WESTERN INCIDENTS. 111

other objects of special interest, were halted at, and the party en-
tertained 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, pre-
ceding 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 Commit-
_tee 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. Ricz, Mayor of Chicago, called the assembly to
order, and delivered the following address :

“ TADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

‘¢T 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