The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1879-07-11
THE FOURTH.
How Il was Spent Throughout the Coun
ty.-Eine Weather and Crowds OF
PeOPle--NOt . Fight or an

pleasant Fourth of July were anything
but -flattering, heavy clouds gradually
lowering and low mutterings of thunder
heard drought the night, finally cul-
minated in a regular drenchIng rain
The morning of independence day, even,
was not calculated to relieve the fears of
the previous night, and hundreds of anx-
ious faces we've turned heavenward as if
trying to read there the answer TO the
one great question: "Will it rain?''
AS the sun gradually made itself seen
and felt, dispensing the clouds and final
ly bursting out with all its brilliancy,
seeming to welcome in the anniversary
which thousands were so anxiously wait
ing to celebrate, the motto of our state
was called to mind, and everybody set
to work to complete the plans in pro-
gress for recreation and enjoyment.
Hundreds were in and about the city mt
an early hour, a large majority of whom
were bound for "Eureky." Numberless
private picnic parties were organized,
and proceeded TO rusticate on the banks
of one or the other of our rivers beneath
the friendly shade of the trees along
their banks.
The city throughout the day was liter
ally depopulated, and save the occasional
''pOp" of the ''squib'' was as quiet as the
Sabbath. The "Arcadian Garden was
filed with old and young on pleasure
bent, and here, with swinging, croquet
and dancing the hours flew swiftly by,
Commodore French laboring assIduOusly
to promote the well being of his many
patrons, administered to the wants of
the perspiring devotees of the may
waltz various refreshing and cooling
beverages and ices. At one O'Clock the
Hon. Sidney Clarke was presented to the
temporary inhabitants of Arcadia, F." and
delivered very fine Grafton.
Towards evening the tourists came
fiocking back, and as the trains came in
from Eureka the city was enlivened.
Throngs of people crowded the streets in
anxious expectancy of the coming exhi-
bitiOn of fireworks, which had been an
nOunced to take place from the upper
Cuu Vi oIICCl, Dul SOulC
inconceivable cause the place was
changed to the lower terminus, which
was a very unwise selection in our opin-
ion, the former position being SO elevat-
ed as to present a much more favorable
opportunity for those who could not
well leave their homes to witness the
display.
Chinese lanterns were displayed on ev-
cry hand, and string of them reached
across Commercial street from the bal
cony above Mr.. Levengood's ice cream
parlor to the opposite side, presenting a
cheerful and brilliant appearance, the
air was filled with the noises of the vari-
Gus explosives used to give vent to the
feelings of young America" and it is
with a just pride that we can point
to the record of day on which
so many excuses are liable to be
INDUCED in so many accidents like
ly to occur, as one devoid entirely of
either. At no poin: can welearn of any
thing occurring to interrupt the joyful
proceedings, and, honor 10 our city and
county, not an arrest was made, that we
could heard of. The lack of any dis
turbance of any kind to our mind can
only be attributed to the fact, that the
whole mass of the people were so
thoroughly imbued with the pa
triotism of the occasion as to
have no room for other than the most
cordial and friendly feelings, that their
cup of happiness was full, and no room
left for the entrance of any disturbing
element.
Not until midnight did the accustom-
ed quiet reign once more, and then all
we trust retired to their several places
of rest, feeling that they had passed one
of the best and most profitable holidays
it would be possible for mortal to enjoy.
THE EUREKA EXCURSION.
AS early as Ave O'Clock the eager ex-
cursionists who expected to Hstorm" Eu-
reka, came pouring into the city, and
when the time of starting arrived mo less
than two thousand men, women and
children were ready to embrace the OPP
portunity which the accommodating
managers of the X. c., E. & 8. r. r. had
presented them. A little delay was ex-
perienced in getting off so large a crowd
and everything possible was done to
make every one comfortable and happy.
The cars were full, but not uncomfOrta-
bly, so, the flat cars being decorated with
large leafy bOughs, and a prOfusiOn OF
the national cOlors. giving them at once
a refreshing and holiday appearance.
After the trains had unlOaded their
precious freight at Eureka, and while
they were being 'made up" to be in
readiness for the return trip a scene OF
surprising splendor was had from the
bluff, just this side of the city. At least
five Thousand people and hundreds OF
vehicles of all sizes and descriptions
were stretching from the railroad away
into the city. 1t was an inspiring sight
and one to be long remembered.
The exercises at the grove were excel
lent and aroused the greatest enthusiasm
Hon. Dwight Thatcher, of Lawrence
was the orator of the day, and the atten
ton OF all within hearing Of his voice
was held throughout his speech. The
2 Eureka band, at intervals, discoursed
patriotic airs, and with the general dis
position to make merry" everyone en-
tered fully into the spirit of the day
: The wonder is that with all the disad
l vantages of new road and the enormou:
: crowd, not one accident occurred to pui
: blight upon any part of the festal day
: for which happy termination the excel
5 lent management and discipline display
} ed throughout, by the officials and EN-
ployees of the road is deserving of til,
5 most unqualified praise.
: The celebration at Hartford is referred
!, to in the pQtes from that place, which il
7 our only source of information.
AT AMERICUs.
Americas has been pretty we'll writer
up by the Omnipresent "Keno," and il
e consideration of his admitted modest,
: we desire to congratulate him upon tn
S admirable manner in which he read on
: Declaration"
, We were at Americas and were takel
t completely by surprise at the magnifi
n cant diSnlav wa fhara x.rifDasaaI nyI,