The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1858-07-15
The E0urfl..
a Pick Nick Party in Polk Toacnship-.it
doings, enjoyments, &C., &c.
BY ONE PRESENT.

BY ONE PRESENT.
Who, of a thinking, rejecting mind, living
in the present age-that is not struck with
wonder at the rapid progress our heaven-fa-
vored country is daily making in all that tends
to promote their happiness and enjoyment p
Eighty-two years ago, on this day, gallant
little band assembled together--threw of the
shackles Of British oppression and declared us
a Free, Independent Nation. Eighty-two years
have flown and where are those iron-handed
men who fearlessly signed their names to that
which. for aught they knew to the contrary,
would be their death warrant? Where are
they2 Gone, gone from among US forever!-
Their bodies rest in the cold silent grave; and
yet they are not deadl No they have not died!
Death with all his boosted skill could not
reach them, save to dissolve and shuttle off the
mortal coil, for their spirits live among us yet
lay, and will live in close communion till this
happy and prosperous Republic shall be num-
bered with the nations Of the earth no more;
aud God grant that the sun and moon and all
the starry host Of heaven cease their rounds,
that time may cease to be ere that day come.
Eighty-two years have flown, and what
mighty changes have been wrought! How
many have come upon the stage-have played
their part in the great drama of life, and have
passed.
Gone like dream that was and had been told
And is forgotten.
How many hamlets, towns and cities have
sprung up since then in the wiaened "era Of
freedom" and poured fourth upon this festive
day, who have blessed God il was day Of
rejoicing.
Eighty-two years have passed, and where
and what are we now? Standing in the midst
of one of the most enlightened ages Of the
world, one of the most prosperous and power
full nations upon it! True at present some
political strife is stirring our northern and
southern States, the tide of which causes a
swell of commotion in the central States, and
Territories. Yet should the insolence of des-
pot cause one feather to rufile upon the AMER
IcAN Eagle and soon these principles Of po-
litical strife will change like scene Of en-
chantment; no difference Of opinion will
cause either parties to wait the action of the
other. Each will buckle on his armor and
strive to excel in the chastisement Of their
common enemies. Yea, from the frozen boz
som of the North to the dew-dropping South,
each will join with the other, hand in hand,
to crush their common foe, to do honor to the
land that gave them birth, and teach them the
folly and bad policy of tampering with FREE
MANS RIGHTS.
Let onr eye range the dim vista Of years we
have passed and by them predict for the future,
the realization of golden hopes and golden an
ticipations.
These reflections were drawn from pleasant
observations which passed Immediately under
our eye, and we blessed God to think it our
happy lot to be cast among those who were
born free, or by our Constitution made FREE,
Independent Citizens.
Upon, or near. the beautiful farm of Nicho-
las Neigibor, ESQ.,, in Polk Township, and
within ten rods OF his dwelling, is beautiful
grove of various kinds OF timber, the appear
ance of which TO the lover Of Natures EN- bel
lishment is truly animaiing. About 10 o.
clock that grove and the by paths and roads
were dotted with bean and belle vending their
way to this rural retreat; each bearing bask-
ct OF FRUITS and TARTs, pies and cakes, al
monds and raisins, bread and butter and hon.
ly way-of sandwiches, and all kinds of pallet
able food. Soon these were laid upon the
table to wait their discussion at later hour,
while the bearers made themselves happy in
the enjoyment Of welcoming the anniversary
of their country's Freedom--the Fourth OF
July.
Swings and songs and merry plays seemed to
awaken in each youthful breast the true senti-
menis of their forefathers, the Patriots Of
Seventy-six. By which the British Yoke Of
tyranny, bigotry, and superstition had been
thrown off and placed beneath the feet Of the
true lovers of INDEPENDENCE and FRDEDoM.
1t to them was occasion enough to awaken
such glorious feelings; they knew the dark
pail of envy vailed all EUROPE upon that sa-
cred day, and that the spirit Of the FATHER
Of our Country was smiling upon our Nations
prosperity.
The Declaration Of Independence was read
by Mr.. Joseph Burkey, an appropriate song
well sung by Mr.. Horatio Johnson, and the
placing Of wreath woven Of choice flowers
upon young brow equally fair, in due time
prepared each department for dinner into
which the writer pitched at the rate Of "two
forty" per minute.
The dinner over over and each returned to
enjoy their happy exercises, until the sun be-
gan to hide herself beneath the western hori-
zon, when all left for their peaceful, happy
homes, as full Of the spirit of Freedom as was
their forefathers eighty-two years ago.
LEAvENwoRTH, X. t., July 10.
James Beard, City Marshal, was br,itally