Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1864-07-07
Celebration of the Fourth.

our village, and being aware that such
would be the case, we repaired to the village
of Linden, where celebration had been
previously announced According to pro-
gramme the day was ushered in by salute
at sunrise. A procession led by the Band,
who discoursed excellent music, was formed
at about 10 o'clock, which proceeded to the
stand erected for the accommodation Of
speakers, and listened to the opening prayer
by Rev. NJ DINsDALE. After which, SAM'L
ERsKINE, Esq, read the Declaration of In
dependence and was followed by Rev. J. E.
IRISH, who delivered very interesting and
highly patriotic Grafton, which was listened
to with great interest by very large audi
ence. He pictured in eloquent language the
desperate undertaking of the signers of the
Declaration just listened to. 1t was like
signing their own death warrant. They, a
mere handful of men were arraying them
selves against the King of Great Britain,
lone of the most formidable monarchs on
the face of the earth. They knew full well
that it would bring on a fearful struggle
between them and the mother country, and
viewing the preceding history of that
nation, they could hardly hope for success
against such mighty odds, but they were
fully equal to the task, they had counted
the cost, and were well aware of the fearful
risks they were to run. He viewed the al
most miraculous progress of the States
since gaining their Independence. Their
wholesome laws, untramelled justice, and
freedom of its inhabitants, had induced
millions of the oppressed and down trodden
of other climes to seek this land as refuge
| from all the opressions and usurpations Of
kings, monarchs and tyrants. The growth
of population had transcribed the most
credulous anticipation The one million
and quarter Gncluding blacks) of 1850,
the less than three millions of 1880, had
reached nearly four millions in 1890, nearly
five and third millions in 1900, more than
nine and a half millions in 1920, nearly
thirteen millions in 1880, and so on to near
ly thirty one and half millions in 1860
Petitioners of the war of the Revolution had
lived to see the ear Vest transferred
from the valleys of Virginia, the eastern
base of the Pennsylvania Alleghanies, and
the center of New York to the great deserts
beyond the Mississippi And so rapid had
been the increase through the last fifty
years, that if it kept on at the same ratio to
the close of the present century, but thirty
six years hence, the population of the
United States would reach the enormous
proportions of one hundred millions, exceed
ing the present population Of England,
France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal,
Sweden and Denmark After which re-
! view he spoke Of the rebellion in the South,
and heaped contempt and shame Oh the
mean and despicable beings who would up
hold, or in any way aid the hell-born scheme
of secession. High praise was given to
our noble army Of heroes who are periling
their lives in defence of the nation, and
working with might and main to preserve
the nations honor and life, and drive back
| the fearful tide of fanaticism and rebellion
which had so fiercely set against her. The
| Grafton, on the whole, was very talented
production, and delivered with energy and
enthusiasm, and were it not that we are
crowded for room, we should be very glad
to publish it entire aee.er, a
AT the close Of the Grafton the dinner
was announced, and general rush was
made for the first table, but it was found
impossible for everyone to find seat, the
table holding only about 1876, and there
being near 1000 wishful for dinner. Affairs
were generally we'll conducted though we
must confess that one thing was not rightly
managed. The Band who had been filing
up the intermissions with delightful and
well selected music, instead of having a
place reserved for them at the first table,
were obliged to look out for themselves, and
crowd in where ever they could see an
opening. There was ample provision for
all, and an abundance remaining after all
had partaken. The afternoon was mostly
occupied in friendly conversation, prone
1ades.. through the groves and around the
grounds, and closing with three rousinp
cheers, by the whole assembly, for the
Union, three for Honest Old Abe" three
for Gen. GRANT, and three for our noblo
army. In the evening very respectable
display of fireworks was put off. Con
grant that ere another national anniversary
the last rebel may find the much sought last
ditch, and there may he die terror to his
race.
.@The promised supplements, which
have been neglected heretofore, will be found
| in this issue