The hydraulic press., 1859-07-09
THE CELEBRATIONS.

day was clouded, breezy and cool-a most
remarkable phenomenon for the season. If
/ the clerk eff the weather had been especially
I petitienea, lie could not have acted in a more
obliging and satisfactory way. AT one time
a few drops of rain came pattering down, to
! the great dismay of exposed crinoline, but
did not assume the energy of shower
| The celebrations were as delightful as the
weather. Let US begin our account of them
at
NORTH SAN JUAN-Correctly speaking the
celebration began here the night previous to
the Fourth. Flags were flying along the
principal street, huge bonfire blazing, and
fireworks going off to the great enjoyment
of unlocking crowds. The Fourth itself
was ushered in--thats the regular phrasewe
believe-with salute of thirty-three guns,
from the San Juan Anvilery under Capt.
Archibald; and the Brass Band awoke the
early echoes and every sleeper by executing
on Culver's balcony some of their finest mar
tial strains. Then followed an intermitting
explosion of pyrotechnics, la Chmois, by
the youngsters ofthe town. This continued
until late at night. Main street was gaily
decorated with flags, and across the lower
end of it Messrs. Hatfield and Smith had
constructed starry arch, supporting a tri-
colored globe, on which stood a large gilt
eagle with extended wings, the stars and
stripes floating beneath. By eight clock
the town began to fill with people from the
surrounding country. Camptonville sent
down large delegation, and Nevada, Cher
okee, Humbug, Arnold's Ranch Columbia
Hill, Freeman's Crossing, Montezuma, Sc
bastopol, Sweetland, BirchvilIe and French
Corral were all numerously represented
The Birchyille Artillery, Capt. Purdon, con-
| pants and white shirts, came up with their
gun and were escorted through town by
procession of citizens, headed by the Brass
Band and accompanied by the "Sons of Nep-
tune" Soon afterwards the regular process
sion of the day was formed, under the direc-
ton of the Marshal, n. C. Miller. 1t was
led by the Band, following which were the
officers, members and guests of Manzanita
Lodge, in regalia, with the members of La
fayette Chapter Royal Arch Masons, of Camp
tonyille, also in full regalia. Then came
about thirty sailors, clothed in white shirts
with the naval star on the collar black trow-
sers and straw hats, bearing an American
flag, and a blue silk banner trimmed with
! flowers, on which was inscribed in letters of
gold, around golden anchor, the words
Omitted Sons of Neptune" Next came
about hundred Cambro- Americans. carry
ing the flag of their adopted country. They
were followed bya long line of citizens on
foot and horseback, numbering four or five
hundred. The streets were crowded with
| spectators, and the scene witnessed by them
was, for small mining town, enc of great
novelty and excitement. The procession
moved up Main street, through Pine to
tillery saluted it as it passed with salvo af-
ter salvo in rapid succession. The process
sion then pursued its march to the pleasant
grove prepared for the occasion, distant
about three-fourths of mile over Clark &
Cos. saw-mill railway, preceded by an open
car containing thirteen little misses in white
carrying small flags, who were emblemati-
cal of the original thirteen States The car
also contained the Orator of the Day, JAS
Churchman, Esq, together with number of
| ladies and gentlemen, and was drawn by four
gray horses tandem. As the procession
wound its ay,with music and flying banners,
through the green woods, along the curving
railway, now visible and then lost to SIGHT
for time, it presented picturesque andat-
tractive appearance. Arrived on the ground,
where large coneourse of people had al
ready assembled, great number of ladies
having been early conveyed thther by way
of the railroad, the scene that met the gaze
was exceedingly animated. 1t is estimated
that twelve or fifteen hundred persons were
congregated when the exercises began-a
| IaISeT HuInUer lHdH WAS ever assembled on
the Ridge at any previous time. Seats were
arranged with ampitheatrical effect on slo-
ping ground at the foot of which was the
speakers stand and facing that platform
for the musicians and little girls After
national air from the Band, Israel Crawford
Esq. read the Declaration of Independence in
clear, audible and emphatic manner. An
other Air from the Band, and Jas. Church.
man, Esq. was introduced to the audience as
the Orator of the Day. His address was
wholly extemporaneous, and marked by
more force, originality and suggestiveness
than are common to Fourth ofJuly orations.
In the course of it he drew striking pic
ture of the pPorrpsS our couptrx- bas mo Il n