New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-07-09

THE FOURTH At PHILADELPHIA
r.. a PHnADsIrH1A. Pa, July s, 1876. 4
EDITOR REPUBLICAn: ~ 1air' r. -
The celebration OF independence day;
which really. began. on the third, has az
ceedsd the most sanguins snd ENTHUSIASTIC
anticipations. Tho nag1i6cent display Of
bunting Of ali oolors and emblematic Of all
natioaAlities was beyond the possibilities Of
tho most fertile imagination. At night tho
city was ablazs with Hight. Triumphal
arches had been erected ON al the principal
thoroughfares; that on Broad street being
particularly prominent. 1t was constructed
of flags and evergreens, and was beautifully
illuminated. Transparenoiss bearing tho
names of the thirteen original States. were
placed across it in the form of an arch,
Pennsylvania forming the keystone. An
other arch, worthy Of mention. was in front
of the Continental Hotel, formed Of wood
work and flags, having on one side tho
words "Nelcome to Dom Pedro" and on
the other, "Welcome to Rochsmbeau."
During the entire day long professions
were moving in ell directions, apparently
in interminable confusion; but out Of 1t
came order and systematical beauty. The
torchlight procession counted more than
10000 men. They moved through the beau
tifully illuminated and decorated streets,
thousands of flags waving above their
heads, and cheered by tens of thousands of
countrymen on either hand. The old State
House was designedly reached by the pro-
cessions Just 40 the new bell peaied out its
first notes Of gladness which intensified the
feeling of joy and thankfulness that SEEM
inply pervaded every heart in that over
whelming multitude.
MANY thousands were there in advance
of the proceesiors, all anxious to hear and
see every part Of the proceedings. The old
State House is on Chestnut, between Fifth
and Sixth streets. It was covered with
bunting and lanterns. and under the win
dows were placed coats of arms Of the thir.
teen original States, except that of Penn
sylvsnis, which was placed over the main
entrance. The portraits of the early pa
triots were seen through tho open windows
Of Independence Hall, rendered distinct by
the, light from many gas jets. The fur
niture in the hall was arranged about % it
stood 100 years ago. No decorations OF
any kind were attempted, the purpose
being to show it, as nearly - possible, ~ it
existed ct the signing Of the declaration Of
independence. Among tho distinguished
visitors were the President Of the United
States, Dom Pedro. Prince Oscar of Sweden,
Marquis de Roc6ambeau, members Of the
Presidents Cabinet, many Governors Of
States. General Hayes among them, and
members of Congress. A spirit of the great
est good will and brotherly feeling seemed
to animate the crowds congregated about
that plain old structure shrine of many
Q patriotic heart no doubt. The number Of
visitors was variously estimated at from
three to fou: hundred thousand, and all
those added to the permanent population
of patriotic Philadelphia, ell moving under
the inspiration of that act of one century
ago that has made US Q resistless nation Of
A, 000, 900 souls.
It has been a rich harvest time fol
the hotels. Some figures may be interest
ing. Yesterday the Continental's reg
lister showed 1854 guests. The Atlas, 81
West Philadelphia has accommodated nearly
1000. it is said, while the Girard. St
Stephens, La Pierre, American, St. George
and others have been filled, and Thousands
of private houses have been running ovel
since last week. Tho baggage rooms at thu
depots are filed to the ceiling with trunks
etc., their employees getting little rest BY
day or night.
The display Of fireworks has been upon I
truly magnificent scale, and, upon the whole
! it has been q celebration in every wa,
worthy of the great occasion it was designed
| to commemorate.
ton grounds, though the weather is almos,
intolerably hot.
No power Of description can do justic
to this great national celebration. To hav
been in Philadelphia the past two days i
| the event Of lifetime. Nothing like it ha
! ever been witnessed on the North American
continent
It Il expected the crowds will soon dimin
iak. somewhat, but from informAaion 8
ceivea, no fears that the exposition VIII no
b literally patronised ftom now TO th
/ elosing day need be eatsrtained. ItsppearI
I indeed, that tho tide Of vieitors has onl.
just commenced to flow IN upon this city
But the weariness Of SoeNSight hourl
celebration Expresses me, and I mu1t defa
| Z further account until next week. ~
AMERICUS.