Railroad Celebration.
The opening of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad, better
designated perhaps as the “Great Miami Railway,” which took place
yesterday, attracted thousands of people to Dayton from the surrounding
country. Business was in a great measure suspended, and crowds of
spectators on the line of the road were anxiously awaiting the arrival
of the trains from Cincinnati long before the hour fixed for their
coming. But we are anticipating.
In accordance with the arrangements, a train of cars with 500 passengers
left Dayton for Hamilton at quarter past 7, on Thursday morning. The
morning was exceedingly pleasant, the party in excellent spirit, a fine
road to pass over, and a most important event to commemorate. A ride of
two hours and a half through a beautiful country, brought the train to
Hamilton. As it passed into town, thousands were assembled to greet its
appearance, banners were stretched across the streets, having
appropriate inscriptions, and all wore the appearance of festivity and
rejoicing. Inspiring music, the thunder of artillery and the shouts of
the assembled multitude, made the scene one of thrilling interest and
excitement.
Our Hamilton friends had made ample preparations to refresh and
entertain their guests from Dayton as well as from Cincinnati.
While awaiting the arrival of the trains from the city, invitations were
freely tendered to our citizens by Hon. L. D. Campbell, Col. A. P.
Miller and others, to partake of their hospitalities. Many accepted the
invitations, and were entertained in the most munificent style.
The trains from Cincinnati having arrived, “the procession” was formed
and amidst the booming of the cannon and the shouts of the multitude,
the four locomotives, with nearly fifty cars in their trains, were soon
under way for Dayton. Proceeding at a moderate speed, all arrived safely
in Dayton at half past 2.
In accordance with the Programme, a procession was formed under the
direction of Col. Greer, Grand Marshal, which proceeded to the front of
the Court House, where the Mayor of the city, John Howard, Esq., in a
brief and appropriate speech extended a cordial welcome to our guests.
S. S. L’Hommedieu, Esq., the President of the Great Miami Railway,
responded in happy terms to the welcome of the Mayor.
The assembly separated for dinner, and all we believe were entertained
at public tables, or at the houses of our citizens.
Towards 4 o’clock, one of the trains started on the return, and by 5 two
others had departed. A locomotive with several cars, remained to take
such of our visitors as remained to spend the night in Dayton. All the
trains which left yesterday, safely reached the city and their arrival
there was telegraphed as soon as ascertained.
Serious Accidents.
A little girl fell through the railroad bridge yesterday morning, but
was not much injured by the fall.
A gentleman from Cincinnati, in endeavoring to climb upon the second
train while it was under way, had his foot caught by a wheel and badly
mutilated.
An Irishman in the employ of the Cincinnati Railroad Company, while
coming up the track last night in a hand car met with a serious
accident. While turning the crank, it broke and he was precipitated
forward with great force, and so much injured that his life is
considered in danger.
Accident to S. S. L’Hommedieu, Esq.
Just as the last train was leaving for Cincinnati, an accident occurred
which had well nigh proved fatal to S. S. L’Hommedieu, Esq., the
efficient President of the road now opened. The “Red Artillery” of
Cincinnati occupied the last car of the train, and were firing their
small gun as the train started. The muzzle of the piece was elevated,
the charge poured in, but luckily was not wadded. The piece was
depressed till about within range of the heads of the spectators, and
was fired in the midst of a hundred persons standing by. Mr. L’Hommedieu
was passing within a few feet of and directly in front of the cannon’s
mouth, as the match was applied. The principal part of the charge struck
his hat, but a part entered his face. He was prostrated by the
concussion, but was soon upon his feet again. He was immediately taken
in a buggy to the residence of E. W. Davies, Esq., and after a night of
quiet and repose was enabled to be about this morning. His eyes are much
inflamed, so that they cannot hear the light, and his face is filled
with powder. He left for Cincinnati in the train this morning. We hope
soon to hear of his entire recovery.
[Illustration: Program for the opening]
PROGRAMME
OF THE
RAIL ROAD OPENING
AT DAYTON,
SEPTEMBER 18, 1851.
The Dayton Artillery Squad will meet at Phillips’ Station, 15 minutes
before 6 o’clock A. M. and fire 10 rounds.
The squad will leave Dayton at 7 o’clock in company with citizens of
Dayton and other guests with the Saxe Horn Band, for Hamilton. The Squad
will fire five guns at each town the train passes.
On arriving in Hamilton, the Artillery Squad will fire 10 rounds, and
after reaching Hamilton they will be governed by the arrangements at
that place.
The order of firing after leaving Hamilton for Dayton, will be announced
to the different Artillery Squads before the trains depart from
Hamilton.
The Dayton Artillery Squad in the first train of cars on arriving at the
west end of the Miami Bridge will halt until the arrival of the other
trains, firing during the intervals and on the arrival of the other
trains. The Squad will then fire 10 rounds alternately with the “Red
Artillery of Cincinnati.”
The first train will then advance and halt at Main street at which place
the visitors with the Saxe Horn Band in front, will form in open order,
facing north.
The Second train, with S. M. L’Hommedieu, Esq., President of the
Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railway, with the Mayors and corporate
authorities of Cincinnati, Hamilton, Franklin, Middletown and
Miamisburg, and Ministers of the Gospel will advance to the point above
indicated.
J. D. Putnam, Esq., will receive President L’Hommedieu in an open
carriage. J. Howard, Esq., Mayor of Dayton, will receive the Mayors of
the places above named in an open carriage.
The carriages will form at the head of the procession.
The Ministers of the Gospel, and the Councils of the different cities
and towns, followed by the U.S. Brass Band from Newport, Ky.,—the
corporate authorities eight abreast.
The remainder of the visitors will then form in regular order.
The Cincinnati Band will take the centre of the line.
The Saxe Horn Band will bring up the rear.
While the line is formed the Bands will play, and the procession will
move to the Court House, where the reception address will be delivered
by James Howard, Esq., Mayor.
After the address and response, the Bands will play a national air; the
procession will again form and proceed to the Depot Ground, where a
collation will be provided.
By Order of the Committee of Arrangements,
JAMES GREER,
Grand Marshal.
Assistant Marshals.
J. McDANIEL,
C. L. VALLANDIGHAM
CAPT. M. B. WALKER
E. N. COMLY
[Illustration: Dayton’s Union Station of early days.]