The Arizona sentinel., 1876-07-08
THE FOURTH.
THE CELEBRATION IN YUMA.


alive to the importance of the &C.
casion, and patriotic feeling ruled
the day Ordinary business was
suspended and our great National
Sabbath was duly recognized and
observed, Our whole community
en-masse, men women and chill
dren, with many from neighbor
ing towns and settlements, joined
heart and soul in celebrating the
memorable day; and doubtless
from many grateful hearts the as
piration went up to Heaven, in
the beautiful language of the
3poet;
kareat God. we thank Thee for this home
y This bOundless birthright of the free
Where wanderers from afar may come
a And breathe the air of liberty
Still may it flowers untrammeled spring,
It's harvPsts wave-its cities rise;
And still. till time shall fold its wing
Remain earth's loveliest paradise
AS midnight ushered in the
day, a grand national salute was
fired by the anvil battery in front
of the store of David Neahr. This
woke the people from their slum-
aSers, and those that it did not
wake will hardly be reached by
he sound of GabriePs trump. No
pore sleep till morning, for the
z|Ebcessant fire of small fire arms in
III directions forbade repose and
reminded the lethargic citizen
that the great anniversary was
just dawning upon the earth. At
sunrise another salute was fred
by the anvil battery and also by
the cannon at Fort Yuma.
At 10 o'clock A. M, the people
assembled at the large pavilion
which had been erected and COW
cred with canvass in front Of the
residence of Hon. A. j. Finlay,
Mayor. The whole structure was
gaily festooned with flags, and a
fine stand had been constructed
which was rooted by large and
magnificent flag, kindly loaned
for the occasion by the military
authorities. The rear of the stand
was decorated with large portraits
of Washington and Grant. Ex-
cellent music had been provided,
both vocal and instrumental.
The exercises commenced with
the reading of the Declaration of
Independence by G. II. Brinley,
Esq, followed by a few patriotic
remarks, which he read from a
manuscript. Hon. A. J. Finlay
then read a long and ably written
paper, prepared by Samuel Purdy,
Jr., entitled, ga Historical Sketch
of Yuma County," which is sur
prisingIy correct considering the
short time and limited Opportu-
mites that Mr.. Purdy mad to
gather his information. Our wor-
thy Mayor then made a stirring
and eloquent, eXtemporaneous adj
dress, which closed the exercises,
with the exception of the music,
of which we will now speak. A
fine organ and also a good string
band were on the ground, and
did good service in accompanying
the magnificent singing of Mrs.
and Miss Mary Alexander, assist
ed by Judge H. N. Alexander and
w. l.. Hopkins, Esq. The exer-
cises were interspersed with our
most soul-stirring national songs,
such as the "Star Spangled Ban.
ner," America" etc., ETC., rem
dered in such an artistic and
beautiful style as to stir the pa
triotic heart.
In the evening. just after dark,
beautiful display of fireworks
was made on the hill east of town.
Two largely attended and spirit
ed balls, in the evening, and run
ming far into the next morning,
closed the celebration of the day.
Again We have occasion to say
- - Vt we are proud of the people of