The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-07-09
THE ESPY CELEBRATION.

independence day has come and gone. The
flame ofpatriotism has been renewed. "Young
America" has had his fire crackers and fun,
"lots" Of powder has been burned; oannons
have been fired and The Orators of the day
have no doubt acquitted themselves with dis
tingui'hed ability But as there is always
calm after storm, so after the stirring scenes
OF the lth Of July, the people, young and old +,
settle back again into their places, and move on
in the accustomed pursuits of life. This year
the little village of E'py has had qnie pleas
ant time, observing the 3rd as our National An
niversary, because the 4th came on the Sab
bath.
1t is true we did not celebrate the day with
military parade or procession, with the firing of
cannon, or display of oratory; and yet in the
absence Of all this, the day was spent very gen
orally in pleasant and innocent enjoyment.
There was some evidence that King alcohol
has his subjects. Some of his worsbppers
showed the fruits of his spirit in foul mouths,
profane language and an occasional black eve.
But there was not so much of this kind of dis
play as has been seen on similar occasions, and
this argues iavorably, either for the morals of
the people or for the discretion of the disburs.
ing officers of the old king in shutting off sup.
plies. discretion" in this case is certainly
the "better part of valor'" This change for
the better is good, and it is to be hoped that ii
will last.
We had our little excitements also the most
noteworthy being the exploit of Prof William
Abbot, in crossing the river on the ferry wire
on a velocpede. Prof, Abbot is one of our most
quiet and unassuming citizens, but at the same
time he is a man'of pluck and indomitabe will.
He has gained considerable notoriety among
us as successful market gardener; his early
| vegetables being very early and fine, and his
prospective melon crop on one of our river is
lands is of grand dimensions.
His new role of traversng the Susquehanna
on the ferry wire astride of a yelocipede has
added much TO his popularity, and has demon
straed clearly that some things can be done as
| well as oilers. Some persons who read th e
announcement of the intended exploit said that
| it could not be done; others pronounced it a
humbug; and some of the professors intimate
| friends doubted his ability to fill The bW But
he has done III actually In the presence o f hun
dreds of spectators, crossing in the manner indi
Gated from the E.py shore to Ruckeps Island
| The hope is expressed that he will repeat the
voyage at no distant day, and thus give to 9th
ers an opportunity of seeing what the Professor
declares is saf. and agreeable way of crossing
the river.
| The ladies of the Lutheran church gave
very excellent dinner and supper for the bene-
fit of the church, which was well patronzed
Also in the evening they furnished ice cream
and other Refreshments to large crowd in al
tendance. This enterprise of the ladies has re
suited quite successfully, as they have realized
over expenses, ninety dollars. The Espy AM
A fon bands added much to the enjoyment G
the day and evening, by discoursing appropri
ate music, and this they did gratuitously. Whe
we consider the comparatively recent organi
zation Of these bands, we are astonished q
their proficiency. Their rapid advancement
speaks well for their instructors, Profs. Meth
erell and Brooks, as also for the readines
and aptness of the members
the bands.
In this connection, | am authorized TO stat.
that the managers of the festival wish to expire;
themselves highly gratiiied with and thankft
Cor lhe efficient services so cheerful rendere
by these musical associations.