The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-07-12
The Fourth at Burton.

The Fourth at Burton.
The eighty.f anniversary Of our Ma
tional Independence has come and gone,
and mover has thore been one moro mem
orable The day was bright and glorious,
typical, wo would fain boliovc, of the future
of our country; and tho thousands who
joined TO commCmoia' 10 it, realized in an un-
usual degree, its great and sublime meaning.
At Burton, it was celebrated in a manner
which could not but awaken stirring momo-
ries of The better days of tho Republic, and
inspire removed forts to preserve its in-
estimablo institutions. An immense con-
course of people, numbered only by thou
sands, wcro in attendance. A single pro-
cession, from Iuntsburgh. exceeded milo,
and another, which camo in from Munson,
headed by n fine company of about forty
horsemon from Munson and Chester, wo
should think was half milo, in length
A Cavalry Company, about seventy-five in
number, from Parkmnn, and which had
been organized but fow days, malo a
good appearances, and attracted considerable
attention.
Huntsburgh, Ncwbury, Burton, Auburn,
Chardon and Chester, and perhaps other
Townships of tho County, had Companies OF
Infantry on tho grounds, all well drillod and
some quito large. Tho Chagrin Falls Home
Guards and Zuaves, who were also ON the
grounds, acquitted themselves with much
credit.
The Chagrin Falls Band and tho Excelsior
Band of Burton decourscG excollont pat
riotic music throughout the day,
At about 10 o'clock, the Fing Raising took
place on the Public Square Tho military
formed in hollow square around the Lib.
erty Pole; as tho flag slowly ascended TO
its place, Tho Star Spanglcl Banner was
sung with fno effect, by Messrs. johnson
Ford and Tuttle, of Burton; and when
from the top of the pole, 1t mnjestically
{ floated in tho clear sunlight, it was saluted
with tho firing of cannon and throo rousing
and heart fclt cheers.
Judge Garfield presided at the Stand
where, in the forenoon, tho exercises con
sisted of prayer by the Rev. ID Witter
music, "The Star Spanglcd Banner" by the
Excelsior Band; tho reading of tho Declara
; alton by Il A. Ford and an address by
Hon. Reuben Hitchcock. Mr. Hitchcock
address, which was devoted to tho present
crisis in our National affairs. was eminontl,
5 practical and appropriate. In conclusion
= he paid an eloquent tribute to the Soldiers
of 1912, of whom thero wore n number OF
tho Stand, and cxhorted all to faithfully
perform their duty, and patiently await tn,
issue of tho coptost.
After dinner, the people at the Stant
were favored with an extemporaneous ad
f dress by Hon. James A. Garfield, which was
characterized by that depth OF thought and
richness of dicton which have given him hi:
enviablo fame as public speaker. Like
Mr.. Htchcock's, it related mainly to tho
National crisis, its cause, and tho duties il
requires of good mon and loyal citizens. W.
regret that we cannot give synopsis o.
this address, as some Of the views OK
= pressed, though to our mind correct, were
new to many who heard il.
o At the conclusion of Mr.. Garield's ad
n dress, letter was read, from Hon. F. T
Backus, dated Cleveland, June 29lh, apol
% ogizng for his failure to be present. Alto
!, stating as tho reason unavoidable profess
y y ional engagements, tho lettor says:
v 1t is with very great reluctance | an
D compelled to reconsider my engagement
r 10 be with you on the h proximo, but i
i seems absolutely necessary that l SHOULD
y do so. Had you not two other speaker
ID engaged, should be even more reluctan
., ., Than | am TO fail of being with you. MI
a Hitchcock l have personally notified Q
20 my inability 10 be with him, and herewith
N write to Mr.. Garfield to the same effect
% l am confident, therefore, that what
S, my loss will be your gain but an
y. really very much disappointed al tn
g necessity that keeps me from you.
ID There has never since my recollection
of been Fourth Of July SO pregnant as thi
10 with topics OF discussion, prolific in inter
p. est, and calculated, from their immeasur
10 able importance, to arouse the patriotism
m OF every well wisher, not only Of his coun
y try, but Of the cause of free institution
~ ~ throughout the world. But know flu
a. we'll that the loving citizens @
h. Old Geausa need no promptings from me
c. to induce them to stand by their countr,
o, and its Government in the struggle j
70 which We are now engaged. and which
us SO wisely, SO firmly and at The same time
o. o. so prudenlly being conducted by the Ma
a. tional Government. That its final resu
a, will be the effectual crushing out OF trea
al son, and the re-estaolishment of tha
Government which was the direct sc
ils quence of that great Declaration whic
on you are about to commemorate, over III
rs Whole country, let no man for one momer
-, 70 doubt. With great respect. remain
II Your obedient servant,
~ Il. T. BACKUS.