Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1883-07-19
YANKTON YARNS.
The Capital City Thriving In Spite OF Defeat
Brilliant Celebration Of independence Day.

favored with an unprecedent amount
of rain for this time of the year and
locality, in the way of violent thunder
showers, often two in night. In conse-
quence everything looks ilourishing,
particularly the weeds, which grow as
weeds only can. The intense heat of
the past few weeks, has made it almost
possible to see things grow, till our
city is really beautiful with its many
and great variety of shade trees. The
Missouri, though muddy, is very high
and adds its turbid beauty to all
around. Nothing could be more love-
ly than it is, with the full moon cast
ing its silver radiance upon its broad
surface, as seen from the houses upon
the bluff. The new college on the hill,
is nearly completed, and will be ready
for use when the fall term opens, it is
a handsome and imposing looking
building standing at the head of Capital
street, built of Souix Falls stone. New
buildings are going up in all direc-
tons, both business blocks and private
residences. Our new creamery
gives great satisfaction, and is doing
well. Various enterprises are in pro-
gress, in fact the city is booming not
withstanding the attempt to take the
capital from us. Though the commits
sioners have located it at Bismark, the
chances are even for its being here
after all; although in fact we do not
need it, as our prosperous city is -four
ishing without; even under the adverse
circumstances, that with all our Just
effort, we have failed to become state.
Every one has faith, does his or her
best and bides the time, when virtue
will surely be rewarded, and we shall
have our rights at least, with our best
men to WELD the power which gov
ems. There is not a question as to the
faithfulness with which each official
will perform his new duties, when the
opportunity offers. Great preparations
were made to have July 4th, 1888, men,
orable in the annals of Dakota, even to
the extending of an invitation to one
hundred noble red men, to accept
the hospitality of the city for the day.
They came, six hundred and fifty
strong, on Saturday, with their aunts
and cousins, they went to their old
camping ground near the depot, at the
foot of the cliff. picketing their horses
all up along the side of the hill and on
the top, even to the fences around the
citizens homes. At first there were
fears that they might prove a 'white
elephant on our hands, but they have
been most peaceable, and added great
ly to the general amusement of the day.
Many never had the opportunity of
seeing such quaint sight, as they
looked on war paint and feathers and
may never again. Early in. the morn
ing slight shower cooled the heated
air and laid the dust, and the sun did not
shine till p. m. The day was simply
delightful, and every one entered fully
into its enjoyments. A cool breeze adj
ded to the comforts of the crowds who
came from far and near to witness the
sights and add their presence TO the
gathering. Every house had its flag, in
fact every building helped on the deco
ration. Early in the morning was the
usual salute of cannon and bells At
1890 a. M, the procession formed on
Third street, headed by the Yankton
Cornet Band, young but good, drum
corps of the G.. A. r., Chief Marshal
and Aids, Phil Kearney Post G. A. r.
Girls representing states and territories,
The Goddess Of Liberty, and the terri
tory of Dakota in phaeton. Scotch
Highlander with bag-pipe. Zouave
company under Capt. Murphy; Yankton
Turn Verein, Hook and Ladder COM
pany with decorated truck. Contnen-
tai Glee Club. President and officers Of
the day, City Council, Cavalry CON-
pany under Capt. Baker, Indian
"Strike the Bee," the oldest living set
tier of Yankton, in a carriage, Santee
and Yankton Sioux Indians, on foot
and horseback, citizens on foot and
in carriages. The procession passed
down the streets in the order given,
bands playing and flags flying.
The Indian end of the cavalcade was
the object of general interest. There
J were fully hundred savages in line,
their bodies daubed with yellow and red
paint, streaked with artistic touches.
Their arms and legs were ornamented
with bands and feathers and bells, their
heads with an extravagant collection of
quilts and feathers. They danced to
the music of their drums, making mo-
tons as if killing, scalping or shooting
their imaginary victim. These were
real, live Sioux Indians, nothing sham
about them. Hundreds of squaws and
children followed. The exercises were
held in bower, erected in front CT Tur-
ners' Hall.
A bountiful repast was prepared,
in building just opposite the
Hall, by the ladies, for the
benefit of the Temperance Read
ing Room Judging from the crowds
that partook. q large amount of money
must have been realized. In the after
noon, thousands of people assembled on
the base ball grounds, where sack
and wheelbarrow race, CREASED pole,
: creased pig. clay pigeon-shooting, and
various other amusements occupied
them. At 9 O'Clock there was grand
display of fireworks and concert I'm
d fortunately, all the fireworks went off
at the same time, frightening the horses
y and children, who were hardly prepared
for so sudden and rather alarming dis
E play. The Indians did their full share
in the entertainment of the day. A
squaw dance. in the evening, was the
grand finale. The day passed without
a single accident. and every one looked
: happy, returning home well satisfied
. u IL 4 -.