The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-07-07
The Fourth in Philadelphia.
OF the Richmond Di.patch.]
pu,Y ANN, pYry, 1,I, K 1871

] uAAAAALF MA, ouiS ~ Az -
Being partial to your sheet, and finding
myself In this city at tho celebration OF the
uinety-fifth anniversary OF American indie
pcndcncc, thought u brief description Of
the manner in which the day was observed
might prove somewhat interesting to your
readers. Atcarty dawn the wearicd sleeper
was awakened by the noise and confusion
of countless explosions Of guns, fre-crack-
ers, and torpcdocS, not confined to any one
locality. but wherever wended my foot
steps. | could rot hear words spoken in
the ordinary tone Of conversation. One
who had never Witnessed such celebra-
tions would naturally conclude that he
was suddenly transferred to q lunatic asy-
lum Of immense magnitude, and that all
the restrictions common to such inStitu-
lions were for the time removed. Con-
tinuing my walk, I found myself upon
Broad street, the truly beautiful thorough
fare of tho Quaker City, where beheld an
immense crowd upon both sides of the
street, anXiously awaiting the approach of
the military. The weather was excellent,
the rain OF the preceding day having laid
the dust the sky clouded, but not threat
ening, rendered the weather most aus
picious for the observance Of day dear to
the heart of every told constitutionaD
American. I did not wait long before /
heard TIE distant tap Of the drum herald
ing tho approach Of truly Il magnificent dis
play of military organizations. The march
ing was very good, and al their movements
regiment that or upied the right of the
line presented eDillcent front. Itnight
have been from the lact that they wore the
gray but l was struck with their steady
tread, the vigilance of their officers, and
their promptness in executing every order.
The rear guard Of this fine display were the
colored troops of this city, few in numbers,
but they looked very much like soldiers.
In the afternoon / continued my ramble,
and soon found myself In a Strect-car bound
for Paramount Park. The car was crowded
to its utmost, but still the conductor would
stop ut the corners and insist that there was
plenty of room for more. After u ride of
about thirty minutes, We arrived safe, but
considerably squeezed, at this beautiful re-
sort, aud here l found IN immense con-
course of people, composed Of every grade,
moving to and fro in search of pleasure.
The vendors of refreshments dotted the
grounds at every turn, and did not see q
stand but what was doing thriving bust
ness. 1t seemed to me that every one pres
ent was determined to devote the day to
pleasure.
About o'clock the crowd began to move
toward the city. The rush for the cars was
amusing to one not accompanied by lady.
The conductors ill the cars to their utmost
capacity. and always try to put one more
on. However. managed to reach my des-
tination, to use q common phrase, "played
out "a lit subject for u ten-hours' sleep :;
but, am sorry to say, In that l was sadly
disappointed, for when night threw its
mantle over the city it seemed to me that
the King of Fireworks had turned loose his
host for Il holiday. Every street and ave-
nuc was filled with fireworks of all descrip-
tons, keeping up Il continuous noise until
after midnight. And thus has closed the
95th anniversary of American independ-
ence, q day hallowed in every true Ameri-
cans breast and may God speed the day
when the nation shall return to the old
landmark, and harmony and peace be the
legacy of our children. REKCUT.