Spokane's Date with Destiny: Welcoming the Northern Pacific Railroad

To-morrow will be given over to the reception of the Villard party, en route from the scene of the driving of the last spike to Portland. It is but proper that Spokane Falls should make a becoming demonstration upon this momentous occasion. The long-looked and hoped-for completion of the Northern Pacific railroad has at last been accomplished, after years of patient waiting, and the great Northwest has direct and rapid communication with the vast centres of wealth and population east of the mountains. The road gives the people an outlet to the world beyond, and opens up a vast area of country to the immigrant. It will be the source from whence will flow the capital, and bone and sinew that is to build up and develop the resources of the hitherto almost unknown territories. And naturally the consummation of this stupendous project, that has been watched and speculated upon from its very inception, and which is of national as well as local importance, is an event in the history of the country worthy and deserving of the most exuberant celebration and rejoicing. To-day the formal opening takes place, and immediately the grand trans-continental line is thrown open to freight and passenger traffic. Those invited guests of President Henry Villard and his associates, who have been collected from all parts of the United States and portions of Europe, numbering in all between 300 and 400, will participate in the ceremonies accompanying the driving of the golden spike, and then be conveyed over the line to the Pacific ocean. Spokane Falls and other cities and stations on the route will accept this opportunity, by extending to the excursionists an enthusiastic reception, to celebrate the opening of the road. This city will have the honor, situated as it is on the eastern border of the territory, to give the party the first welcome to Washington, and the Inland Empire. All hail, President Villard and his retinue of distinguished guests. On behalf of our people we extend to him and them a hearty welcome to Spokane Falls and Washington territory. May their brief visit to the Queen City of the Northwest be one of unalloyed pleasure, and may they depart carrying away a kindly remembrance of the little metropolis and its people.