The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1868-07-14
The Fourth in Cornwall.

late Fourth of July rendered driving, or
any exercise beneath its burning sun,
very unpleasant, desired to seek some
cool retreat, where l could spend our
National Holiday in the most pleasant
and rational manner possible. With
this view, in company with my family
we directed our course towards Corn
wall. Although not especially invited
guests to the Sabbath School entertain
ment, expected there, we had good rea-
son to know from past experience, that
the inequalities of the good people of
Cornwall and their friends from the adj
joining towns, who visited with them
upon that occasion would be cordially
extended to all who chose to join them.
Nor were we in the least disappointed.
When we arrived at the grove, which
was several acres in extent and admira-
bly, adapted to the occasion, we found
several hundred already congregated,
and bright smiles and sunny faces
spoke in language more unmistakable
than that displayed in large letters of
evergreen ut the entrance Welcome"
With the Thermometer among the
"nineties," the deep shade and refresh
ing breeze, which had sprung up SEEM
ed the more delightful.
The grounds were evidently fitted up
by those having intelligent ideas of the
occasion. To the left of the entrance
were the tables. Over the center table
was triumphal arch, surmounted by
splendid flags of our State and Nation.
Radiating from this common centre,
extended eight other long tables and al
so in the ares of the circle, formed by
the extremities Of these tables, We're
still eight other tables, the whole form
ing a most complete, convenient and
sensible arrangement, Excellent seats
were placed at convenient intervals
throughout the grove, tempting the
weary to repose in the cool shade. To
the right on gentle elevation over
looking the rest of the grove, was pla-
ced Melodeon, with seats arranged
around apparently to accommodate
some expected musical entertainment,
while the great centres of attraction for
the young were some four or five
swings, situated in differentparts of the
grove.
When we arrived, the grove was re-
sonant with the melodious strains Of
the Whiting Brass Band, which was
right Although no processes of the
art or science of music, / venture the
opinion that, if, to impart the greatest
pleasure to the greatest number of list
ners is the true standard of excellence,
the music of this band surpassed that of
many employed, at greater expense
from the cities whose highly cultivated
operate performances require an au-
dience of skilled amateurs to appreciate
them. The propriety of employing
such music on such occasions is much
like employing a learned professor of
languages totalk Greek to an English
audience. 1t Is all well enough for
those who understand it, but really no
better than good English and not half
80 pleasing or instructive to n common
American audience.
After spending an hour or two in So
cial intercourse the company, nearly
eight hundred in number, were sum
moned to the tables. The centre table
was occupied by the old people, next
them were the children, while the ex-
tremities of the long tables, and those
between them, We're occapied by the
remainder of the company. The feast
spread for the occasion was not unlike
that furnished on all similar occasions
In New England. 1t was much like
what may always be expected on such
occasions, where the art of pastry cook
ing is carried TO so high degree of per-
fiction where the artists feel II deep
personal interest and where all the re-
quisites are supplied that land flow
ing with milk and honey can furnish.
No tabled nectar or costly wines were
on the tables, but q beverage, doubt
not fully as grateful as the latter, at
least, and much more healthful, was
provided in abundance, viz: pure ice
water.
One distinctive feature of the occa-
and those Who expected t66 hear one Of
those long tiresome Fourth of July ora
tions. were doubtless disappointed
Those having the matter in charge con-
templated a purely social gathering and
all speeches Of more than five minutes
duration were voted out of order. Sew
eral very felicitous impromptu speeches
We're delivered, but the social element
evidently predominant The little
folks, especially, were impatient of re-
straint and ever and anon cast wishiul
glances at the swings. hard by. Nor
were they long detained, but soon per-
mitted to join with all their youthful
glee, in their child's sports. But what
you say of all this? Twas but the re-
pition of like scenes of almost4daily oc-
currence in our land. True; but the
fact of the good influences and pleasure
impaired by such gatherings and their
happy results can not be kept too vivid
ly before the public mind.
Call me an enthusiast if you will, |
hold ii to be an easily demonstrated
fact that our Sabbath Schools are q
greater power for good than any other
Institution In our land. And whatever
promotes their prosperity, whatever
tends to encourage either scholars or
teachers in the good cause is worthy of
our highest appreciation and should re-
ceive our hearty support.
Who that witnessed the scene, as |
did, in contemplative mood. could
fail to have been struck with its beauty
Assembled about the instrument was a
large number of scholars, with their
teachers, from the schools of Bridport,
Salisbury, and Cornwall. Each school
in turn vying with the others in sing
ing those beautiful songs arranged for
Sabbath Schools. How pleased the
listners with the music! How pleased
the performers with their task Below
and congregated about the swings fare
groups of smiling faces. There is a
group of Misses swinging leisurely,
their timorous natures not permitting
them to reach the giddy nights 10 which
their friends hard by, of the opposite
sex, aspire. These exhibit In eiubrio
our great national characteristic, and
young America, like his older brother
strives 10 Guido all competitors, and