Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-07-06
THE FOURTH.

The anniversary of our National lnde-
dependence just passed is entitled to be long
remembered by the citizens of Watertown,
who, one and all, must feel an overfowing
sense of pride for the brilliant observance
ofthe day in this city. The celebration was
il ali respects perfect success, the clements
assisting in making the day pass pleasantly.
The heat of the week previous gave Us little
hope that we would have anything else
than a scorching day for the venting of our
patriotism. But if ever fortune favored the
brave it did on this occasion. Shortly after
daylight gentle shower fell, helping to
lay the dust, and cooling the day for the
more comfortable performance of our duties
Fourth street in the vicinity of Turner Hall.
was the scene of action and life as early as
eight o'clock, several hours before the time
for the procession to move. The morning
trains from Milwaukee and Madison brought
US many distinguished visitors from these
points, among them Governor Fairchild and
his staff, Chaplain A. H Walthers of the
Goth Wisconsin, and Others. TIE Milwaukee
Zouaves, Capt. Zettler, the Milwaukee Light
Artillery, Capt. May, with two field pieces,
and many members of the 20th Wisconsin,
including Colonel Il. A. Starr, having ar
rived on special train from Milwaukee on
Sunday evening. The procession formed ON
time, and moved through the primes pal
streets. in the regular order. The Braces
sion was by far the finest display ever made
upon our streets, forming one of the grand
est features of the days proceedings. The
line of march was fully two miles in length,
and all was precision and order not a single
mistake marring its beauty and bar IN my
Arriving at the Sharp Shooters grounds,
the appointed exercises were conducted.
Chaplain Walthers opened the exercises
with prayer, and til en- came the reading of
the Immortal Declaration, by Miss Hutie
G. Scofield, who performed this important
task in manner exceeding the expectati ons
of her most sangnine friends, reading it, or
rather rectlng it, with an emphasis, beauty
and precision we have seldom, if ever, seen
displayed by one of her age.
The Grafton, by George R. Peck, ESQ.,, of
GAINESVILLE, was brilliant and able produc.
ton, full of sentiment and pathos, and in
every way worthy of the great occasion
which called it out. Mr.. Peck, though
young man, has already attained to a high
standard of oratory, ana his fame as a speak
er must grow with his years.
The President of the day, General Bert
ram, introduced Governor Fairchild 10 the
vast assemblage, who on coming forward
was welcomed with three hearty cheers.
The Governor addressed his audience 70
several minutes in his usual happy vein, and
his eloquent remarks were enthusiastically
received. Music and cheers ended the for
mai part of the proceedings on the grounds.
The further festivities and snjoyments of
the day were engaged in py the multitude,
until the shades of the evening, when all
returned to the city, After dark very
fine display Of FIRE works was made on the
public square. in the lst Ward, together
with tight rope performance and balloon
ascension.
The Watertown Dramatic club held forth
at Turner Hall-del. ghting their immense
audience with "Rent Day" and ''The Yankee
Ped1ler." The acting was meritorious
from first to last, clearly proving to all
present that WATERFOWL can boast of Dra-
matte club second to no other amateur club
in the west, AMI for this perfection great
credit is due Mr.. J. E. Cook, of this city.
The citizens of Waterfowl have reason to
feel proud of the success and grandeur
OF the celebration, egerythi ng passing off
SC tremendously and pleasant, and as far as
we can learn, not single accident Of any
kind to mar the days enjoyment. We hope
our people viii live TO see ma ny such glori-
Gus anniversaries of dependence Day.
n