Portland, Ore. March 11- Celebrating the completion and opening of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle railroad, the golden spike was driven in the North Bank road this afternoon. A special train of 10 coaches, the first passenger to run over the new line, carried 500 guests of the city of Vancouver to Sheridans Point, three miles west of Sheridan, where the ceremony took place. The exercises were short but impressive, and when the last stroke of the gilded hammer died away cheer after cheer was flung into the air and the Inland Empire at last had direct connection with the great Columbia harbor.

The excursionists, who left Vancouver at 9 o'clock this morning with Lyle their destination, were officials of Vancouver and Clarke county and business men of Portland and Vancouver. It was a gala day for the whole north bank country. Every village was decorated with flags and the people stood at the side of the track waving flags as the train sped by, and in several places school children were lined up to wave a welcomee with flags. Every mill, factory and steamer whistle rent the air with a greeting blast.

Camas was the first stop and here the Third Cavalry band played, as it did at every subsequnt stop. At Washougal, Stevenson, and Bingen the train waited while the vistors and citizens exchanged fellcitations: and at Lyle ther was an elaborate street parade.

The driving of the gold spike took place on the trip up the river. When the train had halted at Sheridans Point E.E. Bard, editor of the Vanccover Co- lumbian, took charge, as master of ceremonies, and introduced Mayor Greeb of Vancouver, who told of the great benefit the Columbia basin will derive from the new line. He was followed by George H. Himes, secretary of the Oregon Historical society, who called attention to the particular appropriateness of the spot chosen to dedicate the new road, which was only a step from an old blockhouse where the pioneers used to seek refuge from the Indians. Judge C. H. Cardy of Portland, Counsel for the Hill Lines, nest told of the significance of the occasion to the people of the significance of the occasio to the people of the northwest.

The golden spike was then driven, Judge Carey struck the first blow and handed the hammer to Mayor Green, who in turn gave way to Mr. Himes. Superintendent Forrest of the new road, H. Fairchild, representing Governor Mead; G.T. Giezentanner of Pasco, H.M. adams, general traffic agent for the road; Mayor McGlachlin of United States army, richard Porter of the firm that constructed the road and James P. Stapleton of Vancouver taped the spike in turn, and N.D. Miller, chief engineer Drove it home.

The excursionists then returned to Vancouver without stop, and tonight attended a banquet at the Columbia hotel.