Stephen, J. Field, Eugene Casserly, James W. Nye, William
Stewart, D.O. Kills, Eugene Kelly & Co., Lees &
Walker, J.W. Seligman & Co., Wells Fargo & Co.,
Louis McLane, Chas. McLane, Wm. F. Coleman, Jno.
Rensley.
In addition to the names of the gentlemen mentioned, there
were present a large number of influential citizens of both
the eastern and western states- Judge Sanderson, of the
Supreme Court of California, Dr. Stillman, San Francisco,
Dr. Harkness, Sacramento, J.W. Haynes and Wm. Shermon, Esq.,
of Nevada, and F.A. Tritle, Esq., Nevada, Government
Commissioners: Chas. Marsh, Esq., Director of the C.P.R.R.;
General Houghton, of Sacramento, and Gov. Safford, of
Arizona; E. Blackburn Ryan, Esq.
Among the other gentlemen connected with the U.P. were Hon.
John Duff, director, Silas Seymour, consulting engineer;
H.M. Hoxis, assistant general superintendent; T.E. Sickles,
engineer; contractors- Major General J.S. Casement, Dan
Casement, Colonel Hopper, Major L.S. Best, Captain J.W.
Davis. Deputation from Salt Lake- Hon. William Jennings,
vice president Utah Central Railroad; Bishop Sharp, Colonel
F.H. Head, superintendent of Indian affairs, Col. Feramorz
Little. From Cache Valley, Prest. E.T. Benson. From Ogden
President F.D. Richards, Bishop West, Major Farr and T.B.H.
Stenhouse.
There was a large number of persons from various parts of
the country; D.K. Allen, Esq., of Corinne; W.W. Foote, Esq.,
of Mississippi; George C. Yates, Esq., of Tennessee; Clinton
Butterfield, Esq., of Chicago; Joseph Harrison, Esq., of
Burton-on Trent, England; Hon. Edw. Creighton, of Omaha, Mr.
J.S. Megeath, Mr. Alexander Majors, numbers of Gentlemen
from Ohio, and a fine sprinkling of ladies. The press of San
Francisco was represented by Fred Macrellish of the Alta;
Mr. Bell of the Bulletin; Mr. Parsons of the Times; Dr.
Adonid of the Herald; and other gentlemen whose names escape
us. The eastern press was cared for by some gentlemen
present.
The day throughout was pleasant and agreeable and the whole
proceeding, much enlivened by the presence of several
hundred of the 21st U.S. Infantry under Col. Cogswell. The
Band played several enlivening airs.
Mssrs. Hibbard, Fredricks and Kearney of the telegraph force
are deserving of the best thanks of the press throughout the
Union for their indefatigable labors and many
courtesies.
The Celebration In This
City
At an early hour this morning, the city was all alive
with people from the town and country, to participate in the
celebration upon the completion of the Union Pacific and
Central Pacific Railroads which now spans the Continent from
the Atlantic to the Pacific; the last piece laid being a
silver mounted tie, secured by a gold spike. Here and there,
during the forenoon, happy groups of friends meeting
friends, were assembled together, to exchange
congratulations, and to discuss the great benefits that will
accrue to the nation, and to the world, from the completion
of this, the mightiest achievement of the age.
At noon yesterday, the signal was given by Mr. Myers,
Telegraph Operator, that the last spike was driven. At the
same instant, the stars and stripes were run up on the
numerous flag staffs, and a salute was fired by Wadsworth's
artillery, commanded by Col. Gamble, in honor of the two
Railroads; and one each for the U.P.R.R., the C.P.R.R and
the Utah Central R.R. Nine were also fired for the present
Administration, in Washington, D.C.
During the time the Ogden brass band, under the direction of
Capt. Pugh, discoursed some of their sweetest strains, and
the citizens generally testified their joy by various
demonstrations.
At 2 o'clock p.m. under the direction of Col. Fife, marshal
of the day, a large congregation assembled in the
Tabernacle.
On the stand were; Jas. McGaw, F.A. Brown and Joseph Parry,
Esqrs., committee of arrangements. We also noticed Elder
John Baker, chaplain, Col. Fife, W.W. Burton, Fitzgerald
Noble, K.A. Darling and E.W. Thomas, Esqrs.
After music by the band and prayer by the chaplain,
Professor W. Burton delivered the following address: 'The
greatest railroad that the world has ever known is this day
completed. The Union and the Central Pacific roads have met.
The last rail is laid and the last spike driven. The
consummation of this great achievement has not only absorbed
the best energies of a great nation, but the attention of
the world.
When the project was first spoken of, as a possibility, a
few great minds nourished the young idea and gave it their
support, and it finally resulted in an organization,
embracing the talent and energy sufficient for the
accomplishment of one of the greatest tasks ever undertaken
by man.
This organization of the master spirits of the age has won
and is receiving the admiration and applause of an
astonished world. The track has been laid over the great
deserts of our continent, and portions of the Rocky
Mountains, nature's greatest barriers, have been torn
asunder, broken in pieces and trampled under foot by the
"Iron Horse."
This track spans the continent, opens communication for the
commerce of earth's two greatest oceans, and associates us
socially and commercially with every grand division of the
earth, thereby tendering to the world an opportunity of a
better acquaintance with the people of Utah and their
peculiar institutions, which will undoubtedly measurably
correct the base calumnies that have been circulated from
the pulpit and the press.
This land, but a few years ago, was covered with sagebrush,
half devoured by the crickets and the grasshoppers. Then
nothing could be heard but the yell of the rude Indian and
the howl of the wolf. Now behold our fields of smiling corn,
and our trees for fruit and shade, and listen to the sweet
strains of music discoursed by our brass band. Who is it
that produced this mighty change? The misrepresented
citizens of Utah, through the blessings of God. Jesus said
that a corrupt tree could not bring forth good fruit.
Then come, ye Christians of every land, and come and see and
taste the fruit that the Mormon tree has borne. Our general
surroundings, the peaceable inclination and sterling
industry of our citizens cannot fail to make a favorable
impression upon the mind of every intelligent visitor from
every clime. We hail this with unspeakable joy the dawning
of this most glorious day, which shall shed the light of
truth upon mankind, and burst asunder the shackles that have
bound a world in ignorance.'
Music by the Band
James Taylor, Esq., the orator of the day, delivered his
oration, of which the following is a brief synopsis:
'Fellow-Citizens: We have met together to-day to celebrate
an important event. Nations meet to celebrate their
achievements in science, art, literature, their improvements
in implements of warfare. But we meet to celebrate the
connection of the two lines which span the continent and
unite the Atlantic and Pacific States. No wonder that we
meet together to celebrate such an important event, when it
places us in communication with all nations and extends our
commerce to all the world. But a few years since but forty
miles of the track was laid, and now we witness and hail
with joy and gratitude its completion, which will furnish
facilities for quick and easy transit across the continent,
and the world an opportunity to visit our peaceful vales and
become better acquainted with us and the working of our
institutions.'
The speaker referred to the views formerly entertained by
capitalist in Britain and America that it was almost
impossible to construct a work of such magnitude throughout
this country. But after the settlement of the valleys by the
Mormons, their views were dissipated, and the work is now
accomplished. The speaker referred to the ancient inspired
writers and showed that it was necessary that a work of such
magnitude be achieved in order to fulfill these
predictions.
The speaker read the following computation: Length of line
constructed, 1,900 miles; number of ties, four and a half
million, making about 176,000 cords of wood; number of rails
used in the construction, 741,000, which, if laid in a
straight line, would reach almost half way through the
globe; weight of iron used in the construction of the line,
exclusive of nails, spikes, nuts, etc. 272,857 tons;
probably cost, upward of one million dollars; expended for
powder and glycerin alone, about half a million dollars. The
completion of the road unites the Pacific and the Atlantic
oceans, and gives the country a railroad 3,420 miles in
length.
The speaker paid a high compliment to President Brigham
Young, and to the energy and enterprise of those who had
taken part in building the great highway of the nations.
The assembly were then entertained with instrumental
music.
Fitzgerald Noble, Esq., of the U.P.R.R. delivered a brief
but interesting address, in which he congratulated the
citizens of the territory on the completion and uniting of
the two railroad lines. He firmly believed that, had not the
Mormons come to this country, built settlements, raised the
staff of life, and fed the neighboring Territories, the
great highway would not have been built for years to come.
He hoped the uniting of the U.P. and the C.P. Railroads
would be the means of uniting this the C.P. Railroads would
be the means of uniting this nation in the bonds of charity,
love and friendship.
The various speakers were frequently and heartily
applauded.
Three cheers were given for the Presidents, Directors and
officials generally of both lines, followed be music,
toasts, and sentiments.
Among the toasts given we noticed the following:-'May the
citizens of the United States be united by the bonds of
fraternal love as the two oceans are by Atlantic and Pacific
Railroads.
President Grant- the General of the age, the choice of the
people. May he answer their best expectations.
President B. Young- a great man in a great nation, the
leader of a great people, the pioneer of the great west. The
better he is known the more he is esteemed.
The two greatest events of the day- the uniting of the U.P.
and C.P. railroads at the Promontory, and the issuing of the
Salt Lake Telegraph at Ogden.'
The assembly was dismissed with prayer by the chaplain.
In the evening public buildings are many private residences
were brilliantly illuminated.
The Celebration in Salt Lake
City
At a late meeting of the municipal council of Salt Lake
City, it was determined that on the day on which the last
rail on the great highway across the continent should be
laid, the event should be celebrated in a manner becoming
the accomplishment of so stupendous a work of American
enterprise, genius and energy. Accordingly the following
resolutions, presented by Alderman S.W. Richards, were
unanimously adopted;- Be it resolved by the City Council of
Salt Lake City, that a committee be appointed to make
suitable arrangements for celebrating, in this city, the
approaching event of laying the last rail of the Great
Pacific Railroad, thereby connecting the eastern and western
portions of the continent, and constituting one of the most
remarkable epochs of the age- one of unparalleled interest
in the universal development of our Territorial, State and
National greatness.
Resolved-That a committee be appointed to be present at
Promontory Summit to witness the occasion as representatives
of this city, expressive of our earnest and joyful
appreciation of the accomplishment of this great national
enterprise to world wide in its influence.
Resolved-That telegraphic communication be made to all the
principal cities of this Territory announcing the completion
of the road immediately upon receipt of such inelegance in
this city.
Alderman S. W. Richards, Alderman A. H. Raleigh and General
R. T. Burton, were appointed said committee of
arrangements.
The following named gentlemen were appointed a committee to
represent Salt Lake City at Promontory Summit: Hon William
Jenings, Vice President of Utah Central R. R., Col F. H.
Head, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Feramore Little,
Esq., Director of the Utah Central R.R., Col. John Sharp,
Assistant Superintendent of the Utah Central R.R., and C. R.
Savage, Esq.
On the 7th inst. the following message was dispatched to
both T.C. Durant, Esq. Vice President U.P.R.R. and Gov. L.
Stanford, President C.P.R.R.
Salt Lake City joins in celebrating the completion of the
Great Pacific Railway. Please inform as the precise
time.
S.W. Richards; A.H. Raleigh; R.T. Burton, Committee of
Arrangements
The last spike connecting rail of the Pacific Railroad will
be laid on Monday next noon.
Leland Stanford.
Agreeable to the program laid down by the committee, the
deputation from the city at Promontory Summit telegraphed
yesterday the time of the laying the last rail, when Major
Ladd's artillery, previously stationed for the purpose on
the Arsenal Hill, at the Court House and City Hall, belched
forth from their iron mouths a grand salute. Flags were
unfurled to the breeze from the public buildings, principal
offices, banks, stores and private residences. Capt.
Croxall's brass band, from the top of the new Tabernacle,
and other bands stationed in prominent localities in the
city, discoursed soul-stirring strains of music.
At half-past one p.m., yesterday, the citizens assembled in
the new Tabernacle by thousands, and resolutions, speeches
and appropriate sentiments, interspersed with delicious
music from the bands present, were the order of the day.
His Excellency, Gov. C. Durke, Hon. Geo. A. Smith, Judge C.
Wilson, Hon. John Taylor and other prominent citizens
delivered eloquent addresses, after which the memorial of
the Utah Legislature of 1851-2, calling upon Congress to
build the "Great Highway" and urging its earliest
practicable construction, was read.
The utmost enthusiasm was manifested by the vast assembly,
and the gentlemen who spoke were loudly cheered; but upon
the reading of the memorial of the Utah Legislature of
1851-2, calling upon Congress to build a railroad across the
continent, the cheering was perfectly deafening, and the
immense vaulted roof of the new Tabernacle rang with round
after round of applause.
Last evening the city was brilliantly illuminated by calcium
and other lights, of varied colors. The City Hall, Court
House, Theatre, Eagle Emporium, Exchange Buildings and
nearly all the principal buildings and residences, were in a
perfect blaze of light. East Temple Street was decorated
with illuminated mottoes, and thousands of citizens were in
the streets, going from point to point, to witness the
gorgeous display.
A more brilliant, enthusiastic affair, than the celebration
held in honor of the completion of the great railroad across
the continent, at Salt Lake City yesterday, can scarcely be
imagined. Great credit is due to the Committee and to the
Marshal of the Day for their able management of the entire
proceedings. Order and harmony were noticeable features
throughout. The inhabitants of Salt Lake City and vicinity
may justly feel proud of their celebration- it was one of
the most brilliant, patriotic, enthusiastic and successful
affairs ever witnessed in the Capital of Utah."
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