Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-07-14
For the Freeman,
Celebration at Stowe.

Mr.. EDIToR:-The fourth day of July is
celebrated in concentration of one of the
proudest national acts ever recorded in the an
mails of the worlds history. Although it is day
grown gray with years, yet its yearly return is
hailed with enthusiastic joy. On that day we
commemorate the virtue, the valor, and the VIC
tory of our illustrious dead who lie side by side
in every battle field. We call to remembrance
those whose Statutes are men; living intelligent
men--whose monuments are the everlasting
hills which they have clothed with verdure."
We contrast the periods when clouds and dark
ness gathered around our national horizon, and
the desolating storm of war beat heavily on the
infant colonies, with this glorious hour, when
the American eagle stretches his broad wings
from shore to shore, and in exuiting triumph
cries, 81 am monarch Of all I survey"
As this day dawned upon US in 1858, the citi-
zens Of our quiet village were reused from their
morning dreams by the instrument whose tongue
is flame, and whose mouth is an open sepnlchre,
and were called again to celebrate our nations
independence. At an early hour, a procession
was formed in front of the Union Hall, and
marched from thence to our largest church,
where the people were entertained BY a variety
of exercises suited to The occasion. The music.
vocal and instrumental, was a fine performance,
and highly satisfactory to all. A prayer was Of
fered, after which the Declaration of Tndepen-
dence was read in a %digni6ed manner BY Mr.. J..
B. Wheeler. The assembly was then addressed
in an able and interesting manner BY R. l..
Perkins, Esq of this town. Mr.. Perkins eviu-
ced great energy Of character, strong perceptive
powers, and true personal dignity. In speaking
of the evils and dangers attending our nation
ality, he spoke in BETTING terms Of the curse Of
Slavery. the abuse of patronage, and the evils
Of intemperance. The Grafton was what might
have been expected-a sound production. At
the conclusion Of these exercises the procession
was re formed, and marched to a delightful plot
of ground, on which tables were spread with all
that heart could wish. Mr.. Raymond spared no
pains nor expense TO furnish his table in the
very first order. Hundreds hlunted the keen
edge of hunger here. I am informed that the
tables furnished at the public houses were alike
excellent.
After dinner came the toasts. This dish was
prepared by %varinus ladies' and gentlemen, some
days beforehand bat it was not a cold dish, |
will assure you. 1t was I" served up " by Messs.
Geo. Wilkins and A. R. Camp, in the very best
possible manner. Many Of these productions
were decidedly of n superior character.
1t is due the " Siaie Ladies'. - to say, that their
appearance was highly satisfactory, and added
much to the interest of the occasion. The mil
ltary companies, under The direction of expert
enced officers, were a main spoke 10 the wheel
which moved on our Celebration. The exercises
of the day were under the official charge Of Hon.
Nathan Robinson, President, and Messrs. A.
Camp and II. Perkins, MarshaIs. These we're
connselled and assisted BY a committee of Vice
Presidents.
The DAY passed away with no drunkenness or
accident. 30 much for the q Maine Law and
so much for the good sense and rele Of
our ch'zehs' MIHIsTRO.
Stowe, July 6, 1853.