Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1876-07-08
THE 4th ACROSS RED RIVER.

4
Let US own up handsomely, we are
beaten by our New Providence neigh
bors, who are more patriotic, more en-
terprising and more hospitable than
We are. They not only beat us, but
sent us home rejoicing in the fact, con-
quered and happy.
To make all this ineligible to those
who were not there, let it be under
stood that the New Providence people
gave first rate 4th of July entertain
ment last Tuesday, according to the
old aate-beIluns methods and prece-
dents; with barbecue, bran dance,
reading the Declaration and speeches,
and all GAINESVILLE went and enjoyed
themselves hugely, and gave up any
attempt at celebrating the 4th them
selves, and did not reflect till the next
day that they ought to be ashamed of
themselves for not doing what their
neighbors were doing for them.
We arrived on the ground a little
before 10 a. m. We don't know ex-
actly where it was, but we crossed a
clear, brawling stream first, which
washed on its banks delightfully."- fra
grant beds of mint, the odor of which
is so suggestive of associations in the
way of ice, sugar, &c. &C.. and once
clear of this stream, found ourselves
in sequestered valley, such as that
in which Rasselas, prince of Abysinnia,
tried to forget the world and his own
restlessness. 1t had no sequestered
appearance then, however, for under
the shadow of its noble oaks and syca-
mores, gay and happy throng of two
or three thousand seekers of enjoy
mentwere greeting one another with
Quips and cranks and wanton wiles,
Mods and becks and wreathed smiles.
In one place the oratorieal platform,
in another a widely shaded arbor with
saw dust beneath, for the festive vota-
ries of Terpsichore. further on an end
less perspective of tables pleasantly
suggestive of unlimited hospitality,
and still beyond that rich vapor Gas
from some Homeric holoeaust) of the
steaming incense which arose to heav-
en- from roasting muttons and swine.
Soon after our arrival the stand was
taken by Mr.. A. G.. Goodlett for the
purpose of reading the Declaration of
Independence, he did so with distinct
ness and just emphasis, and illustra-
ted the occasion with historical eluci-
dations that rendered the ceremony
both instructive and entertaining.
Next arose the orator Of the day,
Mr.. H. W. Watts, who seemed deter
mined to hit every taste, for his ad-
dress, or rather addresses, had certain
ly the spice of variety. He gave us
first his electioneering experiences in
bygone days, then concise history of
the vast metropolis ofNew Providence,
which he contended was, and of right
ought to be the county seat of Mont
gomery county; then an essay on
crime and criminals, and doubtless
many other topics were treated, but
we were at this stage called off by in
dispensible avocations, and when we
returned, Mr.. Thos. f. Henry was de-
claiming in the style of one who has
fallen heir to the rhetorical accom-
plishments of the Eagle orator of Ten
nessee. The time till dinner was oc-
cupied with dancing, flirting, gossip
ing and other occupations which are
in order on such occasions and then
we all adjourned to the interminable
vista of tables groaning under the
hecatombs which had been sacrificed
that morning. Smiling matrons aided
by sable attendants, speedily disposed
of the vast piles, and to quote old Ho-
mer again,
No enc missed his share of the i'm
partial banquet.
Providence, you did it well. but we
will be even with you between now
and next November, when you come
to one of our Tilden and Hendricks
banquets.