The New York herald., 1879-07-05

light gray of the Second Connecticut. the United
States regulation uniform OF the Fourth and the
nearly similar uniforms of the Fifth Massachuse
whose marching was applauded again aud again.
The Governors Foot Guards of Connecticut came
next in the scarlet coats of their early organization
a century ago followed by the Horse Guards in
gray; red capped zouaves and other fancifully
dressed troops. The Second division allotted TO
the Fire Department, and this really excel
lent display illustrating in the front rank by bucket
companies and antique hand engines. the inefficient
means OF hre service hundred years ago: then the
growth of the work. with modern hand engines and
powerful steamers. The men OF the volunteer de-
partments were finely uniformed. and there was a
noticeable departure from the red shirt
and black pants. The civic section made up OF
members OF the Grand Army of the Republic. one
two uniformed Hibernian societies. and there
to have been lodges of tho Knights Of Pythias
and Of the Order Of United American Mechanics next
in order. but they left the line because placed
after the Irish companies. The German
societies in the fourth section made handsome
Ts were followed BY knights in armor. . decorated
wagon with men costumed as General Washington,
General Steuben and other historical characters
fifty boys uniformed as minute men OF l11y and
other wagons represented. with thirteen young
ladies' the original States aud striking scene. Hun
gary and Liedertafel. The invited guests In carriages
were followed by several companies of antiques aud
horribles. including tribe OF Pequot Indians and
a comical burlesQue of the Goddess of Liberty. The
procession wouud up with amateur organizations.
mounted foot. and ten minute line of
decorated wagons illustrating the industrial pursuits
Upon the conclusion of the procession there was
a grand dress parade OF the militia TIA ON the Green:
with all the bands consolidated. This was one OF
the best features Of the day.
DIR. BAcos's HIsronIcAL ADDRESS.
At four O'Clock there was large gathering within
the famous old Centre Church. which stands where
the first public religious services were held in the
city about 1850. President Porter of Yale College
presided. and many distinguished gentlemen occu-
pied the platform The opened with prayer
by Rev. DR.. Harwood and the singing OF patriotic
hymn by the sssemblage to the air Of America"
The Declaration Of Independence was read by Pro-
fessor Cyrus Northrop. and Mr. George C. Stebbins
sang .The Sword OF Bunker HlP' with thrilling
enect. Following this was the historical oration by
Rev. Leonard Bacon, ID. D., LII. D., which occupied
about hour. The speaker sketched considerable
length the situation of affairs just preceding and
the events leading to the invasion of the city by the
British under Tryon. and then dwelt upon the -ex-
colonists due the dastardy character Of Tryon'e
work. The events Of the invasion itself were given
exhaustively together with many interesting in
cidents of the affair collected from newspapers of
the day private records.
This afternoon the officers of the Second Connect
entertained those of the Fifth with
banquet at East Haven.
A RAINY EVENING.
At six O'Clock threatening clouds, which had been
moving up from the westward broke over the city,
and for an hour poured deuge Of rain. accompa-
MED by heavy thunder and lightning. The only ma
teria injury resulting the destruction of Of
the decorations, and the skies had lightened up
when the pealing of the bells and roar of national
salute marked the hour of sunset. Thousands
gathered the Green after to hear the concert
by the Fifth Massachuse Band. but q continuous
rain setting in broke up the sssemblage and com
pelled postponemeDt OF the music and also of the
illumination OF the city which had been planned for
to night. is estimated that fully twenty thousand
visitors witnessed the ceremonies