The Mineral argus., 1884-07-10
FOURTH OF July.
The National Holiday Observed by Maiden in
Grand Style.

Although citizens OF a territory, with
powers and privileges somewhat re-
stricted, the sentiments of patriotism
have as deep root in the average Mon
tanian as in those who are fortunate to
dwell farther east and can claim all the
privileges and blessings of statehood.
Maiden, in keeping with other portions
of the Territory, resolved to celebrate
early in the Spring, but the prevailing
hard times, without much change for
the better, as weeks glided by, seemed
to chill the ardor and enthusiasm of
our people and the committee who had
matters in charge. BY a strenuous
effort however, just before the natal
day, our citizens perfected arrangements,
decorated the town with the stars and
stripes and evergreens, and retired pre-
pared for the dawning of the 4th, which
was ushered in with a constant fusilade
of firearms of every description.
The day was not all that could be
desired, as a strong wind was blowing
from the west all day, making outdoor
exercises quite unenjoyable.
Early in the morning it was rumored
that the orator of the day, Hon. James
Fergus, would not be present, owing to
sickness in his family, but he put in an
appearance before the exercises of the
day were to begin, and thus prevented
u serious change in the programme.
The crowd assembled at one o'clock,
in the park, at the head of Main street,
and after the rendition of several patri-
otto songs by an i%mpromptu glee club,
the chairman of the citizens COM
mittee, Mr.. G. S. Fell, introduced Mr..
John E. WATSON, who was chosen to
read the Declaration Of independence,
in the absence of Mr.. David Hilger.
The closest attention was given the
reader, and every word distinctly heard.
Following the reading, the Star
Spangled Banner" was given by the
glee club, when the chairman intro
duced the orator of the day, Hon.
James Fergus. The speaker had his
address in writing, but spoke rapidly
and with good voice for Il mar of his
advanced years.
Owing to other i'm Important matter and
our limited space we have room only
for brief extracts of his able address.
In his Introductory remarks. the
speaker said:
Men i'm all ages have banded them
selves together into tribes, nations, or
governments, for mutual protection
and convenience. With few exceptions,
those tribes or nations, like those who
founded them, had their infancy, their
youth, maturity and decay; new took
the place of the old; and los years age
to-day, to us and to this continent q
new nation was born, and we are here
to commemorate its birth. 1t was
founded on q new continent, under new
and peculiar circumstances and on
new principle-that man was capable
of governing himself, that, politically
all men were born free and equal, tina
this should be "a government of tn
people, by the people, and for TIA
people" Republics had existed befor
but on a small scale. Democratic:
pure and simple, every maj casting hi
own vote. Ours covers half a continen
and is founded on the principle
representation: one being delegated I
represent the many. 1t has had splei
did opportunities. Has it improve
them? Has it been beneficial to an
bettered the human race? What h,
it done? How long will it exist?
X
T., eoo,,Ior ord brs;noss ,oot4ore II