Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-05-09

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sOn the conclusion Of the exercises Of the field,
the battalion returned to town and proceeded to the
Hall ct the House of Commons, where the prizes
8 were awarded to the successful candidates. The
body Of the Hall and the galleries dcnsely
throngcd by the spirit and beauty and fashion of
our town. Amongst the distinguished gentlemen
present, we noticed His Excellency, Gov. Bragg,
Ex-Gov. Manly, Hon. George E. Badger, Hon. John
H. Bryan, Hon. S. H. Rogers, and host of others.
The first prize awarded was that of the Light In
fantry, and was presented by Ex-Gov. Manly, in
nearly the following terms On advancing to the
desk he was loudly cheered, and said 90
Citizen Soldiers:
The spirited contest in which you have been this
day engaged, can trace its origin and high lineage
to the remotest ages of antiquity.
More than thousand years before the dawn of
the Christian era, the young men of Greece we're
in the habit of assembling on their national festivals
at the far-famed Olympia sacred spot on the banks
of the Alpheus, to celebrate the Olympic games.
These games consisted of athletic contests in tri-
ais of the foot race, and the chariot race in eapng
running, wrestling, throwing the QUOT, and throwing
the javclin.
They were attended by vast concourse of spec
tators assembled from all the Grecian colonies of
Europe, Asia and Africa. The names of the CON-
pctitors were entered in list and severe training
gymnasium.
When the day arrived they were conducted to the
stadium place Of contest, by their Sympathizing
relations and friends, camorous in exhorting them
to acQuit themselves nObly.
The prize 10 the victor garland Of wild olive
cut from the tree in the sacred grove of Olympia
Palm leaves were at the same time placed in the
hands of the VICTOR and his name proclaimed
by herald throughout the immense assembly
Fresh honors awaited him on his return home. lie
re-entered his city in triumph banqnets given
him by his friends, and odes composed and sung in
honor of his victory.
The object Of the festival was to create and ce.
ment bond Of union of the Grecian States, pro-
noting kindly feelings and personal friendships.
The result was an extension of knowledge among
Olympia became a centre for the commerce of all
Greece for the free interchange of opinions and for
the publication of knowledge.
The concourse cf people afforded fit audience
for literary productions, and gave motive for the
composition of works, worthy to be laid before
them; while poetry and Statuary received an i'm
pulse from the demands made upon them to aid in
perpctuatng the victor's fame
Such conceive TO he the origin and foundation of
the kindred contest which have this day Witness
ed; and to the same high origin may be traced the
royal and popular tournaments, the "passage at
arms among the Knights of chivary; the Banquet
and Civic procession the presentation Of the sword
and the vote Of thanks, the erection of the stored
urn and animated bust, to emblaZon and perpetuate
the noble deeds of heroes and sages and statesmen,
practiSed down the long vista of successive ages
throughout the civilized world to the present time.
Here in that same spirit, and in c",Dmemoration
OF this time honored institution, has this large
sembly met this day, to reward with their presence,
this contest of artistic Skill appropriate to the pro-
fession of the citizen soldier.
And such assembly, Not only all the men,
but all the women are here. At least, all the pretty
ohono ho
any where else, should like to see them.
Look around YOU at those bright eyes, without
whose inspiring presence all Games spiritess and
the soldiers arms fall senseless by his side.
But let yonr glance, my young friends, be quick
and furtive linger not long the spectacle. or YOU
viii find yourself rddled by barbed javens and
darts, worse than the muskct balls have used up
these poor target boards They do not however,
poisoned weapons, and although they often Kill
fellow, never knew one yet to die.
We heard yesterday with pleasure the eloquent
remarks Of the Governor and Captain General of the
State welcoming to our midst and to our homes
and firesides the Wilmington Light Infantry Com.
pany-this wellordered Train Band of North
Cardinals sons, and the glowing and eloquent
Spouse of your own chivalrous and gifted young
orator. | will not weaken the force of their truth
fulness and beauty by repetition, but will take &C.
caSion barely remark: Let these contests be fDs-
tered and encouraged; let the military ardor Of
young men expand in the formation of volunteer
companies throughout the State, and noble emu
la:ion promoted by an interchange of visits to excel
in all those accomplishments both military and
social. which illustrate and adorn the character of
State.
Mr.. A. D. Cazaux, of the Wilmington Light In
fantry The judges have decided that you have on
this occasion. fairly won the prize BY the appoint
ment of the Oak. City Guards Of Raleigh, have the
proud honor to stand here their herald, to pro-
claim you victor, and to award tina. prize.
on her nOf0 hau Ipt of W.
a wreath of Palm leaves but silver Pitcher,
richly and deliberately carved and ornamented. and
practical value, bearing on its face its own modest
annals in appropriate inscription
Take it as the merted reward Of your own bril-
liant achievement.
Preserve it as the fraternal gift and keepsake of
your fellow soldiers and compatriots in arms The
Oak. City Guards Of Raleigh.
In conclusion l beg leave to return to my young
friends, my profound acknowledgements for the dis
tinguished position ASST gned me, in this pleasing
and interesting pageant and my true thanks to this
whole assembly for their silent and polite attention.
The address was we'll received throughout, and
very frequently interrupted by applause.
Private Cazaux responded in a Jew appropriate
words. He could not but feel proud at being the
victor on such an occasion, and he modestly offer.
ed his victory specimen Of the skill of his
rades He knew of but one battery they feared
that of the ladies eyes. He thanked Gov. Manly
sincerely, and took his seat.
Music then followed from the Cornet Band
Pulaski Cowper, Esq, then presented the goblet
to the successful marksman of the Oak.City Guards
He said
Mr.. j. j. Fs,reU, and
gentlemen Of the Oak. City Guards: