The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-02-24
Tlr yyas;,inston5nn Fe.iivai.

w tAllltouiy luSt was b'''1 NAJ 49, Wv "
ingtonians of this place and vicinity. The
weather being fair and pleasant, enabled many
persons from a distance TO bc present, as also
general attendance of our citizens. The court
house was crowded a, an carly hour, and every
cognIenance in the vas. assemblage seemed to he
lit up with cheerfulncss, goodwill and patriotic
enthusiasts. Tho day, the occasion, and the
audience, all combined to make the meeting both
interesting and profitable.
At about o'clock the meeting was called to
order by LoaeNzo LELASn, Esq, President OF
the Society. III choir, which was organized for
the occasion, commenced the ceremonies of the
day, by singing beautiful piece OF music selec-
ted fur the occasion and the singing accompa-
MED by the Piano Forte, was truly harmonious
and drilling, and reflected great credit on the
performcrs.-rhc Throne of Grace was then ad-
dressed by the chaplain, Rev. Mr. HITcHcocK, IN
a solemn, appropriate, and imposing manner
" ashington's Farewell Address was red by Mr..
WM. OsYAx.--hn address was then delivered by
D. G. Cook, ESQ, who done the subject and
himself ample justice. The address was well
written, ard was delivered in free, firm, and
easy manner Many happy hits were made in
the address, and the members Of temperance So
ccics as well as others who heard them, would
do well to cherish them in their memories--The
Rev. Mr.. DICKINSON of Peru, followed Mr.. Cook,
in his usual happy and able manner. lie gave a
brief review of the temperance cause, and in do
ing so brought to his aid several appropriate illus
tradons, which were forcible and convincing.
| During the progress Of the above exercises, the
Choir and Band added much to render the pro
credings imposing and agreeable. The songs and
music were appropriate, and awakened the mos
agreeable feelings OF the human heart---the melo
dious strains struck deep OH the audience, and the
powerful influence was perceptbe on even The
most fliny heart, whose dark and dormant fee
lings perhaps had not been disturbed by the hth
crto Triumphant efforts aad imposing array Of tn,
friends oftempcrancc
Immediately after the exercises were conclu
ded, the President announced that refrcshment
were provided for all those who fell disposed t
lpartakc Of them. The gentlemen then withdrev
from without the bar Of the court room, and sever
large tables, groaning beneath their ponderou
weight OF choice cli'aes, embracing pigs, turkeys
chickens, and every thing calculated to roircs!
and impart vigor to mans corporea being, wer
arranged. Prominent were the huge Jugs Q
pure cold water, fresh and clear as the sparkling
brook itself. A blessing having been invc
ked, the vast asscmblage uSlbunded the table
and parlook Of the ample supply before them
all were cheerful aud merry-the goblet with il
sparkling water passed lis round, and rellectc
many an eye beaminyNi'h gIadne's and 10,
and fully proved in the presence Of fodr hundre
witnesses, tina. its seGcshing influence Ear exceed
the power of the far-iamcd tipler's "rosy god"
The proceedings of this day will long be re
membcrcd 10y the friends of temperance. Thos
who projected and carried out this celebration
have practically shown their patriotism and tru
devotion to the cause--a deviation equal to an,
emergency, and which will never rest until it
influence shall have gladdened the distrcsse,
hearts Of thousands, and have carried peace an,
pleNnty 10 the wrciched inmates of every drunk
ards howell in the land. We need but say tina
the Ladies belonging to "Otiawa Washington
Temperance Society" first projected and after
wards triumphantly carried ont this celebration
to substantiate what we say. To them belong
the honor of this new era in our public ceobra
tons, aud from this praise worthy precedent, VIII
can doubt ts ultimate triumph7 Their perseve
renee and unceasins industry on this occasion
be given, is the pleasing reflection within ,lei
own breasts, that they have, at least, faithfully
discharged their duty to the temperance cause anl
their country.