DAYTON JOURNAL

TUESDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 23, 1851

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.

Program for the opening