Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1883-07-11

about 6 p. m, which were we'll received
by the spectators.
About $50 the fireworks were dis
played on the old circus grounds before
large assemblage of men, women and
children. The interest, however, was
somewhat detracted from the fireworks
by the knowledge that the new court
house was to be Illuminated, and many of
the finest pieces were displayed after the
larger portion of the crowd had left the
grounds.
Our pencil will fail to do justice to the
grand illumination of the new courthouse.
fairy land, and was beyond description.
The lighted Chinese lanterns around the
cornice and in the tower gave a full and
perfect outline of the upper portion of the
building, the lanterns swaying to and fro
in the evening breeze like countless moons.
1t was sight long to be remembered, and
those who saw it can never forget it, and
the name of Alsip will also long be re-
membered as the designer and executor
of the plan. The citizens of Austin, ap-
preciating MIR. Alsip's efforts in this dircc-
ton, thought it best to "cane" him on the
spot. And so, when all was ready, on the
steps OF the west portico, Capt. J. s. An
derson introduced to the people of Mower
county, Mr.. L. A. Pierce, who then faced
the victim, ''Bill" Alsip, and, on be-
half of his numerous friends, caned him
as follows
Mr.. Alsip:-SOmething over year ago
the people of Mower county delegated to
you trust for performance; trust which
involved to them matters of vital impor-
lance, and which required, in order to en-
able you to execute it IN the manner in
which you were in duty bound to them to
do. honesty, integrity and ability on your
part. Without the possession and excr-
else of these cardinal virtues you could
not render them one hundred cents on the
dollar of their investment in either labor
or material: They were entitled to this,
and expected and demanded it at your
hands, 1t had become necessary that there
should be erected in lthis city a larger
building than it contained in which to
transact the increased and growing public
business necessary to be transacted in and
on the part of this county. The people
were financially poor, owing to the new
and sparsely settled condition of the
county accompanied by an unprecedented
yearly succession of poor crops, and the
amount required and demanded of the
taxpayers for this improvement looked
to them very large. You can scarcely
imagine, sir, with what sOlicitude they
watched, and the earnest, close scrutiny
they gave your every step, from the time
you assumed charge of this building to
the present time. The duty devolying
upon you is now so nearly completed,
that it has been thought proper and appro-
pirate to publicly recognize the efforts you
have made in our behalf, and your integ-
rity and ability in dlscharging the trust
committed to your keeping as evidenced
by the splendid and model building on
the steps of which we now stand. 1t is
not inappropriate, in view of the special
efforts made by you IN the decoration of
this building, and your hearty, earnest CO.
operation with our citizens looking to a
proper and fitting celebration Of this day,
ence, that we shall also acknowledge your
worth as man and public spirited citi-
zen. 1t is to discharge this pleasant duty
that I tonight represent the people of
this county, in what say to you. In the
discharge of this duty, permit me, sir, to
present you with this token of their ap-
probation of your efforts and regard for
you personally. We are satisfied that it
will not produce in your mind the same
feelings that arises in the minds of our
younger citizens when they are presented
with cane, in the hands of an angry
parent. Such presentation is not made
in exactly the same manner as this, but
usually with more force and vigor than I
care to command.
Lean on and let this staff support you
through life. When you shall have passed
the last milestone in your journey
through this world, and entered the dark
valley of the shadow of death, may there
be no regret on the other side at your COM
ing, but rather may you find the same feel
ings of kindness and friendship extended
toward you, that exist here to :night, and
when your friends at last sit by the bed
side where the final battle between life
and death is being fought, and as they
accompany you in your struggle for ex-
istence, to the very banks of the dark
river, so near the invisible vail which
divides mortality from immortality they
can look through and see those who rest in
peace beyond it's threshold. AS YOU there
stand face to face with your Maker, may
they hear him speak to you the same wei
come words that we speak to you to-
night, well done thou good and faithful
servant"
Mr.. Alsip took the beautiful gold-head.
ed cane, and was completely done for. :"
IL,
and he could only say substantially !:
Friends, thank you. I have tried. to
give you an honest job, and l trust it will
be one of which you will never be
ashamed"
Three hearty cheers were then given
for the hero of the hour, and after a few
appropriate words by Mr.. O. w. Shaw,
the crowd moved on, some to their homes,
others to join the military dance at the
new court house hall, or the Union Band
dance at Jones hall.
NOTES OF THE DAY.
The decorations throughout the CITY
were much more elaborate than ever be
fore-many places of business and pri-
waite residences wearing the red, white
and blue. Among those deserving special
was the Office of Richardson, Day
& Pierce. The building was draped most
artistically with festOOns of red, white and
blue. and the windows fringed about with
evergreens and flags, making in all very
attractive appearance In the evening
the Office was lighted with Chinese Ian
terms. The show windows of Hall & West
were also beautifully draped with our ma
tional colors.
There were no accidents during the day,
and we heard of no one being in any way
injured in our city or vicinity.
Anton Friedrich was one of the most
prominent actors in procuring the funds
with which to purchase lanterns for the
courthouse illumination and the cane for
Mr.. Alsip. 1t took some hard but Fred
was equal to the emergency.
There was long family and neighbor
hood table well spread in MIR. Woodsum's
front yard for the 18th of July dinner. 1t
fairly groaned beneath It's burden of deli
cacies, and the passer-by wished in vain
that he might take hand, and join the
merry company.
The military Co. cleared about 500
from their dance, and the Union Band re-
report a good profit on their entertainment.
The various committees of arrangements
worked hard and patiently, and deserve
the thanks of our citizens.