Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-07-06
THE RELIABLE HOOK AND LADDER
Have Usual Celebration and Splendid
Grafton by Gen. johnson.
MANY OTHER CELEBRATIONS
Including the Regatta, Picnics, Fire
Works, Etc.
HOW 1T WAS PASSED ELSEWHERE
Moderate Array of Accidents, with a
Murder or Two Thrown In
fer Variety.

MURDER or TWO Thrown In
fsr Variety
On the Fourth Of July, 1868, the sun rose
upon one naiion at least, that was torn with
internal dissensions. It was in the midst of
great interneoine war, and the blackness of
darkness covered the land. None but He
who rules all nations could know the ulti-
mate result. 1t was amid those dark days
that patriotic band comprised of the few
remaining members of the Old Pioneer Hook
and Ladder Fire Company, of st. Paul, as
sembled at their truck house, then located on
the corner of Wabashaw and Fifth street
now known as the New Court House, and in
solemn conclaye decided that 'scome veal, or
come wee" they would celebrate the anniyer-
sary of united nations birth.in the good
old fashioned way, regardless of what the
issues of war might bring forth. The ira
ditions of the past were fast being forgotten.
The fiery furnace through which
the nation was then passing
had well nigh consumed all the time honored
observanees of the hallowed day, and it was
question whether, when the end came,
there would be Fourth of July to celebrate.
Notwithstanding tho gloom that then over
shadowed the land, this little band deter
mined to celebrate the day in the regular old
fashioned style, and decided to continue the
same every successive year. From that day
to this, the men who composed that little
band have kept up the organization. Some
of them have solved the great mystery
others have removed from our midst, but on
every succeeding Fourth of July the sur
viving members, and their successors, of the
old Pioneer Hook and Ladder company of
st. Paul, have carried out their programme
of celebrating the .Glorious Fourth in strict
accordance with ancient usage. Since that
time, for sixteen successive seasons,
the members and friends of
this old and honored organization
have assembled and carried out their pro-
gramme.
This year the Fourth happening to fall on
Sunday, the time for celebrating was fixed
for the fifth, and yesterday was observed in
"due and ancient FORM" At9 8 a. m. yester-
day morning the Anvil Brigade, located on
Market Square, woke the echoes inviting the
world to join them in celebrating the day.
At $50 a. m. the parlors of the Pioneer Hook
and Ladder company we're crowded with in
vited friends to participate in the cere-
monies. In looking over the assemblage
the familiar countenances of many
sold timers" met the gaze. Among
the number we're not a few who con-
slider it q religious duty to be present on such
occasions. The roon had been tastefnlly
decorated and the platform was adorned
with profusion of flowers. Upon the plat
form was seated Mr.. Frank Breuer, Presi-
dent of the association George w. Free
man, Secretary General 4. w. Johnson, the
orator of the day, and Alder
man Thomas Grace, chairman of
the council committee on Fire Depart
ment The old quartet, consisting of w. s.
Wilson, 4. G. Munger, II. a. Miller and E.
G. Partridge, with Mr.. j. 81. Hanson as Or
ganist, were seated at the left of the plat
form.
The assemblage was called to order by
President Breuer, and the exercises here
opened by the choir singing "My Country
'tls of Thee," after which President Breuer
delivered short and eloquent address of
welcome, during which he alluded to the
fact that aIl nations had their holidays, but
none of them equalled in importance this
day we celebrate, the glorious Fourth of
July, the day that gave birth to new ma
ton which had thrown off the yoke of
bondage, and had become the asylum for the
oppressed from every quarter of the globe.
1t was meet and proper then that the day
should be observed, that the citizens OF this
happy and prosperous land should assemble
together regardless of caste, sectionalism or
religion, and celebrate the day-a day that
all good citizens ought to renew their obliga-
tons to uphold the constitution and laws of
the land.
Mr.. Breuer's remarks were frequently ap-
plauded, and, after q patriotic air by the
choir, he introduced r. O. Munger, ESQ,
who read the Declaration of Independence
in clear, distinct voice, and with an accent
and enunciation that gave almost a new
meaning to this serious and dignifed docu-
ment, which has no equal in the English or
any other language.
The "Star Spangled Banner" was rendered
in fine style by the choir, when the orator of
the day, Gen. r. w. Johnson, was introduced
who delivered the Grafton as follows:
GEN. JoHNsoN's ADDRESS.
Over the NIFTY years Of the past comes float
| ing down to us the sound of distant bell,
which proclaimed to the world that three mil
lions OF people had resolved to be free and in
| dependent, and had pledged their lives and
their fortunes to maintain their bold assertion.
! The ringing of that bell in Independence Hall
| kindled the fires of patriotism in every manly
breast. Men assembled together bringing with
| them such arms as they could get. Hastily an
army was organized and ready for service. On
the 4th day of July, 1776, a nation was born
| and freedom, full grown, stepped forth in
America and demanded recognition. A long
| and bloody war ensued, which for ferceness
and tenacity, had never been surpassed, and
after series of battles victory perched upon
| our banners, and the Rritish lion quietly re-
posed in the talons of the American Eagle.
Our independence was acknowledged and on,
government recognized by the nations of the
earth. This was accomplished in the day OF
small things, but we have steadily grown in
| wealth, population and intelligence, and rank
1 tn dav among tho fioreu1pat mowers Of the