True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-07-14
Fox The TRUE AMERICAN.
Fourth of July in Lagrange.
WELLsBUEG, July 5, l6;

WELLsBURG, July D, 1898.
Mr.. EDlToR:-By invitation was
present at the celebration Of the Fourth BY
the scholars OF the Sunday School in La.
grange O., and must say that | was not
only gratfed, but greatly surprised at the
handsome manner in which it was done.
The time appointed was Saturday at 2
o'clock, p. NJ, and accordingly at that
hour were to be seen scholars and teach
ers, citizens and visitors, vending their
ways toward the M. P. Church, when
they were addressed by Rev. Cox, and
the Superintendent John Barrett, ESQ.,
A procession wss then formed, consisting
of over !hree hundred persons, headed by
the Lagrange Brass Band. After march
ing through the principal streets, all re-.
paired to the Depot, which had been
kindly tenderedby the gentlemanly agents
Messrs. Cope & Cleaver The Declara-
ton was read by ]. D. Nichols, Esq,
Of this place, who also delivered a most
beautiful, eloquent and appropriate ad
dress. Mr.. Nichols was followed by
Rev. John Shearer, in a learned and
interesting discourse. A sumptuous table
had been prepared in the Depot by o
committee appointed for that purpose
who now proceeded to distribute to the
school and afterwards to the VISITORS
This, | doubt not, was the most interest
ing part of the performance to the many
little boys and girls that were there, a;
was indicated by scores of smiling faces
and bright, sparkling eyes. Children
are children the world over, and are al
ways at the climax of happiness wher
such "least of fat things" of which they
are so fond, is spread out before them a
greeted their gaze that day in Lagrange
This was the first demonstration Of tina
kind ever held in that quiet village, ant
long and fondly will it be remembered
by all who were present on that occasion
1t is decidedly the great epoch in the his
tory of Lagrange. and speaks loudly il
praise of the spirit and enterprise OF he
citizens. While the streets of her neigh
Dor across the river were quiet an
deserted, Lagrange was all hustle an
STIR, the joyous laugh rang out upon tn
air-happiness tadiated from every coun
tenance and all were cheered and enliver
ed by the Band, discoursing from time {
time sweet strains of music. Altogethe
it was real gala day. Only fe,
months ago the children were playin
about the streets on Sabbath morning
no Sunday School to attend, but no,
they can be seen even early in the morn
ing, dressed in their best attire, comm
in from all points of the compass t
school. What has brought about th
change! Why do those little children
once so careless perhaps, now hasten wit
eager footsteps, and beaming faces an
glat smiles to tile Church? Why is
that now they are found at home doin
what they never did before, reading thei
Bibles :? Who does not know the reason
1t is because q few persons, true philan
thropists, whose hearts are in the righ
place have conserted together, unite
their energies, and are sOorking togethe
in the great cause Of piety aud humanity
The little ones, and those Of ripper year
have been induced to come, anG whe
there, they have found sources of enjoy
: ment and real pleasures that they nevt
dreamed of. The wonders, the beauties
the fascinating. charms of the Bible al
! developed and laid open to their view.-
Kind admonilions, goodly instructions
morality, and cheering words Of encou
agement are their meat and drink, and
e is no wonder hat they grow up into inte
, ligent and happy boys and girls. Dot
j it not, then, speak loudly in praise of IL
y citizens of Lagrange, that they not on
i have good Sunday School, but that the
9 have SO much public spirit and SO muc
: patriotism as 10 make such a fine displ'
0 as they have done! One thing was pa
q ticularly noticed by all, and that was h
n order which prevailed throughou! The e
s tire performance-no unnecessary moi
J. mo confusion--no outbursls of passio
g but on the contrary each seemed to
II desirous 10 promote the happiness al
y comfort of the others Thus harmon
e became the strength and support Of
IS that was done that day.
y In conclusion we say, "tbree cheel
for Lagrange. W. H. MARTIN.
d Had there never been a cloud, the
10 never would have been a rainbow.