Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-07-05

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ed out to do something in honor Of the even
and everybody succeeded. Some Of th
achievements were large and some wer
small, some were worthy of praise and som
were not-but the aggregate of the days dc
ing is highly complimentary to the intelli
gence and patriotism Of the people A mark
ed feature of the occasion was the prevalence
of good order in every part of the city an
: the suburban camps extemporized for festiv
scenes. People enjoyed themselves acco,
ding to their own Interpretation of pleasur
and in the lawful way and nothing occurred
to mar the pleasure of the occasion.
There was a considerable attendance from
the country and from surrounding towns
much more than was anticipated, as Yank
ton didn't advertise the stereotyped cele
bration which custom has honored through
about q century of time. 1t was every
body's holiday and individuals and societie
entered into its observance in accordanc,
with their notions of how such thing
should be done.
| A STREET PARADE.
At 8 80 o'clock the hook and ladder com
pany formed la procession at the trucl
house on Walnut street, and, preceded by
the Yankton silver cornet band, marched
to the headquarters of the Turn-Verein OF
Second street. The fire company made 6
good appearance in their new hats and
handsome uniforms. The truck wagon was
tastefully trimmed with flags, and was sur
rounded by canopy in which little cir
was seated. At turner hall the members Of
the Turn. .Verein fell into line, and the pro.
cession, augmented by large number of
people on foot and in carriages, passed
down Second street to Capital, up Capital
to Sixth, up Sixth to Broadway. down
Broadway to Third, down Third and from
thence to Hefner's grove, one mile east of
town. The place selected for the celebra.
ton was in one of the handsomest groves
in the vicinity of Yankton. Tie trees are
all of a uniform size, equally distant from
each other, entirely free from limbs for a
height of ten or twelve feet, thus Offering
no impediment to the free circulation Of the
pleasant breeze which prevailed during the
day, while the closely interlaced branches
of the tops of the trees formed perfect
barrier to the rays of the sun. The ground
is covered by smooth and even sward, and
altogether it is just the place for the use to
which 1t was put yesterday. The grounds
were very handsomely prepared for the pur-
pose. Flags were fluttering from the trunk of
every tree, comfortable seats were arranged
in every direction, and capacious' platform
for tho music, the officers of the day and
speakers was erected and tastefully draped
with flags and evergreens. Here large
numter Of people with their wives and
children had assembled. Long tables we're
set and covered with profession of refresh.
ments, which were free to all. After the
procession reached the grove, about an
hour was devoted to the refreshment tables,
to promenading, music and conversation.
At one O'Clock. Adolph Schandein, presl-
dent of the day, called the assemblage to
order, and after an inspiring piece of music
By the band, introduced W. D. Russell, who
read the
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
In a strong, clear and distinct voice. At
the conclusion of the eading the sentiments
of the time honored and glorous old docu.
ment were greeted with round of cheers
which rang with the enthusiasm of '76.
Following the reading the band played
'The Star Spangle Banner" when the
president of the day introduced the orator,
HON. GEO. H. HAND.
who delivered an able and inspiriting ad.
dress. He spoke Of the causes which i'm
PEELED our revolutionary fathers to rebel
against the parent government, of their he
roic resolve to free themselves from the
yoke of oppression, preferring to die as men
than to live as slaves. Relying upon the
Justice of their cause and invoking the aid
and protection of Him who is stronger than
the armies of men, they appended their
names to that immortal instrument known
as the declaration of independence, and
pledged their lives, their fortunes and their
sacred honor" to the maintenance of their
holy cause. With all the dearest interests
Of three millions Of people committed to
their charge, they resolved to array them
selves in deadly conflict with the most pow
erful nation of the earth. No event that has
ever occurred in the history of th. world
has shown greater or more sublime devotion
to principle than this. They knew the trials
and troubles they were bringing upon them.
selves; they appreciated the horrors Of war
that rivers of blood must flow; that the
Of the savage was waiting on
their western borders to be bathed in
the blood of themselves, their wives.
and their little ones, while the artillery Of
an immense navy stood ready to sweep their
eastern coasts. But prayerfnlly and hope
fully they prepared for and entered upon
the contest "armed,' as Patrick Henry
said, Gin the holy cause Of liberty." Afser
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