New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-07-14
CENTENNIAL NOTES.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa, July Z, l87

PHILADELPHIA, Pa, July Z, 1876.
EDITOR REPUBLICANS:
History would probably be searched in
vain for anything approaching the celebra
tion of our centennial fourth. Both in itt
military and literary features it has been o.
the most interesting character. The military
parade took place at A. NJ, and the forces
were reviewed by General Sherman. The
Centennial Legion, organized for the oc
casion, was composed Of company from
each of the thirteen original States. and
was a prominent feature of the parade. The
commemorative exercises began at ten
O'Clock, in Independence Square, which,
with the adjoining streets, was one mass OF
humanity. General Hawley called the as
semblage to order at fifteen minutes past
ten o'clock, and the ceremonies opened with
the overture "The Great Republic com
posed by George F. Bristow, OF New York,
and dedicated to the occasion.
The overture was performed by an or
chessra of $50 musicians. led by Gilmore.
Dom Pedro arrived during the progress OF
the music, and was greeted by enthusiastic
shouts; which were acknowledged by com
ing to the front and raising his hat.
The music concluded, General Hawley
made short address Of welcome. Ferry,
presiding officer. followed in an address.
which was warmly cheered.
After prayer by Rev. William Bacon Ste
~ H. L-,,,, ..Vayonmo IN All NatioDs'
was sung, followed by the reading of the
declaration by Richard Henry Lee, of Eir-
ginia. The original declaration of inde-
pendence was brought forward by Mayor
Stokely and laid upon the speakers stand.
For five minutes the square rang with
cheers, and after quiet was restored Mr..
Lee read it in q clear voice.
Next in order came the greeting from
Brazil, hymn composed by A. Carlos
Conn, of Brazil, at the request of the En-
peror, and dedicated to the first centennial
of American independence. This part OF
the programme was received with every
manifestation of appreciation. The distin-
guished persons present rose to their feet,
and with them the Emperor, who listened
with closest attention. Bayard Taylor then
recited the national ode, written by him
self. Following this was the grand tri-
umphal march, with the chorus sour Ma
tional Banner" by Dexter Smith, of Massa-
chusetts. William NJ. Evarts was then
introduced and received with rounds of
applause His Grafton was eloquent, re-
plete with scholarly and patriotic lore. and
delivered in very impressive manner.
Following him the hallelujsh chorus from
Handel's Messiah was rendered with fine
effect The ceremonies then closed by sing
ing the doxology, 1.-The Old Hundred
Psalm," in which the entire assemblage
Joined.
Very many were disappointed that Con-
gress did not meet in Independence Hall
and pass resolution renewing our fealty
10 the Republican form Of government, un-
der which we have grown to be one of the
great nations Of the earth. 1t is almost
rebuke to our leading men that while they
have made themselves conspicuous by their
absence, the Emperor of Brazil made it a
special objecj to remain and participate in
his great national day Of rejoicing and
nearly all the foreign representatives at
tended and manifested the greatest interest
We can even appreciate the compliment
more from the dissimiiiar character OF their
;orms of government to our own. Dom
Pedro, the Empress and part of the EN-
,eror's suite left for New York yesterday |
,vening, where they will remain until the
welfth instant, when he will depart for
europe. The American Geographical Society
# this city intend giving him grand re-
,eption on the tenth instant.
After the exercises of the fourth were
concluded, Dom Pedro visited the Eastern
oenitentiary. In the evening he visited
he centennial grounds. He again visited |
hem on the fifth, and spent an hour or |
more in Agricultural Hall examining the |
Brazilian exhibits. While there boy ap-
'roached with an autograph album and
sked fer his signature. He declined on /
he ground that if he complied he would be |
IN down by cloud of applicants.
A number Of the military companies re-
nain here for several days to see more OF |
he exhibition. The Centennial Legion,
Which is among the number, gave dress
arade on Broad street this evening. Among |
ther features of the fourth was the dedi-
alton of the Catholic Temperance fountain
q Fairmount Park, which attracted many
o the grounds, as did also the unveiling OF
he Humboldt statue by the Germans.
)rexel, the banker, entertained Governor
Iayes at his palatial mansion evening be-
ore last, and gave him most brilliant re-
option. Very few accidents occurred on
he fourth, considering the immense crowds
nd the constant use of gunpowder. Fire.
FORKS were never more largely INDUCED
D, and succession of noises from rockets,
.omau candles. torpedoes and firecrackers
7ere kept up all night. ANXIOUS.
Lieutenant Grants Promotion.