Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-07-05
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH
Grand Festivities of the Dal
Picnlcs, Balls and Fireworks

have seen atany previoustirne. All thu
stores were CLOSED, the only places il
! which business was transacted being
those where refreshments, fireworks, etc
were sold. Many flags were flung to tn,
breeze at different points, but they were
not near as numerous as like occasion
would have brought forth couple OIL
years since, when loyalty was measured
by the display Of patriotism in the shape
of flags and fireworks, The weather was
beautiful, and as soon as the sun ap
peared over the hilltops preparations
were made for the various picnies, fish
ing parties, etc, that were anticipated
the streets being filed with well-dressed
people at an early hour on their way tc
celebrate the day as their fancy or their
lover dictated Hsts1 a4a
In the morning, abont nine clock,
the celebration Of the day was opened in
Court Square, in the presence of large
number of spectators, by the arrival OF
three companies of the 10th Regulars,
under com mand Of Major Swain, who
took up position in the Square to the
music of the " Star-SpangIed Banner {"
and several other patriotic airs. Mayor
Park announced the order of exercises,
and introduced Rev. Mr. Bliss, who Of
fered an appropriate prayer Judge
Swayne read the Declaration of indie
pendence, and was followed by Judge
Barbour Lewis, the orator of the day,
whose brilliant address was listened to
with marked attention by the vast throng
present The fine band, under the lead
ership of Prof, Withers, discoursed ex-
cellent music, whenever an opportunity
offered, and the exercises closed by
grand salute being fred by the military
present
The picnic in aid of St. Patrick's
Catholic Church was held in Chelsea,
and was very largely attended, over one
thousand persons being present, and all
seeming to enjoy themselves in a happy
manner, there being not asingle occur
renee to mar the festivities of the occa-
sion, Dancing, swinging, etc., were
participated in until the gathering dark
ness warned all that it was time to quit
The various refreshment tables attended
to by the ladies, did Furnishing bust
ness, ocular proof of which was given
by their vacant appearance about six
O. clock THIS was undoubtedly the most
successful picnic ever held in Memphis,
and we cannot but feel proud that our
citizens responded so we'll to a noble
cause. .F-a
On Orleans ST., at the Tate place, there
was another picnic, which was well at
tended by the youth, beauty and talent
of the city. A fine band was in attend
ance and many feet kept time to the de-
Iightful music until the shade of evening
cast a veil over the joyous scene. After
dinner sevefal toasts were proposed, in
Guiding The Day We Celebrate" "The
President of the United States, 60 The
City Of Memphis, speeches being made
,y Gen. Eaton Col Ferguson, Alder
nan Morgan, Messrs, C. Richards and
Il. Howell
The Scotch residents of Memphis and
heir friends. had happy time at their
picnic on the Pooley place, which was
lept up until late hour, when the whole |
joined hands and sung "0ld
lang Syne," before separating.
The Turner'S aud their friends celebra-
ed the day opposite the city, in Arkan-
as, the various societies marching |
through town in the morning be-
ore taking passage on the boat
IN their arrival on the ground a place
gas cleared for dancing, swings were
lung, gymnastic arrangements staked,
argets fixed fishing tackle prepared,
nd soon all parties were engaged in
musing themselves with that zest which
} one of the prominent characteristics
f the German race. The woods re-
ounded all day with the reports of the
iAes and pistols, the witching strains of
he band, and the musical voices of the
arious fishing parties. At dusk they
eturned to this side Of the river and
losed with bali at the Turner Hall.
There we're several other picnics, bar
ecus, etc, in the neighborhood of the
ity, select and otherwise, which were
ell attended and passed off satisfacto-
ily. The Sons of Ham, and other col
red societies had their celebration and
icnics, which were enjoyed by them
elves with their usual vim. We we're
OF there to see them, but suppose every
hing passed of pleasantly and orderly, |
Or the marshals, booted and spurred,
18th long cavalry sabres dangling by
neir sides and clanking on the ground,
,oked as If they could enforce order
ON any belligerent darkey.
During the day there was the usual
ring of pistols, popping of crackers
I'd reports Of big guns, which, in the