Daily national Democrat., 1861-05-28
DeIceates.
i. p. Wilson, Chairman.
Pan. + DGEsCnGR, Sec y.


frEG BHipGE CGLEBRAloN.-The great
Free Bridge demonstration, yesterday, was
largely attended. The procession formed on
street, corner of Third, and at precisely {;
o'clock commenced moving up G. On reach
ing Seventh street, the procession crossed
over TO d, passed down d to Third, and down
Third to the Bridge When the first wagon
crossed the bridge the procession was very
nearly half mile long. Several wagons
had Joined il after ii left the city and many
Of them did not come back in procession at
ALL The foremost wagon contained the
Morysyile Brass Band, which furnished most
excellent music for the occasion. As they
neared the bridge the two pieces Of artillery
planted ON the opposite bank welcomed them
in thunder tones, and the people already con
gregated sent up cheer after cheer.
We tried TO count the wagons, carriages,
dc, in the procession but only partially sue
ceeded. We made out eight large freight
wagons, with six and eight mule teams all
wearing bells They were headed by "Ihe
Star of the West" an immense "prairie
schooner" drawn by twelve splendid mules.
There were twelve express wagons, seven
drays and two large trucks, besides iunumer-
able farm wagons, carriages, buggies horse
men, footmen, &c, dc. They made a fine
appearance, under the guidance of the Mar
shal, Gen. NJ. d. Dobbins, assisted 10y hi
Aid, Col. W. A. Suttcr. When all had cross.
ed the river, thors were al leasL thousanc
people gathered about The speakers stand.
Some one in the crowd called for three
cheers for the Free Bridge, and they were
heartily given. Hon. L. Montgomery then
came forward and made an appropriate and
feeling speech, closing with very pretty
simile in which he ikencd the free bridge
spanning the waters which divide Yuba an,
Sutter, and standing an emblem of the gooC
will, the friendly relations, and of the mu
together, to the bow which was set in the
clouds, as an evidence of the good intention.
of the Creator towards his mortal handi
work
The band then struck up Hail Columbia
to the evident delight of the patriotic multi
tudc
Jno A. McQlaii was next called out, and
made an energetic speech which was well re-
ceivcd He was followed by |. S. Belchcr,
who spoke to the occasion in a polished and
highly satisfactory manner Hon. VIM. II
Parks came forward in response TO numerous
calls and spoke for some time. talking good
deal of sense in n clear and iorcible manner
As a member Of the Committee to which the
management Of the worl, had been entrusted,
he thanked every body who had aided it, and
expressed his qualification that it was so ad-
mirably completed. Some enthusiastic ad-
mirer called out from the crowd for three
cheers for Senator Parks and they were
cordially given.
Judge Linlley made the closing speech,
and concluded by proposing three more
cheers for the free bridge, which were given
almost frantically. Three rousing cheers were
also given for the builder Of the beautiful
structure, J. r. Lee, Esq.
Immediately alter the procession had cross
cd the river on their return, the bridge was
covered with canvas, and carpetcd with the
same material the ceremonies winding up
with a jolly dance on the bridge at night
We did not learn what the receipts of the
night were, but they must have been quite
handsome,
We should have mentioned in the outset
that the interest Of the occasion was much
enhanced by smart sprinkling Of "Ileaycn's
last, best gift OF course these latter were
present iu the evening to do their deyoirs at
the shrine of the gentle Terpsichore, and glad
den the hearts of the masculine devotees OF
the same light-heoled and light hearted god
dess