The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1877-07-11

The Good Templars' Picnic, on the
4th, was grand success. Soon after
O'Clock, a. m, the members of the order
proceeded from the Methodist Church
to the beautiful grove in front of C. G.
JohnsOn's residence, adjacent to the
celebrated Cold Spring, and about one
| half mile south of town. The process
sion was preceded by the Whitesburg
| and Morristown Brass Bands The mu-
sic was very good and demonstrated that
the young men composing these bands
possess talents of high order which
this days work showed that they are as
siduously cultivating. On reaching the
grounds we found that many persons,
mostly young people, had already ar
rived, making the grove an animated
scene of life and beauty, such as always
makes the heart glad. The services
were opened by the Worthy Chaplain,
Rev. w. H Smith. The master of cere-
monies, d. P. Rowe, then introduced
Judge Barton as the orator of the occa-
sion. This gentleman for forty-ave
minutes held the attention of the vast
crowd by an original and logical address
which, for its patriotic sentiments and
excellent temperance principles, was
certainly one of the most appropriate
and we'll timed addresses we ever list
ened to, At its close it was announced
that Hon. Robert Mckee, of Greene
Vile, who was booked for an address,
had been detained at home by sickness.
His place was filled by our townsman,
Rev. T. j. Evans. This address was
brief, stirring, eloquent; just such as
the occasion required. At this juncture,
and about IL m, dinner was announced.
| Basket after basket was brought forth
and their contents arranged in regular
picnic style on the green grass under
the shade of the trees. The repast was
sumptuOus and elegant-chickens, beef,
ham, pickles, pies, light-5read, biscuits,
jams, jellies, piles of cake, ETC., met the
gaze at every turn. After fully satisfy
| ing the cravings of the inner nature,
all, old and young, alike gave them
selves up to good cheer and the indul-
gencs of such pastimes as the occasion
afforded. Whilst everything was NOV
ing merry as a marriage bell we noticed
our old friend, Nat. Gourley, In the act
of mounting the speakers stand. In a
few moments his shrill 90 yes, this
way, you young folks and old ones too,
I want to give you a chapter or atwo
from my experience" caused first lull,
then deep silence, when Nat. in well
chosen words and thoughts that burned,
proceeded to tell how the mighty mon
ster, intemperance, had throttled him
for many long, dark years. Then he
told how for two years past, under the
guidance of the Good Templars, he had
risen superior to his foe, had shaken OF
his chains and was again q freeman
He closed with excellent advice TO all
especially to the young men, which they
will do well to heed. We thought if
cousin John Burts had been there to
have closed, the programme would have
been complete, and the order might, ia
the fullness of its heart, have exclaimed,
"Glory enough for one day" This
episode being over, swinging, croquet
and numerous other harmless sports
were INDUCED until late in the after
noon, when all repaired to their homes
well satisfied with the manner in which
they had spent the 1O1st anniversary OF
our Nations Independence.