Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1879-07-08

BUCKFIELD.-Ihe fourth OF July was cell
cbratcd in this town by two sathcrinsS-
one a temperance meeting in the village.
the other a variety entertainment on the
race cource.
The temperance meeting was called to
order in the grove, 10y Geo. d. Bisbee. esq,
president OF the day \ committee of cit
liens had erected stand for the speakers,
and ample accommodations for the seating
OF a large audience beneath the shade trees.
were also provided. Flag, were hung
about. and the whole grounds presented "a
tasteful and culiyeniug appearance. Mr.
Bi>hc, gave the visitors a hearty welcome,
and extended 20 them the Inequalities of
thc town. Tn, Hartford brass band WAS
present. and at various times during the
day. played popular airs in al iuspirit.n-
manner Hon. James Irish j. the popular
leader ot this band Af>er band music aud
q song by the audience, Mr.. BiSbce intro
duccJ T. :. Brigham, esq. Of Buckdeld.
who read the Declaration of Independence.
The first speaker OF the day was Mr.. VIM.
BicAuclL widely known is "our CORES
poudcut Hartford" and one Of the oldest
temperance workers in oxford County
Mr. Bickucu, after "a few preliminary re-
marks. read poem which received much
applause Col Eu>,is of Dixdeld. spike OF
temperance reform in his usually earnest
manner lie always plca>eS an audience
and warns the hearts orhis hearers toward
the great work. W : Robinson Of Hart
ford spoke of temperance as a national
question. and compared the work with that
Of crushing the rebellion Mr.. r. is an
eloquent and effective speaker. \. ;. Aus
tin, esq. of DiXdeld, W. \. Abbott Of Rum-
ford, and others, made brief addresses, oc-
cupyins the time tin noon.
At half past one, the president introduc-
cd j. ). Wright esq. of Paris, a. the first
speaker. Mr.. Wright'S address was follow
ell by a recitation by Miss Ripley Miss
X. is a decidedly talented young lady aud
one who, with proper training, would make
her mark in acting tragedy. Ex-Governor
Pcrham was next introduced, and spoke at
length concerning the duty OF patriotism
and the relation which that bears 10 TEN
pcrance. Ar have learned to expect solid
sense and good doctrine when Gov. Per
ham speaks, but on this occasion he gave
the audience better fare even, than was eX-
pccted. lie spoke with an enthusiasm and
earneStnesS which caused many 10 remark
that they had never heard him succeed so
well. Young men particularly must have
gained new ideas Of their duties as citizens
and voters. Mr.. \. :. Kimball OF Water
ford, was next introduced and made his
first public speech in favor of temperance.
He said that ike 81. Paul Of old he had
prosecuted the saints, but that during the
past few weeks he had taken a new view of
the subject, and had signed the pledge
He had been a tetOtaler for several wears,
but had taken no part in temperance work
until q short time since when, like many
another man, he was induced 10 sign by
promise Of an over-indulging friend to
join the club if Mr.. Kimball would sign
with him. Mr.. Kimball is well known in
western oxford, and as an active temper
auce worker can do the cause much good.
Hon. John P. Swasey of Canton was the
last speaker of the day, and made the
most cnlvening and entertaining address.
He had spoken but a few moments when
shower scattered the crowd. When the
audience had reaSSemblcd, he made this
incident the subject of one of the witty
stories for which ne is so famous He then
aroused the audience to high pitch of
enthusiasm by eloquent passages, so that
when he closed there were repeated cries
for more. IN conclusion, Col. EuStis pre-
scented the pledge for signatures, and the
audience joined in singing a closing hymn.