Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-07-07
The Foarth.

The. eighty second spniversaty 8 ON in-
dependence was spiriledly and appFpp lie,
brated in this city. On Saturday last The wsStAer
Was intensely oppressive it has been for several
days past, and. probably from this cause. the mum
Der Of visitors was not near SO large on former
occasions The manner Of the celebration was much
as heretofore, the only difference being palpable
falling off in the details-no music, illumination,
and an Indifferent display of freworks-though the
cost was fully equal 10 that of former years. The
days proceedings may be summed up as follows:
At daybreak the national salute was tired, and at
sunrise the usual religious services were performed
at the Presbyterian Church. We were not present.
but we understand the attendance was pretty nu-
merous and that the address Of Rev. j. M. Atkinson
was very superior one. The subject was "educa-
ton, essential to civil government, &C." gentle
man capable of judging described the address to us
as extraordinary" 1t has added much to the rep
utation of its distinguished author.
At 8 o'clock the procession was formed at the
courthouse; and headed by the Oak. City Guards,
under the command of Lieut. Thompson, Captain
Tucker officiating as ChiefmarshalO proceeded to
the hall of the House of Commons. The hall was
well filed, two-thrds o: the audience being ladies.
by Rev. DR.. Mason, followed by the reading of the
national Declaration of Independence by VIM. j.
Saunders, Esq, and an grafton by Henry r. Bryan,
Esq. We were more than pleased with Mr.. Bryan's
address--so, indeed, must have been every one who
heard it. 1t was characterised by good taste and
sound common sense, and evinced more than super
fetal knowledge, and it acas remarkably soeU deliu
ered The exercises closed shortly after II o'clock.
At half past two the Oak City Guards left town
on target excursion, and at o'clock the usual
Sunday school children's procession was formed and
proceeded to the Presbyterian church, where they
were addressed by Rev. L. L. Hendron of the M. E.
church of this city. We did not hear this address,
but it is very highly spoken Of At the conclusion
of the services the children repaired to their respec
tive school-rooms to partake of refreshments.
Soon after o'clock the o. c. G's. returned from
target practice and marched to the southern front
of the Capitol, where the result was announced as
follows: Best single shot by private Jno. 7. Will
hanson in the bulls eye; best average private j. j.
Ward, 4 5.l2 inches; second best average private
Jno T. Williamson, 6 LIZ inches. The prize, a
neat silver goblet, then presented to Mr.. Ward
by Kemp P Battle Esq, on behalf of the donor, in
a neat and appropriate speech. The company was
then dismissed.
At dark display of fire works took place on Nash
Square, which was very largely attended. Previous
to the display, the Meckenburg Declaration of indie
pendence was read by Mr. W. R. Richardson and
an address on that instrument was delivered by Mr..
w. H. Finch Judging from what we have heard Ct
this address, the speaker quite successful
In conclusion we may state that the general con.
duct throughout the day and evening was every
thing that could have been desired. Order was well
sust lined by the marshals and police; and, consd.
ering the extreme heat Of the weather, all enjoyed
themselves much. The fire works were under the
superintendent of Mr.. Wm Thompson, who, as
usual was quite successful in firing them. Two
very handsome balloons were successfully inflated
and dispatched on their airy mission amidst the loud
est cheers.