Daily national Democrat., 1859-05-04
MAY Party.

| attempt to portray some events, as connec-
ted with the May Party, held by the Singing
School of Smartsville, on the Ranch of Mr..
Ray, nearly two miles from the Empire
Ranch | feel myself incompetent to do jus
tice to the subject, for two reasons The first
is, That such an idea was the fartherest from
my thoughts, until leaving the vicinity; and,
took no note of many things necessary,
(nnmes unknown, &c, to give anything like
a true picture. Second, if had them ever
so accurate, my facilities of Daguereotyping
it upon the mind are far below par. But
sometimes a poor picture is better than
none. But, before proceeding, l will give
a short description of how came to be of the
party. Last week, l. in company with my
husband, left my residence, near the Buttes,
for short trip in the mining district at Tim
buctoo, and vicinity, to see some friends, and
see how the gold was taken from its bed
which | should think was rather overloaded
with cover, to suit the wishes of those whose
desire is to unlodge it. Yet by perseveriug,
and united efforts, assisted by the potent eff
feet of water, conducted by the greater pow
err of the intellect of its master-Man,-i is
obliged to yield its place, wake from its long
sleep, to perform its office in this world of
ours; either for good, or evil, which depends
in a great measure, whether the moral and
spiritual propensities of its possessor prepon-
ha Ruf 70
While at Timbuctoo, l met with little
motherless girl, whom | very much wished
to adopt, and, upon receiving encouragements
of doing SO, after meeting her, and her friends
at the party, concluded to do so.
Arriving upon the ground, after a delight
full drive through the ranches of the Empire,
and Mr.. Ray, we found the prospect so fa-
vorabe, we concluded to stop awhile for the
qualification of oar Lizzie, and also, our own
he elevation of the spot was well calcula-
ted to produce happy effect. Four swings
were suspended from the limbs of the massive
trees which overshadowed us with their leafy
foliage, and which were allowed but little
rest, throughout the day. Both young, and
middle-aged, joining in the exhilirating effort
of endeavoring to reach the boughs, from
which their supporters were suspended, bnt
in vain From this might be adduced a
moral, if time, and space, would admit; but,
we will leave it for the reader to induct.
After the greetings of friends were over, q
call from the Teacher Of the school, was heard
inviting the company to assemble, when the
exercises of the day, would be opened by
choosing a Chairmar who, when selected,
and walking to his seat, observed that he
saw no chair Upon being informed that he
must not expect favors beyond the ladies, he
submitted with a smiling countenance, which
appeared to be sympathetic. He then made
a few Appropriate opening remarks, which
were cordially greeted, after vhich, music,
by the school, which broke in upon the still
ness which was then reignng with an en-
lvening harmonious effect, as true music ev-
er does Then followed the crowning of the
May Queen, which l never before witnessed
but should juege, was beautifully performed
Truly the Queen looked lovely, adorned with
wreaths OF flowers, encirclng her neck, but
the crown far exceeded all. In its front was
entwined as beautiful rose, as | think | ev-
er saw, from the celebrated garden of the
Empire, and when it was placed upon her
head by one of the three beautiful attendants,
overwhelming her smiling and youthful
countenance, truly the Tableax was striking
ly impressive.
Then followed a short, but well digested
speech, upon the origin of the May Day fes-
tival, and its attendant pleasures, very ap-
propriate, then music by the Teacher, atten-
ded by two gentlemen, each carrying their
part, all creditable performers, when the
company were released to each enjoy them
selves as best they might.
Soon the strains of the violin were heard,
and a request for the gentlemen to engage
their partners for a dance on the green.
Both young and old, seemed to be equally
animated while joining in this innocent pas
time. Yes, innocent, when not accompanied
by late hours, and excesses, by which it is
too often In due time preparations were
made, by which to satisfy the call from the
physical system, by spreading the table upon
the green velvet carpet of nature, 1t was soon
covered with profusion of edbles, and del
icacies enough and to spare, followed by a
dessert tempting to all, especially the young
er class, who did credit to all,
The afternoon exercises consisted of alter
nate darcing and music, by the school, until
satisfied, and each dispersed to their respec-
tive homes. All seemed to drink in their
fill of enjoyment, with nothing to mar. The
scene will long hold place in my memory.
We took our little girl and proceeded as
far as the Empire, and in the morning, after
viewing their beautiful garden, wended our
way to this city, and to day, while the CRATE.
ful soil is receiving the refreshing showers.
from the bending Clouds cheering the face of
the farmers, | am penning these few stray
thoughts which, Mr.. Editor, if you think
would be any satisfaction to those interested
you may insert i'll your paper.
II. II. CLARK.
MARYsvmLE, May ID, 1859.
The LATE SHOOTING AFFAIR AT SAN FRAN
oIsco.-In speaking of the recent shooting
affair in San Francisco the Alta says;