Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-06-25
\ HALF CENTURY.
I'm Seml-Centemial One of the
Most Notable Days in Our
History.
A Condensed Report.


history stretching between its birth and
its fiftieth anniversary, in social develop
ment, mechanical progress, growth in art
and education was thoroughly portrayed
by those to whom had been assigned that
duty. To the majority of those who par.
ticipated i'm the festivities Of the anniver
sary celebration, the memories and remin
iscences called forth are matters of tradi-
ton and not of experience. Very few Of
the millions now in the enjoyment of
happy homes in "Michigan my Michigan, -
can look back TO its natal day and say
'all of which saw, part of which l was
Michigan, as compared with the ''old
thirteen is still in its infancy. The deer
still roams its forest, and for miles its soil
tude is unbroken, e'cn by the woodlands
axe. But when we look at its older parts
, we challenge the older states to compare
with us in horticulture, political wisdom,
Injuries and refinement. Free institu-
tionS. happy homes, intelligent men and
women, manufacturing Industries and
natural resources unsurpassed are the
pride and boast of our glorious state
The program included seven different
meetings, with Il number of long addresses
at each meeting. The addresses were by
men of prominent ability, all very inter
esting, well delivered and thoughtful.
Being agreeably interspersed with music,
the meetings were attractive and the audi
enccs would gladly have sat longer and
heard more. The musical staff was made up
as follows:
Madame DebbIe Clemelli of New York,
formerly of Detroit, prima donna sopranos
Mrs. Mary +. Tilden of Mount Clemens,
contralto: "Arion Quartette,n ofDetroit-
{. V. Slocum, first tenor; l.. y. DeSale,
second tenor; j. .. Adams, first bass; r..
ID L y "a.
ton of Bay City. piano accompanist for
the Representative ball programs; Miss
Helen X. Conner of Detroit, piano accom-
PIANIST for the Senate Chamber programs;
also the Lansing "Leiderkranz," twenty
male voices, under Prof. Phi. Keinath,
director; mixed chorus of eighty
voices from Lansing; chorus of 1870 child
rem from the Lansing public schools,
under the direction of Mrs. Flora Rarick
special teacher of music: the Twenty third
United States infantry band, stationed at
Fort Wayne, Detroit, nineteen pieces, s.
Berninger, bandmaster; the Cassopolis
military band, twenty pieces. c. w. Mar
tin, leader: the Knights of Pythias band of
Lansing: fifteen pieces Joseph Spross
leader; Mr.. l.. a. Baker, assistant manager
at Lansing, and Prof. II. b. Roney, East
Saginaw, director of music for the semi
centennial.
In all thirty-nne different selections Of
music were rendered, to say nothing of the
march.
The weather, though excessively hot
did not greatly interfere with the joyful
ness of the occasion The program,
from the time of the lannon's opening
roar at sunrise in the morning-dawn to
the singing Of the doxology Mt 10 o'clock
at night the day was full of pleasure
At THE CAPITOL STEPS.
The opening exercises were held on the
capitol steps. Gov Alger presided at the
opening meeting, which was preceded by
Il medley of national airs played by the
Cassopolis Military Band. First came the
fervent prayer of Rev. George Taylor of
Lansing. invoking the divine blessing on
the occasion and praying for the future
welfare and prosperity OF the state.
- Let the Hills and Valleys ReSOund."
: was prettily rendered 10y chorus of 100
Lansing school children. under the leader
ship of Mrs. Flora Earick. special teacher
of music in the capitol city public schools.
Gov. Alger advanced 10 give his address
of welcome. and stood with uncovered
head, while the fiery sun poured down its
rays during its delivery. He said il was
with pleasure he welcomed the citizens of
Michigan TO the Capitol this day, and con-
graduated them on this epoch. He contrast
ed the condition of the state as it was fifty
years ago and is to-day. speaking of its
lumber, salt. iron and copper resources,
and eulogizing its brave women and reso-
lutte men. He expressed the debt of graft
tude the state owed To these people. The
wonderful growth of the state was shown
by figures showing its population fifty
years ago and at the last census. The ser
vice of the state TO the union during the
war was eloquently dwelt upon, and sta
tistics showing the number from the state
who enlisted for and died in the cause
S Mfr' tHB Go'ed' he l" said view strong H5
Indignation was felt when the chief of the
confedsracy went in triumph through the
south 1t was dangerous to teach children
treason. They should be taught loyalty or
nothing at all. The flag of secession, an
archy or the commune should not be toll
Grated. and all men should be guaranteed
the right to what they own. whether it he
poperty or labor.
Hon Witter j Baxter was introduced as
the representative of the pioneers of the
state. The work of the society in preserv-
ing records and papers bearing on the
states history was related, and its value
in giving TO the future antiquarian a rich
mine for research set forth.
At the conclusion of these exercises the
audience separated into three parts, one
going TO the west side of the building
where the grateful shade replaced the in
siderable heat felt at the east front, a
second audience went to the Representa-
tive hall, and the third went to the Senate
chamber.
The first speaker at the west side meet
ject was "Financial.n He outlined the
history of the states system of finance
and taxation in an entertaining manner,
quoting many regulations of the past,
which were amusing to his hearers of the
present. The rise and fall of the wildcat
currency, the history of the state bank and
the issue Of scrip were contrasted with the
sound financial basis of the present day.
Numerous figures showing the financial
condition of the state at different periods
rounded out well prepared and thorough
address. The present financial standing
of the state was gratifying and the future
full of hope for prosperity and success
The Cassopolis band rendered fine
selection, when Hon. &. ID. Lawton spoke
about Minerals He dwelt at length up
on its great production of gold iron, cop
per and other minerals, and dwelt upon
the advantages which accrued TO us when
we had TO give up portion of Ohio and
take the Northern Peninsula.
A state salute, called for this occasion
''Semi-Centennial Salute of seventeen
guns was fired in front of the Capitol
,about noon. and then the crowd made its
way to the fair grounds, TO take part in
the barbecue and TO listen to more songs
,1and speeches. At the grounds there were
held meetings at the grand stand and at
agricultural hall.
IN THE SENATE CHAMBER.