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and killed prairie-dogs, owls and rattlesnakes, in the immediate vicinity of the same town.

FIRE ON THE PRAIRIES.

Reaching the lower end of the Platte Valley a little after dark, the excursionists were electrified by what, to most of them, was their first view of a night-fire on the prairies.

The train was immediately halted, and time given for all to drink their fill of the sublime spectacle. The flames extended in an unbroken line a distance of from fifteen to twenty miles; and one end of the belt of fire was so near, that we could feel the heat, and distinctly hear the roaring and crackling of the devouring element, as it swept over the plains with almost railroad velocity, and shot up its forked flames into the sombre smoky sky.

"What surprise awaits us next?" "When, and where will these wonders end?" "We did not know that this was in the programme!" exclaimed the excursionists, little dreaming that Mr. Durant had given private instructions upon this very subject, as the train passed up the valley two days before.

RETURN TO OMAHA.

The train arrived at Omaha at about ten in the evening. Carriages were in waiting to convey the excursionists either to the Hernden House, or the steamer “Denver," where an excellent supper, and good quarters awaited them. And all retired to rest, "perchance to dream" of the "loved ones at home," whose happy faces would soon be seen again; and whose ears would soon be tingling with the most romantic and improbable tales,

of Indian fights and war-dances; adventures with the Elkhorns; camping-out on the great plains almost in sight of the Rocky Mountains; living on buffalo and antelope meat; prairie-dog towns; fire on the prairies in the night time, etc., etc.

DEPARTURE OF EXCURSIONISTS EASTWARD.

On the following morning the continuity of the party was broken, after many hearty hand-shakings, and affectionate adieus, by the departure of a large number via the overland route, by stage and rail, for Chicago and the East, under the charge of Mr. C. A. Lambard, one of the managing Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad. These were met at the western end of the railroad track by the officers of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Company, and a delegation from the Elkhorn Club, who accompanied them to Chicago, and entertained them on the way in the most princely style.

The balance of the party remained at Omaha till Sunday morning, and then left by the steamer Denver for St. Joseph, in charge of Mr. Hoxie and Mr. Simmonds.

Before starting, however, the crowd was called to the land side of the boat by Mr. John V. Ayer of Chicago, and invited to unite in three rousing Elkhorn cheers for Mr. Durant, who was just retiring from the boat, after having bid adieu to the excursionists. These were given with a hearty good will, in loudly suppressed silence, thus: H—sh! H—sh!! H-sh!!! Tiger, H-sh!!!! and then the steamer rounded to, and moved majestically down the river.

Mr. Durant remained at Omaha, and on the line of the road, several days after the departure of the excursionists; during which time he received frequent dis

patches, informing him of their uniterrupted progress eastward, and safe arrival home.

Thus ended the most important and successful celebration of the kind, that has ever been attempted in the world; and it is believed, that its favorable effect upon the progress of the greatest work of the age, will be felt for many years to come.

IX.

PUBLIC RECEPTION OF THE EXCURSIONISTS AT CHICAGO-SPEECHES OF

MAYOR RICE, C. A. LAMBARD, AND UNITED STATES SENATOR B. F.
WADE-GENERAL J. H. SIMPSON'S LETTER FROM NORTH PLATTE
STATION-DEATH OF GENERAL CURTIS-CONCLUSION.

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 1867.

The following extract from the Chicago Tribune, giving an account of the public reception given to the excursionists on their return through that city, together with the speech of Senator Wade and others, on the occasion, affords most satisfactory evidence that the anticipations of the railroad company, with reference to the favorable effects of the excursion upon the public mind, will be more than realized :

:

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD.

RETURN OF THE EXCURSIONISTS TO CHICAGO.

Formal Reception—Meeting at the Opera House—Address of Welcome by Mayor Rice-Replies by Director Lambard and Senator Wade.

The returned excursionists from the Far West, over the route of the Union Pacific Railroad, were formally welcomed yesterday back to our city. The Committee of Reception, whose names were published in our issue of yesterday, met the excursionists at the Tremont House at nine o'clock in the morning, and escorted them around the city. A tug was chartered in which the party visited the crib at the other end of the lake tunnel, then sailed up the river, inspecting those portions of the city which lie along its variegated banks. Flint & Thompson's elevator, and one or two

other objects of special interest, were halted at, and the party entertained with a description of the modes of doing business which obtain in our young giant city. The tug having performed its duty, the party proceeded to the Board of Trade rooms, and tarried a few moments; there were, however, no speeches made, those being reserved for the formal reception of the afternoon which was given at the Opera House.

At two o'clock the doors of the Opera House were thrown open, and the few who were waiting in anticipation of that act walked in. A little later came Vaas' Light Guard Band, preceding a delegation from the Board of Trade. They entered the hall, and took their places in the orchestra, and while playing the overture-a selection from Massaniello-the citizens came. The attendance was not large, but eminently respectable. Many of our oldest citizens were there, but the great mass of the business world was too much occupied to be able to spare an afternoon on so short a notice. The lower part of the house was nearly filled, and a few ladies and gentlemen occupied the balcony circle.

The platform was occupied by the excursionists, the Committee of Reception, and a few other prominent citizens. The scenes were thrown open to the extreme rear, exposing the full depth of the magnificent stage.

INTRODUCTORY.

Hon. J. B. RICE, Mayor of Chicago, called the assembly to order, and delivered the following address :

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :

"I was very much gratified this morning when I was informed by one of our citizens that I should be permitted here this day to speak a word of welcome to the ladies and gentlemen who have just returned, and who have been on an excursion to the Far West, and are back now in the city. It is very gratifying to me, as the Mayor of the city, to find this demonstration made here to receive with welcome and heartfelt kindness these gentlemen who are so

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