The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-05-08
Fourth of July.

The centennial committee held meeting on
Saturday evening adjourning at late hour.
We understand the business was the considera-
zion of reports of the various subcommittee
and general discussion of the probable fea-
lures of the celebration.
The committee is very harmonious and deter
mined to make the occasion red letter one if
hard work can do it, and that, too, within the
appropriation. We are not at liberty to antic-
pate too much of the designs of the committee,
but can assure our readers that Portland will
be the place to spend the Centennial Fourth.
The day will open with salute of one gun for
each original state; at noonIone for each state at
the close of the half century, and at night one
for each of the present states. At 6o'clock in
the morning grand procession of fantasies in
ancient and comic costumes, appropriate de-
signs and burlesque representations headed by
a mock band, will parade the principal streets
for two and half bours. In the forenoon and
afternoon a match game of base ball will be
played on the Western Promenade for valuable
prizes by some of the best clubs in the stale.
All communications in this connection should
be addressed to W. T. Small of the committee.
At 10 clock the grand military and civic pro-
cession will start, composed of the military
companies of Portland and those invited from
abroad together with the many local organiza-
tions such as the Odd Fellows, Knights of
Pythias, Grand Army, Army aud Navy Union,
&c &C., all in neat and beautiful uniforms
Many new and beautiful features and designs
will be introduced into the procession, which
will be an immense one, and one never before
equalled in the city or state. At 2 o'clock the
City Hall will be thrown open to the public
The Declaration of Independence will be read,
an grafton delivered, after which the Haydn
Society will give grand entertainment in the
production Of ancient and patriotic pieces of
music The evening entertainment has not
been fully decided upon, but will be in a few
days. 1t is proposed to have what is termed a
carnival of fun in the EVENING" procession
with torch lights representing different stages
in the history of the country and different in.
habitants. Several prominent citizens have
named this to the committee and promise to
render them material aid.
There was large gathering of Odd Fellows
in Reception Hall Saturday evening and they
voted unanimously to turn out in the process
sion. 1t WILL however, be necessary for the
several bodies to act on the matter before it is
finally decided.
The members of the fire department are
unwilling to turn out unless they have uni.
forms. Of course the committee are unable to
uniform the department, and thus they will
have to be satisfied with displaying the steam
ers, hose carriages and trucks.
Other important features are under advise
ment and will probably be introduced. The
Portland Band has been engaged and several
out of towns will be present. The committee
are determined to make every feature of the
programme an unqualified success
That the celebration will be an excellent one
and that our attractive city will be filled to
OVERLOOKING upon that day is now beyond ques
ton.
All communications intended for the com.
mittee should be addressed to B. f. Andrews,
Secretary.