Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-07-12
INDEPENDENCE DAY.
CELEBRATED WITH THE USUAL
FESTIVITIES.
Abilene People Enjoy the Day at
Manhattan, Manchester, Herring
ton, Gypsum City, Chapman and
ElseWhere.

The weather gods were unquestiona-
bly, in league with Uncle Sam Wednes-
day for the day, if we except the ex-
IRENE heat, was perfect one for eel
ebrating the Nations anniversary OF
its birth.
The city was early alive with the
hustle OF departure. and it seemed as
though a wholesale exodus was taking
place as the trains rolled out with their
burdens of living freight, bound for
day of pleasure and rest.
The largest delegation was that fol
Manhattan. at o'clack FIVE cars
filled with Abileneites were attached
to the special, already having eight
cars, which came in from the west over
the Union Pacific. Among those upon
this train were the Gazette band, the
fire companies and the drum corps. AT
Manhattan it was estimated that 5000
people were visitors in the city. The
order of exercises included a magnii.
cent procession through the principal
streets of the city, a fine trades display
ETC., The afternoon was given up to
an exciting series of contests. We
have not space to give the long list OF
awards. Abilene was not by any
means in the rear of the procession.
The Hook and Ladder company walked
away with the first prize, $25, on one
hundred yards run with climb Of is
feet. No. divided first and second
money, $40 and $25, with No. 2, of
Minneapolis. The prize for the best
appearing company was not awarded
yesterday, the judges reserving their
decision. 1t lies, however, between
the junction City fire department and
Abilene No. 2.
The Manchester visitors are loud in
praise OF the days doings at that thriv-
ing little city. The music of the day
was furnished by the Industry band
and drum corps. There were good
speeches by J. R. Vickers, Jonas Erect
and J. c. Cline.
The horse racing was exceptionally
good. Knapp's horse, of Abilene, car
ried off first money in the contest of
speed. Baseball and fireworks were
features of the occasion.
Harrington won a goodly representa-
lion from Abilene and South Dickin-
son. The city was filled TO OVERLOOKING
with the assembled crowds.
Speaking and music in the magnifi-
cent park filled up the morning, and
the afternoon was devoted to races and
a good game of ball. In the evening a
campfire of the G. a. r. was held in
the park and the new water works were
tested for the first time, an so foot
stream being thrown with ease. Fire
works in abundant profusion were dis
played and made an appropriate ending
for perfect day.
Chapman did not have the immense
crowd of some of the other cities but it
made up in enthusiasm what it lacked
in numbers. An old-fashioned picnic
was held in Erwin's grove. Addresses
were made by F. A. Smalley and
Father Kelley. A ball continued the
festivities until almost morning, An
exceptionally entertaining day was had.
Gypsum City was fortunate in secur-
ing the services of j: r. Burton as their
speaker. The usual features of an In
dependence day celebration were given
in good style. The races, the base ball,
ETC., were unusually attractive. Special
trains brought people from Hope, Carl
ton and Salina.
Enterprise had a picnic in the River
side park, where a good number of
patriots spent the day imbibing health,
rest and enjoyment. A ball game was
played, in which the Abilene Kids did |
up the Enterprise club to the tune of |
20 to 4.
In Abilene, as we intimated, peace |
and harmony reigned supreme. The |
small boys, who were too impecunious |
to visit our neiyhboring cities, tam
pered with the festive firecracker in
undisturbed tranquility. The older
persons, presumably wiser, stretched
their weary forms in lazy attitudes in
hammocks or on the lawn, and were
lulled to slumber by the southern
breezes that rippled the summer leaves.
The gallant cavaliers who remained in
town took their ladies out for an even
ing drive or perhaps picniced in their
blissful company meath the boughs of
the forests primeval, that murmur by
the banks of the noble Smoky.
Altogether, our people had de-
lightful day and if there were some with
sleepy faces and tagging footsteps on
ourstreets Thursday its only a testimon-
ial of the exuberance of enjoyment and
courtesy shown the jewellers in the
Belle by the large-hearted, hospitable
citizens having in charge the celebra-
tions in our sister cities.
Identified.
The pillow brought into court among
the stolen goods found in the possession