Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-07-05

"the boys" especially appreciating his kindly
benediction at the close.
Again the Glee club sang q national air,
when the orator OF the day was introduced
; John W. Willis, Esq, who delivered an address
replete with patriotic sentiments. The fol
lowing is but brief synopsis of his address
GRAFTON ~ j. W. WILLIS, ESQ.
Gentlemen of the Pioneer Hook l. Ladder AssocIa
| ton:
FELLOW CITIZENS - With exuitant sell
congratulation and with fervent thanks
giving to Providence, the American
people greet the 106th anniversary
of that day upon which was proclaimed their
national independence. We celebrate to-day
the issuance of q document the most notable
in the worlds history, a declaration which
announced the humiliation of British power
in thirteen valued Provinces, the birth of a
new nation, and voiced the creed of liberty to
| all mankind.
Its elegant and majestic language gave to
the world statement OF the reasons for the
American revolution which silenced the apoI.
ogists of English tyranny and furnished an
unanswerable argument In favor of that
cause to which our ancestors had consecrated
| life, fortune, and honor.
| The declaration went forth, and as it re-
sounded through the world-the grandest plea
"
| tions and theories of government, political
abuses and statesanctioned wrongs melted
away, and into the free air of heaven, untram-
meled by aught that initiated against the
| sacred rights OF man, advanced the latest and
the noblest OF republics.
On that famous fourth day of July in the
year l776, American affairs had arrived at
most alarming crisis. Hostilities between the
colonists and the British forces had continued
more than year. Armies of invasion were
carrying terror and desolatiOn into every quar-
ter. Royal proclamations had been issued de-
claring the colonies in q state of REASONABLE
revolt, and3dsnouncing the severest penalties
against all who should violate their allegiance
to the English crown. Perllous In the eX.
treme, therefore, was the action of the CONT
mental congress, in proclaiming the colonies in
dependent But herOism seconded and
fortified the judgment OF our ancestors, and in
the midst of those times which tried mems
souls " the declaration appeared. Its imme-
date results and its later consequences were
alike grandly benefcent. 1t carried dismay into
English councils and aroused all the latent
patriotism of the colonists. We can not now
review the events of the war, which ended
with the surrender OF the British hosts upon
the glorious field of Yorktown. The result of
that war was the complete success of the
American cause aud the establishment of
government based upon the principles enunci-
e.
The history of the United States, subsequent
to the adoption of the federal constitution, was
then briefly reviewed, and its present prosper
ity somewhat enlarged upon.
In commenting upon our political duties
the speaker commended for high standard of
public and private virtue. A vigorous asser.
ton of the Monroe doctrine, the formation of
and the continued ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the
Union by the annexation of contiguous terri
tory were warmly advocated.
European immigration was highly COM
mended, while ''the Mongolian should
be left npon the farther shore
of the Pacific to bless his native
land" In conclusion all were exhorted to
observe the duties of true citizenship, to
cherish, honor, virtue, and lofty patriotism,
thus aiding in the fulhllment of Whittiers
invocation:
go! make thou as through centuries long
In peace secure, in justice strong;
Around our gift of freedom draw
The safe guards of thy righteous law;
And, cast ia some diyiner mold,
Let the new cycle shame the old"
Mr.. Willis was frequently applauded, and
at the close of his address he was greeted with
regular old fashioned round after round of
applause, which caused the talented young
orator to blush with modest pride.
Again the little band of vOcalists delighted
called for.
Gen. r. w. Johnson, who is always happy
in his impromp:u remarks, was first called
out, and made brief speech, during which
he expressed the qualification he felt in being
present. He referred in humorous terms to
the sold seeds" he saw were left, and spoke in
feeling words OF those who were gone.
DR.. Day gave some "reminiscences of the old
times, and admonished the younger men thaths
they were the inhertors of the old name ira
ditions and fame of the old company, they
should see to it that their heritage should be
carefully guarded.
Major Newson was called out and after some
reluctance arose and after stating that during
a residence of ~ years in st. Paul this was
the first time he had met with ''the boys" at
their annual celebrations. He regretted the
loss Of pleasure ia the past, but would not
deny himself that pleasure in the future He
gave a graphic description OF the old
time 6remen and made the assertion
that he, was the Oldest fireman
In the room, having been a member of
New Haven company thirty-seven years ago.
The jolly Majors claim was not disputed,
and he proceeded to give his experience in
New York and later In st. Paul. Major New.
son spoke in very happy vein and was fire.
quently applauded.
Brief remarks were also made by Alderman
Gates A. johnson, Hon. 81. Fl. Miller, c. P.
Y. Lull, and Chief Engineer R o. Strong,
who read the list OF the original members of
the old Pioneer Hook and Ladder com.
pany, to the roll call of which number pres
emit responded.
The proceedings were closed by the entire
audience singing the doxology.
The boys of the Hook and Ladder company
had provided an ample supply of lemonade,
which was duly appreciated. and thus ended
the eighteenth annual celebration of the old
Pioneer 81 ook and Ladder company.
The Minnesota Boat Clud.
Providence looked kindly upon the MEM
bers of the Minnesota Boat club yesterday,
and gave them a lovely day for their ninth an