New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-07-06
The Fourth of July in New Orleans.


The anniversary of the declaration of
American independence was celebrated in
this city on Tuesday as it has never before
been observed. If because it was CEN
tennial anniversary, the circumstance takes
nothing from the significance of the dis
display. There was shown national pride,
and love for our common country and the
old flag, good to behold.
The street display was according to pro-
gramme made under the direction of Hon.
George Il. Braughn. grand marshal. The
procession formed at nine o'clock, and
brought the following organic ations into
line: Two companies of the Thirteenth
United States Infantry and the regimental
band, commanded by Captain William M.
Waterbury, United States army, United
States marines and sailors from the Monitor
Canonicus, commanded by Lieutenant J.
w. Graydon, United States navy; Joseph
A. Mower Post, Grand Army of the Re-
public; the Italian military company, Trio
el Bersaglio, commanded by Captain S.
Della Valla; the Mitchell Rifles, commanded
by Captain Cooney; the Irish Rifles, COM
manded by Captain John Fitzpatrick; the
Continenal Guards, commanded by Lieu
tenant w. Pierre; three companies
of the Washington Artillery, under the
command of Colonel w. M. Owen, be-
ing Battery A, as infantry, commanded by
Captain Andrew Hero, Jr.; Battery C, as
infantry, commanded by Captain Richard
son; Battery B. as light artillery, command
ed by Captain May; the Louisiana Asso-
ciated Veterans of the Mexican war, led
by Mr.. john Purcell; the Screwmen's
Benevolent Association; the French Benev-
olent Mutual Aid Association; the Portu-
guese Benevolent Association; Home Hook
and Ladder Company, Jr., (boys); five
societies of the Ancient Order of Hiberni-
ans; the Orleans Enoampment of the Order
Of Seven Wise Men, headed by Captain C.
H. Forno; the Louisiana German Draymen's e
Association: the Swiss Union; the Louisiana
Gewerbe Verein; the North German Har-
msny Club; the Young Mems Benevolent
Association; the new Lusitanos Association;
cia; the Clerks Benevolent Association,
and representatives of many other societies
in carriages.
The procession so composed was formed
in five divisions, and appeared on several Of
the principal streets.
At ten O'Clock the exercises at St.
Patricks Hall commenced with prayer Of
fered by Rev. T. R. Markham. Captain
William Tenbrink, chairman of the execu
tive committee, then made few remarks
by way of Introduction. He brought for
ward Mr.. Henry Pickles, who read the
declaration of independence. The Rev
Hugh Miller Thompson was then introduced
to the large audience as orator of the day
Mr.. Thompson delivered a well tempered
6ne, and most judicious grafton, full o.
good cheer, of hope, and wisdom. Hi
noted how our nation came into existence g
hundred years ago by the action of men who
proposed to make and run q government
themselves, for the people. They had {
new land in which to try the experiment
| and they made a new government which
succeeded. They built up a govern
ment which attracted the attention o
the entire civilized world, and made ,
home for all who would come. We hai
no kings and no aristocracy, but we had I
strong nation builded on the common sens
| of common men. The nation has bee,
built by the hard labor of average men ant
women. Forests have been leveled, rail
roads built, marshes drained and cite
built. The world is asked to see what VI
have accomplished in q hundred years. Tn
conquest over physical forces in such tim
has been without precedent. From tn
humble beginning we can now show
nation of more than 100000 people
better fed, better housed, better cared for
better clothed, more intelligent and bette
educated than any 100000 people tina
have ever lived. That is something to b.
thankful for. The nation is not a join
stock corporation. formed for getting
money; it is the men and women VIII
produce it; the value OF a nation i
not Judged by its exports, but b,
| it's manhood. We have made mistakes, bu
we have learned something. The Washing
tons live, the Arnolds die. If there is cor
ruption in the land, the people are to b.
blamed. The living law of the land is no
made by Legislatures; this law is the judg
ment of the people as to what is right o
wrong, and their opinions decide. Their
is danger in trusting leaders. Good Cal
not come to the country through singl
man. The good of nation is advanced b.
| the unseen influence of deeds and words
more by the plowshare than the sword; b.
acts Of benevolence; more by good womal
in her home, among her children, than b.
the eloquence of Senates; more by the kind
ness of man to man than by the soldier
victories which cause the ringing of bells.
At the conclusion of DR.. Thompson
eloquent tribute to the people, benedit
ton was pronounced by Very Reveren
Gilbert Raymond, vicar general, of tn
Catholic Church.
The national salutes were fred in th
morning by the monitor Canonicus, frOl
the river. and at noon by the WashiDgto
Artillery at Coliseum Square.
With the exception of catchpenny store
all places of business were generally close
during they day. The flag Of our natio
was seen displayed in all quarters of tn
city. The occasion was one of holiday an
good feeling, and the citizens of foreig
birth we're as apt in celebrating the day 8
Americans.
Several picnlcs near the city attracte
many visitors. The entertainment given b
the Clerks Benevolent Association drew