The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1876-03-16
Philadelphia Correspondence.

As this city is and will continue to be
for some months to come, the center of
attraction to not only the people of the
United States, but also the world at large,
l thought it might interest your readers
somewhat to know the impressions it has
produced on the mind of former resi-
dent of Tama Co. Having always been
previous to my removal from your
County, an unsophistcated resident
of the rural districts, there is of course
much to me that is new and strange in
City life, and | have consequently see
much to amusc and instruct me during
the few months | have resided in Phia-
delphia. This has always been known
as the City of "BrotherlY Love" and
though it may not be demonstrated in my
daily intercourse with the citizens, that it
is any better entitled to that title than
other Cities, yet there are many noble in
situations that indicate very clearly that
the people of Philadelphia are ever ready
to aid the unfortunate aud distressed
y
the Blind, Episcopal Hospital, House of
refuge, Homes for the aged, Girard Col
lege, and many others, had | time and
were it not for making my letter too long.
The Moody & Sankey meetings were a
success here, both in point Of numbers
attending them and the results accom-
plished | attended them occasionally,
and was very much impressed by the
mode of conducting them, and also by the
exercises themselves The meetings
were held in the old Penn. r. R. Freight
Depot, which by the way is being fitted
up for an immense Clothing Store for the
Centennial, by Mr.. John anamaker.
The building was capable of holding from
Eleven to Twelve Thousand people The
doors for the evening meetings were al
ways opened promptly at O'clock, and
as there was always a crowd in waiting
there was, usually jam for a few min
utes after the doors were open. Once in
side the building everybody rushed for
the front seats, but as there was large
corps of ushers in attendance, there was
very little confusion. In an incredibly
short time the building would be filled,
and as soon as filled, the doors were
promptly closed. Sometimes thousands
would be unable to gain an entrance. 1t
was indeed grand and wonderful spec
taele to see enough people in one congre
CATION to populate good sized City. One
hing struck me as remarkable, and that
was the perfect order which was observed
by the audience. A S the exercises did not
commence till 8 o'clock the intervening
time was occupied by the choir singing
selections from the Moody and Sankey
hymn book. There did not appear to be
anything remarkable either in Mr.. Sank
ey's singing or Mr.. Moody's preaching,
with the exception that they both i'm
pressed themselves on the vast audience
as being thoroughly IN earnest.
Washington's Birthday was celebrated
here with more than ordinary enthusiasm.
The day was ushered in by the firing of
salutes, which was kept up during the
day, and by such display of bunting as
was never before seen in the City. The
decorations extended universally through
out the City. The Stars and stripes of
course were most conspicuous, but min
gled with our own were the flags of all ma
tons Some idea of the extent OF the dec
Grafton may be had from the fact that
during the week preceding the 22d, over
5000. 900 worth of flags were sold through
out the City, Chats reliable.) Chestnut
Street, however, took the lead, and it was
said that it never presented SD gorgeous
an appearance as on that day. During
the afternoon the National Guards of the
State and other military organizations of
the City paraded under the leadership of
Gov. Hartranft. and others. The streets
were one dense mass of humanity. |
Every body seemed to be good natured,
even when crowded off the sidewalks by |
companies of free and independent |
American Citizens who would club to-
gether for that purpose. The illumina-
ton in the evening was the finest ever
seen in the City, so they say.
There has been general complaint the
past winter on account OF the dizziness OF
business All however. look for better
times as soon as the exposition opens.
Everybody expects to get rich this sum
mer. trust they may have their hopes
realized.
As Yesterday was pleasant day, I took
stroll to the Centennial grounds. There
has been decided advance made in the
building and fitting up of the Exhibition
buildings and those connected with them,
vet there is still an immense amount of
work to be done, but there is no doubt
that everything will be in readiness for
the greatest exhibition the world has ever
seen.
In nv next letter, provided | write
another one, will try and tell you all
can in reference to the Exposition.
The CHRONICLE comes to me regularly,
and is q welcome guest. >.