The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-07-07
Four.h of July.

quite unlooked-for on the morning OF the
4.h. Not that we did not expect great
things of Lawrence, but we were sur-
prised to see the streets looking as much
like those Of thronged city-with far
less noise and confusion than older towns
get up on these gala-days. Arrivals
commenced the night preceding-so did
the discharge of firearms. And as a
matter of course every body was waken-
ed in the morning. by the same music.
Would it, otherwise, have beer fourth of
July?
Wagon-loads of Indians arrived in the
morning, the Delaware and Shawnee
tribes, our near neigbors, having been
invited to participate in the festivities of
the cay. Other parties were constantly
coming in from the various settlements
near by, and farther of, until knots of
hundreds might be seen here and there
along Massachusetts, street. We noticed,
waving from the top of large covered
wagon, well filled with representatives
from Franklin, the national flag, with
those memorable and suggestive figures
-76-conspicuous among the stars and
stripes. 1t struck US as an emblem singu-
larly appropriate and beautiful. Moth
iag could have exceeded its simplicity
nothing could have added to the volumes
of national wealth. glory, reproof, ex-
hortation, appeal, argument. prophecy.
1t was the voice of our fathers speaking
to US on the birthday of their emancipa-
tion-and what burning words they ut
tered Let US heed them, and be wise.
Another long line attracted our atten-
ton, while yet in the distance. Many
banners waved in the breeze, and we
watched with an interest that was more
than curiosity, as they came on over the
prairie swells, halted in our suburbs. and
ere long advanced, passing directly un-
der our window. A party Of equestrians
led the procession, one man in alvance,
then two or three pairs of la lies and
gentlemen, then gentlemen in double
column followed by large; double wagons
crowded with seats, chairs. and people.
Seven two-horse teams, thus allen. were
followed by a demonstration of the prov
erb, that sin union is strcngth" three
large ox-wagons, well peopled, fastened
together, drawn by eleven yoke of oxen
broush up the rear. This long pro-
cession was from Blue Mound and the
Wakarusa neighborhood. A portion of
the horses and carriages were. ornamented
with branches of rose-trees, boquets. etc.
tastefully displayed. Among the flags
that floated DER them, we noticed pocket
handkerchiefs OF various colors reared
aioft, and spread out to the breeze-an
our heart cordially responded to the spirit
of independence that, in absence oi
other tokens of regard for the day. told
plainly enough that patriotism is mex
haustible in its resources, and fearless in
its demonstrations. The congregated
masses cheered them, as Ghey passed
through the street.
Other smaller parties, families from
the "claims" about. and groups of Indian
men and women were successfully COM
ing in from various quarters. Our city
was astir. 1t was difficult to credit ones
own reaections-"a year: ago and Law
renee~was not" y
Meantime, the two organized military
companies in uniform, and large mum:
Der of volunteers, were marching and
countermarching, and performing variou:
evolutions in the streets and on the gras.
platszasgs were floating, guns sound
) ing/and little was wanting beside th'
Sangor of pealing bells and the nois.
profanity of "Young Ameriea" to com
plete the tableaux of a bona fde cit,
celebration. Time and room would fai
to enumerate all that interested US, whil
we beheid and listened aud wondered
The conflicting emotions, the throng o
memories, oh and new-there are topicso
thought connected with that day in tia
place which we will not even allude t
fcre. It will be seen in the sketch W
give of the proceedings that others di'
not forget the strange novelty of the Po
sition ofthe inhabitants of Kansas.
At eleven o'clock, a banner of ricl
silk-the national fiag-was presente'
by the ladies to the militia of Lawrence.
The people assembled in the vicinit.
of the Union Hotel, and listened to th
following interesting and appropriate
ADDRESS BY MRS GATES.
Ofcers and Nea5-rs Of the La,rrene
HILLARY Compromises ISotdiers:-With
out solicitation on my part, have bee
chosen by the ladies of Lawrence to pre-
sent 10 you on their behalf this flag. a
q testimonial of our appreciation OF th
noble and patriotic motives which. v
trust, actuate you in organizing youI
selves into military companies for ID
purpose of protecting the property, th
lives. and the liberties of this young com
mnnity.
Take it, and should yoa ever be calle'
upon to do battle under it in the sacre'
esnse Of Freedom, demean yourselyeshk
men worthy tie name of American sol
diers. La the hour of danger, may th'
influence OF thestars and stripes waving
over you animate YOU with the spirit o
our revolutionary sires, whose patriotism
and yalor wrested this country from tbs
.eudal oppression and tyraanyo of the old
ord, and established and beaueathed