Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-09-28

Large aud Imposing Procession speeches
at the Fair Grounds.
Music. Racins and erend ,rimc GenernIIy


ment, the dedication of the fair grounds Of The
East Tennessee Agricultural Society took place.
At one o clock, the notes of the Brass Band
reminded our citizens that the hour had arrived,
and soon Main and Gay streets were lined with
vehicles, while the rumble of wheels on Prince
street told tho approach Of the engines with de-
tachments Of red shirted fremcn, who with their
equipments lent semi-military aspect to the
scene.
Col Mariner and Capt r. NJ Beorden, the
Marshals, on their melted chargers, soon formed
them in line and with the band leading, pro-
ccodcd up Gay street, the column extending
nearly thrce-fourths Of mile in length. Ar
riying at Wins street, the order was given, head
of the column 70 the right and the procession
turned towards First Creek end proceeded to
the grounds, where considerable number had
arrived before, having gone in advance or taken
a near cut after leaving the city proper
In q short time the second story Of the build
ing WIS filed to Overlooking with ladies and
gentlemen who lcnt their presence 'o grace the
occasion. But limited number of seat had
been prepared, which were soon mouopolizod
by the ladies. while their escorts stood on their
feet and dignity at the same time
The Chairman Perez Dickinson, Esq. called
the meeting to order, stating its object in few
tcr.e and opposite remarks. after which the au-
dicnce were favored with music ,r the band
when the exercises were formally opened with
prayer by Rev James Park. who implored the
blessing Of Divine Providence ON the undertake
ing fraught witlj 50 much importance to this
section.
The Chairman then introduced Hon. George
Andrews, who read a highly interesting and
elaborate address cnincuty appropriate to the
occasion, rcpcte with glowing imagery cvinc-
ing hi, knowledge Of the magnitude Of the
theme, and the benefits that would sccruc from
an educated SYSTEM oE labor in all the ramitica-
tons of its diversified interest,"
The address was we'll received by the audi
ence which was composed Of that Intelligent
class capable Of apprcci-tns it. depths and
beauty.
After an air FROM the band Rev Or Tho. W.
Humes was introduced, who in h' usual elo-
qucnt style. set forth the advantages to the sec
ton wherein they were held of agricultural and
mechanical exhibition, throughout this and
| other countries, and the spirit of emulation in
everything that develops the material interests.
besides having tendency to engcndcr q love
| for the beautiful. which WA, in a great measure
! ignored by the mere utilitariau The taste and
talent for beauty and Improvement was inherent
in our people and only needed a spirit of foster
ing to bring TO tho highest point OF excellence
| The speaker advised the young 70 be imbucd
with a love of right and industry--not because
some great man had arrived at prominence
| thcreby-but because it was right.
| After II song by the nenber- Of the Turn
| Ncrein Association, Hon. Thos. \. K. Nelson
took the stand, rcgretting hi, want Of prepara-
| ton, and said that unlike distinguished gen
| tleman from IA Northern State, If he attempted
to tell what he knew about farming it would
| be very little. Notwithstanding the modest dis
caimer, Mr., Nelson showed that however he
might not have practical knowledge of the
subject, yet ne had lively appreciation Of the
wants of the people and a thorough knowledge
of the resources Of East Tennessee. He con,
trasted the growing prosperity Of our section
with that of former days, before railroads were
built, and the only commercial outlet was thC
river, on which a few fiat boat, run supplying
a small portion Of Northern Alabama with oul
surplus produce.
Volunteer speakers were then requested to ad
dress the audience, and Major l.. y. GRAFT wal
loudly called for, but declined saying anything
when after music by the band, the audience dis
perscd over the ground. to witness the races am
nounccd to take place aud soon the track wa
crowded with prancng .tceds, eager for dash
After some little time q race was made up be
tween Mr.. Robert Wood and VIM. Lewis, Esq.
Mr. Wood riding his own horse, and Mr.. L.
being ridden by colorcd man, barcbaclled
Mr. W. came out the winner. Several othe
races took place but none that excited much in
terest except the mule race, which terminated
the programme and resulted "a might have beef
expected. The race was not Il success, one o
the riders being thrown, which caused its aban
donment.
The Representation throughout MAS 1t brillian
success, rs regards numbers, there being not ia
from two thousand persons present and in tn
interest manifested All seemed to realize tn
importance of the occasion, and to be imbue
with determination to do their utmost TO max
the result equal the expectation OF the ineorpo
rstors, which was certainly done.
All with whom we have converted say tina
their most sanguine hopes are more than re
} allied, and if there are any doubters as to tn
f ultimate success of the fair, let them doubt II
, more. for Saturday exercises demonstrate be
You'd doubt that the people appreciate il
value and will not fail to embrace the opportI
nity offered 10 build up their Interests by show
.lal s. RI