The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-07-06
rnR YoURrmy

THE ROCHTHI
The Fourth Of July 1868 was = great
day in Keokuk. The weather vas glo-
orous, just ss II it was intended that the
people should enjoy themselves to their
hearts eoutSnt.
Tbs ever uemorsbls day was usbsrsd
in. by the sound Of bells and CANNON.
awakening mot only the siumbering echoes
of the surrounding hills bat also the
slumLaring citizens oi Keoknk. AT an
early h1ur, the streets we're throaeed with
maI.itudss of citizens and people from
the country and neiehboring villages.
who seemed TO throw aside all care end
enter into ths proceedings with una
pimity such a. We seldom see. and ~
usual on occasions of this kind, they
sel,ct-d various methods Of entertainment,
for the day.
The appearance of the Horribles Was
the 6 ~ er~i feature, and hov they did
awaken the risibllties of young aud old,
with their grotS,que sad l.sghter- -pruvo
king costumes, making ever, body in
good humor with himself and the res,
of m.nkihd. The order faily equsllec II
not excell~d any previous parade Of the
kind we ever witnessed. They number.
cd abvut City. and with the exception ol
the musicians and few who rode in d.
lspidaisd bngeies, they were mounted
on apologies for horsss and mules. They
were equipped 10 the most varieeated
and fantastic stylesof dreAs that the fancy
man could invent. They we're Of sl
sizes, shapes and colors and burlesquet
Turks, Arabs. Indians, Soldiers, Yan
KEGS, Wosly Heads, Imps Of Dsrk mass
aud other notsbles too numerous to men
ton. With their horned heads, wooll,
heads. evil heads. eagle besks, forked
tails, high and sharp pointed cones Of hats
and their immense spears. and sword,
and other Understandable acooutremeni,
they we're about ~ fearful and hidcous u
japanese Army but in psuorains q
varied for us - attempt to give IL
particulars would be inyilious to tb
whole, ~ no description can do them jus
ice.
Dividing the public attention at th
same time, was . concern lAbelled ~
consisting of mammoth chicken coo]
and one Of smaller size containing IL
mes,ic animals. with wonderful and jay
breaking names, and great was the fu
they produced.
At 10 O'Clock A, n. the procession vi
formed and ready to move. the Grsr
Marshal and bis aids having got ever
in order, 10 accordance with the pr
gramme. The military consisted
Gen. Curtis and Staff. and the Provo
Guard. The military were followed
the Fire Companies. with their hose O.
riBges aud engines which we're tasteful
decoratsd with wresths Of Howera and I.
ergreens. ribbons. miniature flags a
streamers. Much credit is due 10 9
Firemen for the sc.ive efforts which th
made to ronder the celebration o
Of more than usual attraction and int
eat.
Coming next were the various organ
ed bodies of the city and citisens in c.
risgcs and wagons. The march to
grove through the principal streets. oc'
pied from an hour to al hour AMI b.
After their arrivsl there, the crowd d
posed of themselves according to th
individual notions Of comfort and pie
ure most Of them however, eongregat
around the speakers stand to listen
what was said.
The exercises commenced with pra
BY Rsv Dc. Oillet, after which the D .,
ration Of Independence was read by W
Lynch Esq, then followed an oration
Col. R .nkin, which was listaned to y
rapt sttention, by the crowd Of
sons present. There were several o,
speeches, in response to the ioasts
scntiments; ii 10 not necessary for .
speak Of them 10 detail, - no comm
which We cAs bssiow 10 = brief no
Ike chs, Il assessary 70 shoss whe =