Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-07-17
Correspondence.
For the Standard.


udy iOI DoSlonJ-lnueeu 1Of Inc WD0le
country. For the eighty-frst time the
glorious Fourth" the anniversary ofthe
birth of the nation, was celebrated by the
patriotic sons and daughters of this
mighty Republic. Thestruggle for Ameri-
can Independence which caused so much
bloodshed in the country and so many
sacrifices to be made by our brave coun-
trymen, during the bloody campaign of
the Revolution, is one which will forever
remain in the memory ofAmerica's sons,
and will ever inspire them with that
love of home and country, and that
"eternal vigilance" which is the price of
the liberty so dearly gained by our faith
ers. In this city, the day was commemo-
ated in a manner worthy of the citizens
of this modern Athens. Never could a
better day have been ushered into ex-
istence. The sun shone benignantly
down, sending thrill of pleasure to the
hearts of all, for from the appearance of
the preceding day, it was apprehended
that there would be a stormy Fourth
As L said before, not better day could
have been uShered into existence, and
the hearts ofall, both old and young, were
made merry and glad. With the rising
of the sun, the bells pealed forth their
united jubilations, and the laundering
voices of the canon proclaimed the natal
day Of the Republic. The people were
all astir at early dawn, particularly the
younger portion of the community, and
all went "hapPy as marriage bell'', and
nothing occurred, save the melancholy
and mournful calamity in the evening, toI
mar the pleasures of the occasion.
1 am afraid, Mr.. Editor, of occupying
too large portion of your paper in my
account ofthe great celebration, so l viii
only give you the most important particu-
lars. After the grand musical entertain
mcnt in the morning, the City Procession
was formed at the City Hall. 1t con-
sisted the military companies of the
city,-the entire fire department of IA
engines, and the great Steam Squirt"
Officers ofthe Army and Navy,-City
Governments of Boston and the sur
rounding cities,-Veterans of 1912, &c.
AT the fremont Temple an Grafton was
delivered by the Rev. VIM. R. Alger.
The Temple was literally packed with
human beings. The Grafton of Mr.. AL
ger, (the genius and posture of America)
was trulya scholarly, spirited, and elo-
4uent effort. His language was bold
but truthful. The Bee well remarks, at
may be said he used some very strong
language-perhaps it was Objectionable
to some, but what do we care for that so
ong as we find no wrong principles de-
Tended, no abuse or sin CLOSED over, no
'owardice or false reasoning in support of
he right, but on the contrary we do find
l genuine spirit of patriotism, an earnest
owe of country, a noble defence of liber
y, a just and singing rebuke of despot-
SIN" 1t was an independent Grafton, on
independence day. His remarks in re-
gard to slavery were but truthful and
right. Surely, if ever the sentiments of
freedom are to be expressed, what day is
more fitting than the anniversary of the
lay on which that freedom was achieved?
The festivities at Faneuil Hall. formed
an important feature of the day. There
was sixteen tables spread, and over 1900
'eople partook of the luxuries and deli
'acies with which they were loaded. On
his occasion Mayor Rice delivered a
most eloquent and creditable address. I
cannot forbear giving you some extracts.
He said -
We are assembled once more in this
venerable Hall, consecrated by patriotic
memories, TO pay our homage to the vir-
ues and valor Of the past. We enter its
sacred portals with reverence as well as
oy, for here and to-day we summon no.
Die shades from their celestial homes. and
stand, as it were, face to face with the
patriot and sainted dead.
These venerable arches send back to
'ur ears the voices of other days these
'fligies ofmarble and canvas take life and |
'elng in our eyes; and, lost to the cares
u the passing day, we give our thought
o the contemplation of lfe's great ex-
lmples.
The great men of seventeen hundred
md seventy-sfx, all shrouded in glory
ire at rest. Their immediate success
ors, the great men of our memories
rave also passed to immortal fame. and
we stand still gazing after them uncertain
where their mantles fall