The Train They Hoped Would Stop: Spokane's Bid for the Last-Spike Spotlight

Through the medium of handbills it was announced that a mass meeting would be held in Cannon's Hall Wednesday evening for the purpose of making some arrangements for celebrating the driving of the last spike on the Northern Pacific railroad, and conferring together to determine the most feasible mode of receiving and entertaining the excursionists should they see fit to make Spokane Falls a visit. People do not seem to take as much interest in this matter as its importance deserves, and as late as 8 o'clock only a small number of persons had assembled at the hall, although the crowd was made up of representative citizens. The meeting was called to order; E. H. Jamieson elected Chairman and R. R. Bennett Secretary. The Chairman called upon Mayor Glover, who responded by explaining the situation and informing the audience what had been done at a meeting of the Council. J. J. Browne said that some immediate action should be taken, particularly to learn what time the party would arrive, and if they intended to linger any length of time, and the only way to arrive at an understanding was to telegraph President Villard, extending the hospitalities of the city, and asking for the desired information. In response to a question he further stated that Prof. Terman had received a letter from E. V. Smalley, who had charge of the editorial delegation, and that gentleman promised that the ink slingers at least would tarry long enough to view the city and falls. To expedite business Mr. Browne moved that the Chair appoint a committee of five, to act with the committee appointed by the City Council, with full power to communicate with Mr. Villard and make such arrangements as they might deem necessary. The motion prevailed and the Chair appointed J. J. Browne, Prof. J. M. Terman, Dr. B. F. Burch, Dr. C. E. Allison and Frank M. Dallam as such committee. Mr. Browne suggested that a second committee should be appointed for drafting an appropriate preamble and resolutions to be forwarded to Mr. Villard. E. J. Webster responded in a brief and timely speech. He spoke of the rare and important ceremony, comparing it with the interest manifested in the driving of the last spike on the Union Pacific road, and thought it would mark an epoch in the history of the Northwest. The party about to visit the country was made up of the leading men not only of the East but also of Europe, and their report upon the appearance and general prosperity of the territory would carry great weight in the communities in which they reside. Particularly was it important that Spokane Falls should extend a hearty welcome to the party, holding the proud position as it does of being the leading station on the road from Portland to east of the Rocky Mountains. If the entire party could not be induced to stop over here, by all means have the editorial train halt long enough to allow the travelers an opportunity of seeing our beautiful and growing city. Looking at it in a mercenary light alone and the benefits accruing from such a visit would repay any expense we might go to a thousandfold. He thought the committee appointed should attend to the resolutions, and that at once, as time was precious. M. Thompson was called upon and he expressed his views upon the matter, among other things saying that it was better known East than any city in the Northwest. He told of a unique reception tendered Lord Dufferin upon his visit to Winnipeg, at which he was present, when Indians and other things of a local character were exhibited for his amusement, and thought it would not be a bad idea to get up something of that kind here to surprise the foreign visitors. J. W. Blakley was called upon and responded in a few words, coinciding with others in his views of celebrating upon the occasion. After a few further remarks by A. M. Cannon, J. N. Glover and J. J. Browne, regarding the possibility of the trains making a halt here, the meeting adjourned subject to a call of the Chairman.

The committee appointed to arrange for the reception of the Villard excursionists and duly celebrating the driving of the last spike telegraphed the hospitalities of the city to President Villard Friday, but had received no answer up to the hour of going to press.