The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1862-07-12
THE OBSERVANCE OF THE FOURTH.

| The Birthday of our Nation was celebrated
in this neighborhood in q manner that far sur
passed the expectations of the most sanguine
The narrowing scenes encompassing our beloved
Country impressed all deeply with the events
then sought to be commemorated, and the free
out gushings Of the heart on that day but plainly
indicated the interest felt by every one All
the petty jealouses and animosities of the politi
cal and social circles were thrown aside, and the
utmost harmony characterized the proceedings.
The weather was very favorable-the sun
somewhat oppressive, but rendered agreeable by
cool south breeze. The grounds selected were
we'll suited, being in a beautiful grove on Mr..
Gilbert's farm on the east side of the Smoky.
At an early hour a salute Of thirty -four guns
reminded our citizens of the occasion, and soon
all was hustle, the juveniles only lacking the
fire crackers. By eight o'clock the people began
gathering upon the spot selected, where had
been erected number of tables, seats, and q
speakers stand. At least four hundred people
were gathered together by eleven o'clock. when,
the table being made to almost groan beneath
the edibles collected, the assembly was called to
order by the President of the Day, DANIEL MITCH
ELL, Esq. The exercises were opened by prayer
by Mr.. o. Davidson. The Declaration of Inde-
pendence was read by William S. Blakely, after
which the audience were entertained for an hour
or more, by Messrs. White, Perkins, and McKin-
ley, in very neat, eloquent and appropriate
speeches.
The sumptuous repast furnished by the ladies
was next in order. We cannot do it Justice
suffice it to say the hungry pack did.
Toasts and responses were next in order The
following are some of those offered:
The DAY WE CELEBRArE-It saw q Nation
called into existence; it will be the birthday of
the same Nation for many generations to come.
Responded to by G.. F. Gordon, in speech
replete with political wisdom.
ABRAHAM LISooLx-President of the United
States. Worthy to follow in the footsteps of him
who was +" first in war, first in peace, and first
in the hearts of his countrymen."
Responded to by Mr.. White.
The CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED SrArEs-Con-
ceived by great mind, born under severe trials,
and nursed by a nation of Freemen. Its defam-
ers have learned ere this, to their sorrow, that
the old nurse will never desert her bantling.
Response by Mr.. Mckinley.
THE ARMY AND NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES
blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be
called the children of God"
Responded to by B. F. Perkins.
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER-That flag around
which SO many millions Of Freemen are this day
assembled. Long may it wave DER the land Of
the free and the home of the brave"
In response, this national anthem was sung
by the choir.
THE BATTLE OF SrR1SGFrELD-The time and
place that tried the hearts and knees Of our Kan
sas volunteers.
Response from William S. Blakely.
THE LADIEs-Our natural ally. Nobly have
they performed their part in this our day of
trouble.
Responded to by A. c. Pierce.
The time was pleasantly extended by num-
Der of mpromtu toasts, repartees, interchanges Of
sentiments, promenades, DC.
Between five and six o'clock the festivities
broke up. a portion of the country people return
ing home, while others came into town to enjoy
the Hop.
Quite a number of Captain Stewards boys
joined with our citizens in the exercises, and by
their sociabilty and gentlemanly conduct won
golden opinions from the entire community. In
but make note it. fellow is excusable for
getting drunk on Independence Day, yet not
man gave way to the spirit Of the Still. All the
grog shops in town remained closed the entire
day.
In the evening, about forty-ive couple assem-
bled in Wilson's Hall, and tripped the eight
fantastic toe till the short hours of morning.
AT ABILENE.
A friend writes us that ample preparations
had been made by the citizens for all who might
participate A beautiful Liberty Pole had been
raised the day previous, and st an early hour
it bore aloft the proud flag of our glorious Union.
The flag had been prepared by the ladies of the
neighborhood, and its beauty indicated the feel
ings of our patriot sisters. truly patriotic and
soul-stirring Grafton was delivered by Captain
JAMES R. MCCLURE, hero of the present ma
tional strife. National songs We're sung by a
we'll selected choir of ladies and gentlemen.
The Declaration of Independence was read, and
the many auditors thrilled with the impulses
it awakened. A splendid supper was in wait
ing to which all repaired, to satisfy the cravings
Of the inner man. The dance in the evening
was we'll attended, and went off merrily The
sweet strains Of the violin brought oil in mem
ory Of the past. The number present far ex-
ceeded the expectations Of the getters-up, yet all
were found to have received perfect satisfaction,
and claim that the remembrance of the celebra-
ton at Abilene of the Seth anniversary Of the
American Union will long linger in the patriotic
hearts Of the people Of Dickinson County.
AT SALIVA.
At this extreme frontier point, we learn the
day was celebrated with all the enthusiasm the
the soul is capable. "Out of the abundance of
the heart the mouth speaketh," applies most
aptly to those SO far removed from the adyan.