Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-07-08
GREpoRrEp FOR THE Standard

pepdeuce was celebrated in this city in becoming
and spirited manner. The weather was cool and
pleasant; and the facilities afforded by railroads
brought together an unprecedently large number of
citizens from the adjacent country. 1t would be safe
to say that the number reached three thousand Wis.,
itors, which, with population, made aggregate
of ten to eleven thousand. ......
The dawn of the 4th was announced by salute
of Cannon At sunrise the usual services were held
at the Presbyterian Church, where an appropriate
| address was delivered by Rev. Z. E. Skinner. We
not present but understand that the atten-
dance was quite numerous and the address very
J superior
Ats o'clock the procession was organized by Chief
Marshal Taylor, and consisted of the Oak City
Guards and quite number of private citizens. We
would like to see our citizens generally take more
active part in this portion of the celebration. The
example set by the distinguished gentlemen compo
sing the Supreme Court and the departments of State
might at least lead city fathers, including his
Honor the Mayor to descend to the streets oc.
casion of this kind. In our humble opinion it would
| not be much beneath their dignity.
The procession led by the Charlotte Band,
which dscoursed some excellent music, followed by
the O. c. g. with their relief band of flies and drums
Inc services IN the commons hall commenced
with prayer by Rev. MIR. Skinner. The Declaration
of independence was then read by w. R. Mason,
Esq, and then the Orator, W. j. Saunders, Esq,
| was introduced.
| Mr.. Saunders Grafton was an able and eloquent
effort, and highly credtable every respect to its
author. He reviewed the history of the formation
of the government, sketching with rapid hand the
leading ideas and events of the Revolution; after
which he dwelt at some length the present state
of the country, the evils that threaten US, and the
course which should be adopted by all friends of the
Constitution and the Union. The style of his ad-
dress clear, elevated, not too ornate and at times
| inpassioned It was a powerful Constitutional
Speech and its sentiments seemed to receive the ap.
proval of the large audience present.
The Hall was we'll filled, large number of ladies
occupying the seats in the body, and was ',stefuly
decorated with fags Amongst those present we
noticed His Excellency Gov. Bragg, Hons R. NJ.
Pearson and W. H. Battle, of the Supreme Court,
Hon. R. NJ Saunders of the Superior Court, Elk Gov
Manly, Hon. L. OBJ. Branch, D. W. Courts, Esq,
b F. Moore Esq, Rev. DR.. Wilson, CT Alamance,
DR.. Smedes, the Rev. Messrs. Atkinson, Christian,
| Skinner and James. The services were concluded
with benedicton by Rev. Dr. Wilson.
During the exercises the band played appropriate
airs; and at their conclusion salute of cannon
fred. The procession returned in the order of its
arrival.
At O'clock p m, the children of the various
Sabbath Schools assembled and formed in process
sion in front of DR.. Johnsons residence Hi!lsboro
street. and proceeded to the Presbyterian Church.
where they listened to an address by Rev. T. E.
Skinner. At the conclusion of these services they
dispersed to their several school rooms where they
were RECALLED with suitable refreshments
| INAUGURATION THE STATUE WASHINGTON.
The bronze statue of Washington, for the pur-
chase of which an appropriation was made by the
late General Assembly, and notice of which
will be found in another column, having arrived on
Thursday, was placed upon the pedestal prepared
for it on Friday 1t deemed most appropriate by
the committee of arrangements, to inaugurate this
statue on the occasion of the celebration of the in
dependence to which Washington much contribu-
ted. Accordingly, at o'clock, p. M, the Oak City
Guards were again under arms, and headed process
sion to the Capitol square. Arriving there, they
formed square on the four sides Of the monument.
A stand had been erected for the orator and chap
lain, around which large number thronged to wit.
ness the interesting ceremony. Conspicuous upon
the ground, and within the square formed by the
military, were pleased to see two Of our venera-
bic townsmen seated together-Wm. Boylan and
VIM. Peace, Esqs. They struck us by their ex-
IRENE age as forming the most intimate link between
the spectators and the great patriot whose statue
were me, to inaugurate.
As the covering OF the statue was removed the
Of cannon brought wildly before our minds
eye many of the trying scenes in which the Father
of his Country had stood by her, her destiny
paled and flickered, calm and unmoved as the imam.
innate figure before And how great the con.
trast between the reflection inspired by him, and
those excited in the poet as he behed Rome, the
great City of the Caesars, in the DUST
, "The No5e of nations, there she stands,
| Chdless and crownless in her vOiceess woe
An empty urn within her whered hands,
| Whose holy dust was scattered long ago."
The ceremonies were opened with prayer by Rev. j
NJ Atkinson, and then the Hon. R. M. Saunders was
introduced to the audience. Judge Saunders spoke
nearly as follows:
Fsllop- Citizens: 1t has been thought by the Com
mittee Of Arrangements that the ceremonies Of the
day, heretofore conducted with much spirit and
animation, should not be closed without something
being said in commemoration of an event which re-
fleets much credit on the pride and berality Of
the State-I mean the erection of this statue in hon.
or of the Father of his Country. To me has bee.
, assigned, by the kindness of the committee, the
pleasing duty of addressing you on this interesting
occasion-a duty discharge the more cheerfulIy
as feel we'll satisfied that the day and the occasion
are in themselves calculated whatever may fail tc
say to fill your bosom with pleasing emotions
Cold indeed must be the heart of that man, dead tc
every noble and generous feeling, who could -efec
f upon that bold and daring event in his country's
history, which this day brings back to remembrance
, without having his bosom filed with deep gratitude
with love and veneraton, whilst he remembers the
illust, ous name of Washington, and witnesses thest