The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1884-07-09
"THE DAY WE CELEBRATED
. Gala Occasion for the River Me-
tropolis.
. Big Crowd, Good Music, Fine Parade,
an Excellent Grafton, Interesting
Races, a Grand Ball and a
Glorious Time Gen
orally.

her celebration on the Fourth. III was
Grand success in every particular and is
crpditable to the patriotism of the River
CITY as we'll as to the intelligence
and energy of the gentlemen who had
the management of the same. The pro-
oramme was carried out in strict accord
.nce with the advertisement, and with
the best Of success from beginning to
end. The town was fairly full of peo-
ple, and just where they all came from
is one of the things that good many
cannot understand. The most sanguine
did not expect SO large an attendance,
and the surprise, of course, was all agree
able one In addition to all Of this,
everything passed off quietly, the best
of order prevailing, as is shown by the
fact that not single arrest was made
during the day or night. The extra
policemen found nothing to do but pa
troll the streets.
SALUTE.
The exercises of the day commenced
guns was fired, rousing the inhabitants
from their slumbers and reminding
them that the 108th anniversary Of
American independence was at hand.
PARADE
The parade was next in order, and 1t
vas the biggest card Of the day. There
was little delay in getting started, as
is nearly always the case on such occa-
sions, but not enough to make it a SER
sous annoyance. The 18th infantry
band led off, followed by carriages con-
tanning the mayor, president Of the day,
orator, and reader; next the hose carts
Nos. and q, drawn by members of
Choteau Engine company in uniform,
the carts being handsomely decorated J;
Choteau engine No. l, beautifully deco
rated, and drawn by four horses; Pio-
neer Hook and Ladder truck, drawn by
the members of the company in uniform.
This constituted the first division Of the
parade, and the universally expressed
opinion was that the fire department.,
in their new and attractive uniforms,
and with handsomely decorated and
brightly FURNISHED engine and hose
carts, made an imposing display. Next
fully arranged and decorated, and con-
tanning thirty-nine pretty little girls,
representing the thirty-eight states Of
the union and Montana, which is soon
to Join the sisterhood. This was indeed
an attractive feature Of the parade, the
little misses, arrayed in the national
colors, with white prevailing, looked as
pretty as could be, and elected admira-
ton from every side. Following the
car of state were number of carriages
and horsemen, while about one hundred
more or less) cowboys in the saddle,
with Capt. Tom Martin at their head,
brought up the rear; but impatient of
the stately movements of the procession,
the latter would break from the ranks
every now and then and make dash
around block at break-neck pace, re-
gaining their place in line quickly and
with good effect, making the scene a
little picturesque and exciting. After
parading the principal streets the pro-
cession stopped in front Of the Record
building where the exercises were con-
Quoted.
SEVERAL HUNDRED PERSONS
were present and gave profound atten-
ton to the speakers. John w. Luke,
Sr,, president of the day, called the as
semblage to order in few fitting words
and introduced the chaplain, who read
an impressive prayer. After music by
the band Rev. G. S. Fackenthall read
the Declaration of Independence in ex-
cellent style and SO as to be distinctly
heard by all. Mr.. Fackenthall is good
reader, and coming from his lips that
Old and mastery document seemed al
most new.
THE ORATOR.
W. f. Parker, orator of the day, fol-
lowed with an excellent address and
retained through its delivery the marked
attention of the large audience, although
most of them were standing in the
scorching sun, while the speaker labored
under the same disadvantage. Mr.. Par
ker reviewed succinctly the history Of
the struggle for freedom in other lands
than ours; gave brief resume Of the
causes that led to the independence Of
The American colonies tie character Of