Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1871-07-14

ne hllnlN tIHdlN NdN bl lllt illl III VI ONl
national independence was commemorated
in this place by the sabbath schools in a
union picnic. When we consider that the
great blessings OF civil and religious liberty
that we asa nation enjoy, are but the re-
suits OF the principles of our government,
principles which are only the embodiment
of bible truths in a form adapted TO civil
use, and that the future prosperity and sue
cess OF this nation depend upon maintain
ing those principles invioate, it must re
admitted that the day was very properly
observed, and that the results of observing
1t in such n manner are quite likely TO be
as beneficial to the young-those who soon
must be the active maintainers OF this re-
public-as TO observe il in any other way.
The schools convened at the West Hall fax
Baptist Church, and formed In procession
under the direction of the Marshal of the
day, and at the sound of music, proceeded
to grove near, well adapted for such
gatherings, and there pleasantly spent the
day. After singing and prayer, the eXer-
cises mainly consisted In rehcarsals from
the scholars, interspersed with singing, II
portion of the time being allotted to each
school represented, under the direction OF
its superintendent. Be.ides the schools
from the different churches in town, the
Guilford sabbath school was present with
quite large delegation, and although they
did not understand it ~ being required or
expected of them to take an active part,
they nevertheless contributed very materi-
ally 10 the interest of the hour, assisted by
~ 4
who, true to the Yankee character, with
knife in hand industriously applied it to
cut out something to meet the present
need; and although lie asserted the knife
to be dull and the wood somewhat hard
and therefore his efforts unsuccessful, II
was very plain that the audience was OF
quite a different opinion, as their cheerful,
smiling faces testified. An lovers of song
could not fail OF being Interested by their
efforts at singing. one piece, performed
by two representatives of the infant class
with an accuracy and precision not often
witnessed, met with universal appreciation.
The occasion was also graced by the pre-
sence of the Jacksonville Band, who led
the procession to the grove with music,
and during the day at intervals dispensed
music, national and patriotic in character,
and which fouad hearty response in every
patriots breast, We understand the band
TO be but recently formed, with limited
time Of practice; and they most certainly
did themselves credit, as well as added
much TO the pleasures of the day. Nothing
occurred to mar the harmony that existed,
but everything passed in quiet and or
derby manner under the efficient manage,
ment and the polite and graceful bearing
of the President of the occasion, All the
exercises aud rehoarsals must he pronounc-
cd good and some of them most excellent;
at least so they appeared to your cores
pondcnt, who was quiet listener. The
greeting In behalf OF tho West Halifax
school, given to the other schools present,
aud which duty had been assigned to tho
Poster of the West Church by the commit
tee of arrangements, but which ho trans
fered TO young lady Of the school, whom