The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1869-07-09
THE FOURTH AT AMBITIOUS.

AMERICUS, Kansas July q, 1860.
The celebration at Looks grove, on the Sd,
was perfect success. The day was airy and
pleasant, the grounds, though protected from
the sun by tall trees, were yet accessible to the
cool west wind, while the arrangement of the
stand for the speakers and singers and the
seats provided for the assemblage, did credit to
the taste and skill of the committee. The
weather having but just cleared up after a
fortnight of rains, and many of the farmers
having wheat that was pressing to be harvest
cd, kept great many from attending who
could otherwise have been present; yet the
attendance was the largest we have ever wit
messed such an occasion in this vicinity.
Rev. j. 4. Collins ofliciated chaplain, NJ. 5.
Piper, Esq, read the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, with a clear, strong voice, and in an i'm
pressive manner. The Americas Glee Club
treated the assemblage TO fine selection of
glees and patriotic songs, all rendered III most
excellent style. Gov. Z. V. Eskridge deliver
cd the Grafton, which was listened to with
pleasure by all present, and called forth three
cheers at its conclusion. All parties whom we
have heard express themselves pronounce this
address, both in substance and style of deliV-
| cry, a very rich treat indeed. 1t was voted
that the committee ask the Governor for copy
Of the address for publication.
After the Grafton came the dinner, served in
picnic fashion. The only complaint we heard
about this part of the exercies was that each
separate group could not have the honor OF
dining all the guests. Certain it is that no
one went away with his or her appetite unsat-
istied.
Next followed the toasts, responded to re-
spectivelY by Rev. J. 4. Collins, NJ. S. Piper,
! Esq, Rev. j. McAnulty, DIR. G. W. Sutton, ].
L. Butler, Esq, and the President. We'd like
to see the set of gentlemcn-that could beat this
one on the subjects to which they responded.
| At about o'clock the benediction was pro-
nounced, and I'll parties separated in fine spir-
its, and all, confidently believe, feeling thai
! it had been the happicst event OF the kind by
them ever participated in.
Before leaving the grounds we must not
omit to mention the fact that l.. G. Campbell
rendered everybody under especial obligations
to him by carrying on" in large tent near
| by, a frst-class refreshment stand. His ice.
cream, lemonade, ETC., could not be beaten.
Mr.. Look and his Family are also deserving
Of particular praise for the interest they mani
tested in getting up the celebration, and the
pains taken by them in fitting up the grounds
&c.
| And the members of the Americas Glee Clut
deserve great credit for the pains taken in Sc
lecting and rehearslng Tor The occasion. Ihell
singing was really excellent, and formed
one of the most gratifying features Of the day
Some of the toasts were also worthy of spe
cial notice; and being aware that we are oc
cupying too much of your space, we must omi
them. But we feel safe in saying that If VI
did not have the grandest celebration in th'
country, we had the biggest eagle Rev. Mr.
MAnulty's), lin the business"
The fireworks in town in the evening open
ed out brilliantly, but by accident the 'maga
zine'' took FIRE, and one-half of the stock wa
doomed TO 'blush unseen" A quantity o
turpentine balls, however, in in time t
keep the chain unbFoken, and the spectator
: had enough to do to keep from being eclipse
by ''those bright, shining orbs," without gaz
2 ing after the majestic rocket didn't steal thi
from any of the orators of the day, MIR. Editor
. Altogether, the Sd Of July, 1863, was one Ion
TO be remembered by the people Of Amertcu
and vicinity. Il.