Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-10-27

countries. In coming to this York
f town centennial, we come to celebrate
a day which ended that long and bite
struggle against the great nation. nov
our mutual friend, who here a
under all skies where the flag has float
ed, has left inefieable marks of he
grand and civilizing spirit. We come
70 celebrate the glorious date when the
heroes of independence were set il
their final seal to the solemn proclama
ton of the fourth of July, 1776. Wher
france brought from beyond the seas
the cooperation of her army and navy
to this valiant people < engaged
IN a war for independence; when
Lafayette, Rochambeau, Degrasse and
so many others drew in their footsteps
the young and brave scions of our mos,
lllustrlous families, they yielded to a
| generous impulse, and came with dis.
lnterestedness and courage to sustain
I the cause of liberty. A blessing went
with their endeavors and gave success
to their arms, for when, one hundred
years ago yesterday, the French and
Americans grasped each others hands
at Yorktown, they realized they had
helped to lay the corner stone of a
grand edlffee, but surely the most far
sighted among those men would have
started, had he been able to look down
tRe long vista of century and soc at
this end this republic, then young and
struggling with all the difficulties which
! surrounded her, now calm, radiant and
beamlng with the halo of prosperity.
The great Washington himself. whose
genius foresaw the destiny of this coun
try, could not have predicted this. Tru-
~ the U nlted States have made, espec-
laliy IN these latter years, gigantic
strides along the route to still greater
progress, by showing the world what
can be accomplished by an energetic
and intelligent nation, always as re-
spectful of its duties as Jealous of its
rights.
America has given a great example,
and has been the cause of rejoicing to
all true lovers of liberty. France is
proud of having contributed to found
this great republic, and her wishes for
your prosperity are deep and sincere.
Mutual friendship is founded on many
atflnltles, tastes and aspirations which
Tune cannot destroy, and future genera
hons L trust will assist again in this
same place IN a spectacle unprece-
dented IN hlstOry-two great nations
renewing from century to century
compact of fraternal and imperishable
affection. [ will not close without
thanking the federal government. the
different states of the union of which |
the delegations have been guests: also
the people of America for the sympathy |
ure Re the fecoheGtt66RRd 81 the
tality and the friendly sentiments which
have been manifested to us in every
place and in every sphere.
A centennial ode was then sung by
the chorus.
Harrison Millard, of New York, sang
"God save our President from harm "
with good effect. ...
Robt. G. Winthrop, of Massachusetts,.
then delivered his oration. which was
listened to with great interest. At the
conclusion Mr.. Winthrop was loudly
cheered.
The band played "Star Spangled
Banner"
James Baron Hope, of Virginia, then
read centennial poem with effect.
Music by the band concluded the
ceremonies.
About two thousand people were
present at the stand.
The day which opened with a clear
sky closed with decline in the tenn
Perature.
Coy. Ludlow, of New Jersey, and
staff, accompanied by many ladies, ar
rived this morning; also the Pennsyl-
vania troops accompanied by Gov
ernor Hoyt and Gen. Hartranft.
There were vociferous cheers for the
distinguished guests of the nation. At
the conclusion Of the ceremonies at the
monument, there was reception by
President Arthur, in Lafayette hall, to
which the general public was admitted.
Hundreds of people tnronged the build
ing.
Secretary Blaine acted as master of
ceremonies, and Joseph Hawley, of
| Connecticut, introduced the people to
the president. The reception lasted
about half an hour ,and there were hun
dreds of people in line when the presi-
dent left the building. The first to be
! presented were Gov. Long and staff of
Massachusetts,, followed by Gov. Cornell
and staff of New York, the governor of
Michigan and staff, and the governors
of other states.
Among those in line and who shook
hands with the president, was the wife
of President Tyler All the distinguish
ed guests have gone to their re-
spective ships, and the monumen ent
is now deserted The schooner
Criterion. Tuesday last, left Baltimore
for this port, has not been heard from
since, and fears are entertained that
she is lost with her crew of six men.
She had on board fireworks, etc., which
were to have been displayed here to-
night. The schooner Carlow, which
left Thursday, arrived.
President Arthur visited the flagship,
Franklin, this afternoon. He was sa-
luted by the different vessels on his de-
parture and return.
The following order was received by
) Secretary Blaine at the celebration to.
day: "In recognition Of the friendly re-
lations so long and so happily subsist
ing between Great Britain and the
United States, in trust and confidence
/ of peace and good will between the
two countries for all centuries to come
) and especially as a mark of profound
} respect entertained by the American
5 people for the illustrious sovereign anc
: gracious lady who sits upon the British
l throne, it is hereby ordered that at the
r close of these ceremonies commemO
3 rative OF the valor and success of ou