The Placer herald., 1864-02-13
Michigan Bluff Correspondence.
MICHIGAN BLUFF. Feb. s, 1864


YMessrs. Editors:--In the absence of anything
more entertaining--and rs it was a pleasant in
terude to the monotony of long season of dull
ness propose Gf it is not too late giving you
a brief account Of the Burns festival which took
place here on the 29th ultimo. The annual re-
currence of this festival is looked upon with as
much anxiety by the Scotchman, as the fourth of
July to the American, or st. Patrick's day to the
lrishman. The commendable manner in which
they evince their feelings on these festive occa-
sions, in cherishng and perpetuating the memory
of Robert Burns shows conclusively that if they
dare hate mortally they can love passionately-
1t would be well, too, for other classes, who have
political, poetical or sanity deites to commem-
oratc. to emulate the spirit and conduct of the
Scotch in celebrating the advent of their national
poet Divestng themselves for the time being
at least of all that is plejudicial to their fellow
citizens, they meet at these re unions with an
| accord and broherly love truly admirable, and
refreshing to who has been accustomed to
hear inculcated from places consecratcd to the
worship Of the Most High, and by men claiming
to be specially delegated by Him who suffered
and died on the cross for the redemption of man
kind, to preach peace on earth and good will
among men, words of hate, malice and disrust.
Bnt to the Festival. The day WAS anything but
propitious. 1t commenced showing and blowing
at IL, A. NJ, and continued without intermission
until near midnlght but to the surprise of every
body present it was by far the largest gathering
of the kind ever held in the county--no less than
! 206 tickets being sold and over one hundred
| ladies were in attendance. The exercises opened
with an oration by the Hon. John julie. the merits
of which will not conjecture, as was absent at
the time. Then followed recitation "Lochie's
Warming" by d. V. Gates, rendered in DAM
best style. Following that was 'Bruces' Address
to his Army" delivered eXquistey by Mrs.
Bowen and Captain Mcguire; after which the
Highland Fling was danced by Mr.. McDougal.
attired in Highland costume, concluding the first
part of the programme. Dancing ensucd until
supper time, young and old participating with a
zest and gee displayed only at Bobby's annver-
sary The supper was in keeping with the other
parts, the chief delcaccs of the market being
there in profusion. After supper all repaired
to the dancing hall, TO hear and see John Ander-
son my 10 John, and his lady, Mrs Anderson.
This, without doubt, was the funniest part of
the entertainment. After the rendition of John
Anderson my 10 John, the elderly portion of the
assemblage adjourned to the banquet room, eav,
ing the younger portion to trip the light fantastic
toe at pleasure. Toast, sentiments, and cham
pagne were now in order. The President, Mr..
Forrest, who by the bye is admirably adapted to
the position, gave out the toass in their regular
order. The first of these were 1.-The memory of
Robert Burns" responded to by Tommy Dods, in
neat brief, and appropriate speech. His euogy
on the poet was evidently impromptu--the fire
of the eye the fervor of the words and his natu-
raj attitudes contrasting wildly with the stere-
otyped tones and disgusting platitudes assumed
by those who pervert language and distort
speech in initiating school boy rectations. The
next was "Washington." response by A. G. Read
| Songs and sentiments followed concluding with
the venerable Old Land Syne. Daylight now
approaching they repaired to the dancing
hall in order to form in the popular dance known
rs the "Pllow" dance or Bobby the Bolster"
which was to wind up the festival. Not being a
Scotchman, j wont attempt to describe this dance,
fearing lest might do it injustice. ] may be par
doned. however. in stating that there was good
deal OF kissing about it, and as an indication of
the good will and hilarty prevailing, | will
| quote u few words from the remarks Of the
venerable President, delivered Immediately be-
fore it commenced. Seeing that some ladies be-
took themselves to the gallery, being too retcent
or modest to stand the ordeal of good, hearty
smack, he ordered them down in very imperi-
Gus tone. and lectured them that "kissing was not
so much q necessity as it was luxury" The
dance ended the anniversary of Natures Great
Poet closed for the year 1864, leaving pleasing
influence on the minds Of those who attended
that neither time nor space will soon Obiterate.
To conclude. Through the ndelatigable eXer-
tions of r. A. Mcdonnell, one of the managers
and Corresponding Secretary Of the Committee
the President, Mr.. Forrest and indeed the citi-
zens of Michigan Bluff generally, the arrange
NETS were admirable. The hall was spacious
neatly and tastefully decorated with devices
appropriate to the occasion, giving satisfaction
rare to find on occasions of the kind.
PARTICIpANT