The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-05-21
aALF CENTURY.
THE PROPOSED SBMI-OENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION.
Proceedings of the Meeting Y es-
terday-The Object Fully
Set Forth.


number of citizens assembled in Rep
resentative Hall, yesterday afternoon,
to hear the report of the COM
mittee, appointed at a previous meet
ing, and to discuss the various features
of the same. The meeting was called
to order by Col. Ford, and Will Lam
bert officiated as secretary.
The report of the committee was
read, but owing to its great length, is
briefed here, in order that the readers
of the STATESMAN may form some
idea OF the objects contemplated by
the gentlemen, who, with the united
assistance of the business men Of Aus
tin. propose to put up grand semi
centennial celebration of Texas indie
pendence. The committee are OF Opin-
lon that an event which was attended
by so many grand results, affecting
the deStln1eS of the peoples of Amer
lea, should be cOmmemOrated in
signal manner, and at Austin. They
deprecate the idea that the place should
in any wise stamp the character of
location upon the proposed
celebration. 1t is intended to include
all of Texas, irrespective of party or
nationality, and invites the co.opera-
ton of other States-the blue and the
gray, the Republican and the Demo
crat-all are to be received with
Warm-hearted welcome. The pur-
sUse is to represent Texas, in the past
as well as the present, and give an
approximate idea of the progress
condition, natural resources and pro,
ducts of the State destined TO become
the giant member of the American
Union. To this end all classes of
Texas Veterans are, or will be called
upon to attend, and bring with them
written history of their recollections
of the early days in Texas. The sur
vivoIs of the army and navy
the Republic of the Consultation at
San Felipe de Austin; the liv-
ing signers of the Declaration
of Independence the survivors
of the assassinating onslaught
at Goliad; of the heroic and victorious
army who sealed the Independence of
Texas upon the plains of San Jacinto;
the surviving members of Jack Hayes
and other ranger commands; the
Texas Veterans of the Mexican WIZ;
all these will be-as they of right
should be-invited to attend, and
leave their historic "reminiscences here
with the proper department, Tor the
use of future historians. Texans who
served in the Confederate army should
be col daily invited to attend, and "go
into camp" along with the boys IN
blue" side by side, illustrating that
among all good citizens there should
benz sectional animosity.
The celebration will be prolonged
an entire week, and grand military
encampment and competitive drill
will be prominent feature of
the proposed celebration. Ii
adequate funds are obtained,
the drill could be made an Inter
State drill, and companies from
abroad invited to compete for hand
some prizes. Invitations should be
extended volunteer fire companies
upon similar conditions.
The Committee recommend that
suitable prizes, in cash, be appropri-
ated for the best BRASS band in Texas:
best base ball, foot ball or other ath-
letic club, and a variety of other en-
tertainments are mapped out, max
ing up one of the grandeSt celebra-
tions ever contemplated in this
State.
To carry out the many suggested
recommendations, money will be re-
quired. There are many liberal cit
liens in Austin. who viii contribute
to this enterprise, but to make assur-
ance doubly sure, the Committee sug
gest that a joint-stock company, or
syndicate, could be organ
lied, obtain possession of
the fair grounds. and with
gate fees, revenue from sales of privi-
leges, etc, secure money enough to
cover all expenses.
The report is signed by John s.
Ford, D. M. Roberts, r. Platt, L. l..
Wren. Jacob Bickler, Joe II. Stewart
and Win Lambert.
In discussing the report, Ex-Gover.
nor Roberts favored postponement of
of action upon it until next Saturday
night. He wanted to see more of
Austin's business men present,as they
are the ones to derive benefit |
from such gathering as the proposed |
celebration will bring here. He
favored the idea suggested by Mr.. |
Brown ("Four-Eyed'o of canvassing |
the city for shares, say four hundred |
at $25 per share, and in connection |
with pestponement, he would like TO
see committee of ! active men |
appointed to go among the business |
community and ascertain how many |
men in Austin are willing TO risk their |
capital, or a portion of it, in the |
enterprise. All great local enterprises
start with few men. AMI he was not |
discouraged by the lack of numbers
present; yet he thought postponement
advisable, at least until the people |
could understand, thoroughly, the OBJ
jects In view.
Ex-Chief Brown wanted immediate
action and organization, as delays are
dangerous. If Austin remains luke
warm AMI procrastinate, some other
city win step in and pluck all the |
fruit while we are waiting for it to
ripen. He cited the success financi-
ally-which attended the big drill at |
HoTst0n. Its legitimate revenues