The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1853-07-13
For the Register.
The Fourth at Orwell.

MR.. EDITOR
Having occasion to be in Or.
well on the Fourth, I there witnessed q
glorously patriotic and highly interest
ing celebration of the day. The people
of the town, in getting up the Cclcbra.
ton, relied mostly on their own resour-
which were found amply sufficient for
the occasion. The Orator, Band Choir. &
most of the respondents to toasts, were
residents of the town.
1t was clear, warm day, and the poo
pie turned out in numbers which indica.
ted that the spirit of '76 was among
them, and that the whole town was com.
mittcd 20 a day of festivity and enjoy.
mcnt. Early in the forenoon process
sion was formed near the Churches,
which marched to a grove, on an emin-
encc Southeast of the village, where I'M
der the spreading branches of lofty trees,
the Rev Mr.. YATES, of the Methodist
Church, delivered an eloquent and pat
riotic Grafton upon the causes, principles
and results of the American revolution
1t was well written, finely delivered 0.
ration, and was received by the large as
semLly With general and hearty applause.
The thirty-one young Ladies, who repre-
sented the States, poured around him a
storm of boqucts When the applause
had subsidized Rev. BYRON SUNDERLIN,
of Washington City, came forward and
spoke brief poem, written for the occa.
sion, in which he presented with rich
humor the pceuliarities of Uncle Sam
his whims, fancies and fits. Bursts OF
laughter greeted b i'm at the close of near
ly every couplet. The conclusion was in
high and earnest strain.
After a fine hymn had been sung by
the choir, the procession was reformed
and moved to Mr.. J. BoYNToN's, who
had ready, under covering of branches
of trees, all excellent dinner, to which
four or five hundred, men, women, and
children did ample justice. The neces
sites of the physical man being satisfied
''the flow OF soul' commenced, Numerou.
toasts were read, and responses, sober,
earnest, playful and witty, according tc
the tastes and impulses of the respond
ents, were made by citizens of the town
and few gentlemen from abroad
The occasion was one to be remember
ed with much pleasure by all, who wer
present 1t was characterised by sobri
ETY., quiet attention to the speaking, ant
a genial and hearty enjoyment of the fes
tivities of the day. The Young Ladie,
who represented the States, were taste
fully dressed, intelligent looking, ant
without the airs, or manners which lait
claim to any such distinction, were reall
beautiful. The Singing was excellent
The Band, long out of practice, was re
suseitated for the occasion, and did eS
cellent service.
1t was noticeable that young men ez
clusively directed the arrangements @
the day, and their duties were discharge
with GOODNESS, promptness, and eficier
oy. 1t was also noticeable that no in
toxication was seen, and that there wer
no indications among the thronging hun
dreds of any stronger stimulant than col
water. For which let all thanks be Civ
en- to our noble temperance law.
1t was in that, the right kind of pal
riotic celebration-a festive and socia
gathering of the people of the town
enjoy in a cheerful and sensible way
without needless noise and tumult, da
which brings with it SO many stirrin
aud glorious recollections. 1t was quit
evident that the intellectual and socii
aspects of the occasion we're its chief al
. traction to them, and they enjoyed
with the quiet, but hearty earnestnes
which might be expected of that EN-
ncnsly intelligent, staid, and conserv
tive people The sun in his course doc