Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-07-10
The Fourth at Greton.


Landing, in Groton, was decided success
The place is delightful one. surrounded al
it is by some of Vermont's most beautiful
scenery. Probably no less than four thou
sand people were present. arriving from an
early hour till about noon, going mainly
on the cars from points along the Montpel.
Ter and Wells River Railroad, and not a few
from greater distance on the Central YER
mont and Passumpsic River roads. About
O'Clock D. m. we were called to order by
Hon. Heman Carpenter, of Mortified. presi-
dent of the day. Prayer was then offered by
Rev. A. Hitchcock, after which Judge Car
pentcr said that lowing TO the large number
ofspeakers present it would be necessary that
each speech should be brief, and to the
point, limiting the speakers to about fifteen
minutes each.
Hon. Charles ii. Heath. Of Montpelier,
was then introduced as the first speaker.
Mr.. Heath said that he supposed he was
called first to break the ice," and that he
VIC occupy the attention of the audience
but three minutes. lie said that when this
celebration of the Fourth Of July was first
suggested, he feared it would be a failure,
| but if this was failure, he hoped we might
have more of them.
The next speaker introduced was Rev.
II. p Cushing, Of Burke, who spoke
for few moments upon the sub
jeet of temperance, giving some in
tcresting and astonishing statistics, ard
! closed by exhorting temperance men to
do their duty at the polls, not only in the
coming election but in all future time. and
the cause ,ciH prevail. though it might not
be in his time or that of any present, but
that tHuie icds surely coming. and would come.
The President then introduced a speaker
whom he said was one of Vermont's noblest
representatives, one whom the people had
delighted to honor and to whom they would
listen with pleasure. it being Hon. c. W.
Willard, NJ. c. Mr.. Willard took the stand
and was greeted with applause. His sub
iect was also temperance. but took (as it
naturally would and should) more Of a po-
litcal turn, and was highly interesting and
well received.
Col. \. NJ. Dickey, of St. Johnsbury was
next introduced. Mr.. Dickcy said 81 ad-
dress you as my countrymen, and in a
clear, strong voice. audible to every one
present who cared to hear, gave a highly in
tere>ting address in keen and cultivated
style.
Judge Carpenter then said he was not |
quite sure whether the Scriptures had il |
they kept the best of the wine till the last |
Of the feast. or the best of the feast for the
last of the wine. At any rate we would |
have now the best for the last, and intro
duced Rev. 4. Il. Truax. Of Waterbury.
Mr.. Iruax said the man was present who
formed the first temperance society ever
formed in Washington county. and if with
in the sound of his voice wished he would
come forward where all the people could
see him. No one appearing. Deacon Par
ker, of Waterbury. was called by the presi-
dent as being the man. And cries Of here
he j. and bring him along were heard
in different places. and the deacon APP
preached and mounted the stand. Amid load
and continued applause he took his stand
beside the speaker, who said This, ladies
and gentlemen, Is the man who formed the
first temperance society in Washington
county, Is years ago. The deacon bowed
his acknowledgements and returned to the
rear of the stand, when Mr.. Irua1 gave u
an excellent address, probably the best Of
the occasion. 1t being more elaborate and
studied
After music by the Montpelier band
which, by the way was interspersed at pro-
j.. 4 10 -ft.aI
Judge Carpenter said: Remember that on
this day the glorious 18th of July. the ami
vcrsary OF our nation birth, the cold water
army dedicate these grounds 70 the cold
water cause. And a. the SAINTS went up
to Jerusalem to worship, 50 he hoped We,
a. often a We could, would come up here
to worship cold water.
The Bcnedietion was then pronounced
by Rev. II. p. Gushing, and Immediately
cries were heard for Manager French, of the
NJ * W. r. X. r. Mr.. james Il. French, OF
Montpelier the efficient manager of the road,
came forward and said II am glad TO see
20 many present, 50 many happy faces hope
you will all have good time, but you must
excuse NE from making speech. can run
railroad better than make speech.
Col. \. NJ. Dickey then proposed three
hearty cheers for Hon. c. W. Willard,
Yermont's ineOrruptible representative,
which was responded 10 with a will that
made the woods ring for miles around.
The President then moved vote of thanks
to the managers of the celebration, and the
officers OF the Montpelier and Wells River
Railroad for their courtesy extended, OF half
fare. fitting up the grounds. etc, which was
unanimous. and by half past two the people
were allowed to dispcrse and enjoy them
selves as best they could until four O'Clock.
when the train arrived, taking the larger
part OF those from Montpelier and vicinity.
Everything passed of in the most quiet and /
orderly manner, as Is always the case where
no rum is on board. With single exception
we saw no indications of liquor on the
grounds. The general expression was on
all hands by hundreds, II never enjoyed
a celebration 50 well in my life" Upon
the whole il was one of the most enjoyable
times and places that We ever had the pleas
ure Of participating in, and We hope an OPP
p0rtunity to repeat it. with increased /
numbers. The view from the top OF the
i truly grand, and less than forty
minutes walk from the grounds. Should
like to give you more extended report OF
the beauty Of the scenery, but iorbear TO
trespass more upon Your columns. | close
extending the Association hearty invita-
ton to Join Us July 4, 1879 Il.