Connecticut western news., 1888-11-14

GRAND CELEBRATION AT NORTH CANAAN,
 NOVEMBER 9TH., 1888.

GRAND CELEBRATION AT NORTH CANAAN, NOVEMBER 9TH., 1888.
 The stranger within our gates last Friday evening would certainly think he had at last reached that joyous place, "The Happy Land of Canaan. He would be justified in arriving at such 8 conclusion, for on approaching the village he would first notice many residences illuminated from cellar to garret. Huge bonfres on the hills would also attract his attention. Flags and bunting greeted his eye, and the cheers of the multitude assembled at and near the town hall, attrrcted him thitherward. while his pathway was | illuminated with colored lights of all hues. Elbowing his way into the bril- liantly illuminated town hall, he found an assemblage of fair women and l brave men" listening first to the songs of triumph so joyously sung by the Harrison and Morton glee club, and next to che electrifying oratory and congratulations from the lips of that grand old republican and survivor of Libby prison, Rev Hiram Eddy. Next he was conducted down stairs to the Village Improvement hall where long rows of tables laden with choice viands convinced him that Canaan not only "fiowed with milk and honey" but with every kind of food desired, and that Canaan hospitality is not circum- scribed by party lines but is only truly exemplitied when all freely partake of the bountiful repast so generously provided by the willing hearts and tireless hands of Canaan ladies, as was the case in this instance where upwards of 300 persons of all shades of political opinion responded to the cordial invi- tation to "eat, drink and be merry, ]" and yet when all were fed provisions enough remained for 300 more.
 Delightful was it to finger in the banquet hall, so pleasing to the eye as we'll as the palate, for the room was gaily trimmed with national colors and adorned with campaign lanterns, yet the music of the violin and organ, to which the merry dancers feet kept time in tine hall overhead, attracted the stranger there and on entering the room 8 novel and pleasing sight met his vision, for there merrily dancing together were republicans and fair minded democrats conscious that the election of Harrison and Morton meant another golden era of prosperity for the United States. However, another surprise was in wait ing for him, and suddenly, like flash of lightning and peal of thunder in a | dark summer night, the sky was | illuminated for an instant, and then 8 deafening roar of cannon awoke the echos from Wangum mountain and reverbrated through both the Housa- tonic add Blackberry valleys. This cannonade lasted until one hour past midnight, at which time the powder gave out, but not the patriotic spirit which seemed unquenchable even by the heavy rain falling at that time. Suffice to say the celebration was a grand success and although it was virtually an impromptu affair, it could not have banned out better or been more enjoyable to all had week been spent in making arrangements for it. l 4 the prime movers in the affair are entitled to credit, aud while political lubilees always grate on some ones ear yet this celebration proved as was intended, demonstration with malice toward none and charity for all.