Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-10-05

the National Road, two and half miles
east of Reynoldsburg, was grand affair
and,a most signal and triumphant success
Early in the forenoon, the people from the
neighboring country and towns in Frank
lin and. Licking counties, commenced pour
ing into the Grove in wagons, buggies,
carriages, on horseback and on foot. They
came with we'll filled baskets, containing all
manner of luxurious viands and good cheer
for the physical man. l.g4
The farmers, the laboring men and me-
chanics came--the young and the old-and
with them came their wives, children and
sweethearts. But not these alone; for the
brave "boys in blue" just returned, SCARED
and bronzed, from the war, hocked there!
as though they heard more charming and
fascinating sound than that of the bugle or
the trumpet, calling them, not to the field
of carnage, but to thescene of a joyous fes-
tivity and a glorious welcome home. 1t
was truly soldiers festival; for, by the
middle of the day, there were from two to
three hundred of the returned veterans on
the ground. EeI .H in9'7
The festival took place in delightful
grove. The day and all the surroundings
were such as to render it a most pleasant
and harmonious social reunion. A speak
ers' stand, and large dgncing floor capa-
BILE of accommodating dozen sets at
time, were erected, and tastefully decor
ated with flags and other adornments.-
Hemmersbach's fine band was there from
this city, and discoursed exquisite music
during the continuance of this season of
rural enjoyment and festivity.
gr The dancing commenced at about ten.
o'clock in the forenoon, and continued till
the dinner took place about noon. The
large tables, on which were spread the pro-
visions, luXuries and delcacies, which had
been freely contributed to this free feast,
were literally loaded down, and spoke bet
ter than words the generous and kindly
feelings Of those who had taken in hand
the pleasant task of rendering to the re-
turned soldiers glad and heartfelt well
come home. The tables, loaded as they
were, were soon lightened of the greater
portion Of their burden, for though bounti-
full was he.feast, numerous indeed were the
guests. l.aU
.3At about two o'clock in the afternoon
the speaking commenced from the stand.
at the announcement that speeches were
to be made, the soldiers and the people
gathered around the stand-the merry dane
ers leaving their merry pastime to listen to
the speakers, and drink in the sentiments
that might be uttered. In the interval be-
tween the speeches, the band struck up
some lively airs, and the dancing was act
lively resumed, but as soon as another
speech was announced, the terpischorean
sport would cease, and the late merry yorug
people would become quiet and attentive
listeners. 10 irsl r-l.
1--WE shall not attempt to give synopsis
OF the speeches; for that would extend this
notice to too great length. The first adj
dress was made by Judge Rankin, of this
city, and it was truly an eloquent and pa
triotic speech, such as is seldom heard on
an occasion like this, or indeed, on any other
occasion. The sentiments uttered by the
speaker were of noble character, and such
as inspired the soldiers and all the large
audience with new life, new energy, enthu-
siasm and patriotic ardor. From the begin
ming to the close of his address, the Judge
was loudly applauded, and when he con-
cluded, three tremendous cheers were
given for him that made the surrounding
forest re-echo the sounds.
q, Speeches were also made by Mr.. Odell
the Prosecuting Attorney of Licking coun-
ty, and by Mr.. Putnam, formerly of Lick
ing, and at present, Editor of the Chiliicotht
Advertiser. Both these gentlemen made ex-
cellent addresses, full of sentiments of de-
votion to the best interests, the union and
prosperity of our common country, and
elected, from the soldiers and citizens,
warm and enthusiastic tokens of approval
and admiration rgt1l ~ 4
The entire festival was conducted with
great order. harmony and decorum, and, as
the day wore away toward night-fall, the
gay and cheerful throng dispersed with
feelings of pleasure and gratitude for what
they had seen, heard and enjoyed. 20
AT the time that this festival was taking
place, what the State Journal, of this city,
called q soldiers reunion" and ga grand
political demonstration" was progressing,
near the town of Reynoldsburg, with Col,
Given, Sam. Galloway and w. T. Cogges-
hall as the speakers. Compared with the
festivalat Neiswender's Grove, this ''politi-
cal demonstration" was but tame and
lifeless affair. The number present was
not halt as large, and but few soldiers were
in attendance. The object of this Reynolds-
burg meeting was to make political capital
for the Negro Suffrage and Negro Equality
party, but it proved miserable failure.
Even, half the dinner prepared remained
untasted; so few were the persons present
to partake of it. .....-.,..,
GAME LAw.-Sportsmen and others may
not be aware OF; the fact that an important
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