National Republican., 1876-07-08
THE GREAT DAY.
How the Cook, Son Jenkins Excursiouists
Spent It.

The most popular excursion party that left this
city during the present week was that of Cook,
Son & Jenkins bound for the Centennial Exposi-
tion, and the grand demonstrations which took
place in Philadelphia on the Fourth. That which
has made this great firm famous resides more in
this fact than in anything else that they and their
agent make it their chief endeavor to promote
the comfort and welfare of those who place them
selves under their charge. Every thing that was
guaranteed by the firm was carried out, and the
way of the eXcursiOnists was made smooth and
easy to travel. The railroad accommodations
were complete in every respect, and the quarters
given the excursionists at the Grand Exposition
hotel, near the Centennial grounds, were neat,
comfortable and gave good satisfaction to all
1t was lively day in Philadelphia the Fourth;
livelier than you or any one living to-day will
ever see again. Five hundred thousand strangers
in one great city when the city itself is all at
home makes a grand, impressive, noisy, bustling
mass of humanity, in which all the shades of
human existence and all the characteristics Of the
worlds races are displayed on every hand. 1t
was big and beautiful day, and all the nations
of the earth were represented in the monster de-
monstration. The city was shrouded with bunting
of the brightest colors. Every house from the
shanties to the marble palaces wore dressings of
the gayest hues. Every available flag staff bore
its bright emblem; every street-car was moving
cloud Of flags; every dray cart was decorated.
Many Of the dogs on the streets wore penants on
their tails; the ladies wore patriotic coors, and
men made patriotic speeches, and the small boys
Joined heartily in the grand festivities of the
great day.
One of the most impressive scenes OF the occa-
sion, and one which has not as yet found its way
into the columns of the press, occurred on the
grounds of the city park, where the fireworks
were displayed. A magnificent piece of pyro-
technic was erected at Immense cost on prOmi-
nent point in the park. 1t was representation
of the first thirteen States represented in the
Federal Union. From the centre Of the structure
a flagstaff ran up to the distance of twenty-five
feet, mounted by a flag and the American eagle.
The body of the frame work was composed of thir-
teen stars, the pictures in fame of the thirteen
first governors and many other designs represent
ing the prominent characteristics Of the early
days Of the republic. At about O'Clock this
colossal structure was set on fire. With fash and
loud report fifty square feet of frame work was
instantly covered with o living flame of the
brightest hues.
Immediately as this grand light illuminated the
great city every bell pealed forth its widest
notes; every steam-whIstle screeched madly;
every boy with lungs worthy the name made
each his respective howls: every man and woman
who saw the great sight made known their ap-
probation by bursts Of wild, enthusiastic cheer
ings; the lightning of the storm Just setting in
mingled its lurid flashes with the great still light
Of the vast figure; the thunder-claps Of the temp
est Joined the din Of the cannons' roar and, put
would make any lazy man get up on cold night
to see 1t was great day, greater than the
most sanguine expected, and those who took ad-
vantage OF the splendid inducements offered by
the day they are gathered in. These excursions
are, it is understood, to be given every Wednes-
day until the Exhibition closes.
TWENTY-FIVE boys AlpacalJackets at 81.
EIsEMkN Bros,
Corner of Seventh and streets.