Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-06
THE NATIONS CENTENNIAL BIRTH
DAY.
How IL was observed in this .ity-A quiet
Cele

| The centennial birthday Of the United States
was quietly observed in this city. The celebra-
tons at Portland and Lewiston attracted large
numbers of our people, while excursions down riy-
still further served to diminish the population.
The night before there was the usual noise of ex-
plosives intermingled with the footing Of horns.
This commenced Immediately after midnight, and
the uproar was assduously kept up until broad
daylight. Those who managed to preserve their
sleep were indeed fortunate, for the din was
complete success and credtable to Young Ameli-
ca, who, in the venting of his patriotic enthus iasm
and in the spirit of John Adams, kept up con-
slant fusiade Of fire crackers, torpedoes, &c,
nearly all day.
The day was ushcrcd in by salute of thirteen
guns for the thirteen original States at the Arsenal
grounds, and the ringing of bells. AT noon and
sunset national salutes we're fred at the Arsenal
grounds From conspicuous points the American
flag proudly waved, while several buildings were
also decorated with the emblem Of liberty. The
morning dawned finely, With the heat of a furnace
as the day advanced, which was tempered at times
with refreshing westerly Sreezes. In the after
noon there q smart shower, which was eH-
ceedingly welcome, and, at a later hour, when
light began to darken the scene there was vigc-
rous rainfall.
There were few strangers in town, still the
streets looked d, serted most Of the day. There
was less drunkenness than ever before seen, there
being but one committed to the lookup for the
day. The crusade against The proprietors of sun
dry gin mills the day before had saluta,y effect.
In fact the only beverages which were dispensed
e.ol la1a 10
ginger beer, and ice cool lemonade.
| The early train in the morning carried away the
Capital Guards under the command of Capt. Hen
~ F. Blanchard. This crack company went to
Lewiston, where they took part in the celebration
in the spindle city. They numbered some Thirty
two muskets and presented fire appearance.
Their trip to Lewiston was particularly enjoyed,
and no body of men in the procession elected
more encomiums than our own favorite company.
| The steamers Henry Morrison and Clarion were
loaded down with excursion parties, and returned
them safely at a seasonable hour.
| Ouite number of our citizens improved the
day in rational manner, away from the noise and
confusion, by quiet rides and picncs in the coun-
try, and visits to some of the numerous ponds in
this city, where they passed the day in fishing and
having Sood time Seneraily.
A considerable number of our lovers Of turf
sports rode out TO Robinson's park in the after
noon to enjoy their favorite pastme. Only one
heat of the races advertised trotted the sports
be ing summarily brought to close by the falling
| rain.
| In the evening there were several private dis
plays of fireworks They were obliged to be fred
rapidly on account Of the threatening aspect of the
sky. Soon, however, the clouds commenced to
sprinkle and the day rounded off with heavy
shower.
We hear Of no casualties taking place during
the day.
| At the Insane Hospital.
| AT the Insane Hospital the inmates were per-
mited to indulge in their patriotic Impulses, IN &C
cordance with a well arranged programme. The
exercises commenced in the beautiful grove on
| the grounds, but, on account of the threatening
aspect of the clouds, those IN attendance Adjourned
| to the hail. where the exercises were completed.
The President of the day was DIR. Harlow, who
delivered brief AID appropriate address. ms
was followed by the reading of the Declaration OF
Independence by DIR. b. L. Sanborn, and remarks
| by Rev. DIR. Quinby of the Banner. An grafton
by Dr. E. G. Neal was then delivered. The exer-
cses were interspersed with singing by the choir
Of the institution.
At North VassalborO'.
The Fourth was celebrated at North Vassal-
boro', according to the programme advertised IN
our issue of Monday last. A procession compor-
ed of the different Sunday school societies, and
i Good Templars, with banners and music, under
the direction of G. Rasell, left Citizens Hall, and