Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-07-14
The Fourth of July ia o1ford
County.
ANDOvER

Town Hall. The exercises consisted oil
singing by the school, reading of the
Declaration of independence 10y j. A.
Roberts; speeches by Rev. Mr.. Merrill
and Hilman. Remarks were also made
by others. The singing by the scholars.
most OF whom are under the age of ten
years, was truly surprising, and reflects
great credit on Miss Merrill and Miss
Sellew. LONE STAR.
RETHEL.
The bursting OF cannon in Bethel
recalls something of interest in its history.
Dulins the war of 1912, an American
lrigate. the John Adams, was chased up
the Kcnncbcc river by 4 British fleet. and
TO prevent her falling into The hands oil
the enemy. she was sunk by the captain,
and the crew escaped. Some years after
the war. her guns were raised, and one
OF them was carried to Bethel, where it
has douo service on Independence Day
for thirty years. IL was canonadc, Il
short gun used much on board of vessels
during that war, Tor the purpose OF iiImg
q ball ut close quarters, but at a slow rate
so rs 10 splinter up The vessel sunck,
instead OF making a smooth hole. Most
of the naval battles in that war were
fought in this manner.-LeWiStoaJ 0UrRdi.
WEST BETHEL.
The Foarlh. "Thc Glorious Fourth. "
was celebrated at West Bethel, commence
inc at sunrise, previous to which all was
quiet rs a Sabbath mora. with the firing
of the cannon. and throwing 10 The
breeze the Star. spangled Banner" AT
an carly hour people from this and adioin.
ing towns began TO arrive at the beautiful
pine grove near the village. where seats
were prepared and stand for the speak
ers erected. in the rear OF which stood u
table l2j iect long. which was soon load
ed with the most tempting catables, ar
ranged by those in attendance. At hall
past Zen procession was formed by Capt.
Moses Mason OF Gilead. Marshal Of the
day. who mayched,to the sound of martial
music, to depot, on the arrival OF the
train, 10 meet and escort TO The grove
some O. the speakers who came to address
the multitude. ~ the stand prayer was
offered by Mr.. Gould OF Lewiston, who is
supplying the desk "a. the Free Baptist
CAurch. Geo. II. Brown OF Mason, then
gave AN cx;cmporc address. appropriate
TO The occasion, which VAS we'll received.
Mr.. Bows did not compromise his rep
utaiion rs a public speaker, which Is
praise enough to those Of Us who have
beard him 50 often during tho last %
years. Mr. Brown was followed by c.
IL. Ilcgscy, Esq, OF Bethel, who took for
his text the Declaration OF Independence.
explaining briefly the circumstances Of
lis adoption. the trials of lis supporters,
and the grand results OF It's maintenance.
seldom 10 We sec more historical facts
move logical conclusions
reached, and mora! lessons pressed upon
the mind more earnestly, than il his short
address. On reasseribling after m hours
during which was earnestly
discussed and elfcctualiy disposed Of, tina
which had been previously laid on the
table" Mr.. Gould gave a very interest.
Ing address, Astounding in beautiful figures
and clcvating thoughts. After singing
America" Nr. Brown and Mr. Jersey
each made a short speech full OF cloquencc
and Wit. The audience was dismissed in
tho best of spirits. all feeling That they
had good time. The most perfect order
prevailed and DO accidents occurred to
mar the enjoyment OF this fcstal day
Fire works in the evening closed The days
attractions. -Nor'rQy -AdrsrtiScr.