Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1887-1890, 1888-07-07
BESIDE THE RIVER.

IF-alDr Itif. itlNE
The grove has ever been the favorite |
place for 4th of July celebrations. Last
year when high water caused the selec-
ton OF higher ground the change was not
for the better. Today the broad Missouri
rolling placidly by forms noble back
ground to the lofty trees, some of
which may have been here when
Lewis and Clarke observed antelope,
bears and eagles in this vicinity. The
shade OF the trees and the gentle breeze
from the river render this an ideal place
topay tribute to the patriots who laid the
foundation of American independence.
Judge Race, the president of the day,
opens the ceremonies with republican
simplicity that would have charmed the
heart of Jefferson, who is popularly sup
posed to have hltched his horse to a tree
and entered without further ceremony
the building where he delivered his in
angural address. Judge Race speaks of
the change since he arrived at the other
side OF the river and was left to find his way
here, as the stage would not deign to call
at Great Falls. He referred to the words
OF MIR. Paris Gibson at the last celebra-
| tion, when the founder said that Great
Falls and all Northern Montana
was on the eve of wonderful de-
| velopment. He spoke in detail
| Of the fultilment of that promise, showing
that even more had been accomplished
than Mr.. Gibson had outlined. Judge
| Race closed with an eloquent alluslon to
northern Montana, which seems to have
been reserved as an inheritance for the
American people.
The quartette composed of Messrs.
Hawkins, Magson, Wilcox and Dodson
then sang melodiously "America" Frank
Wilcox, in accordance with time honored
custom, read the Declaration of Inde-
pendence with telling effect.
| Rev. John Reid invoked the divine
blessing in impressive words. Judge
Race next introduced the 'silver-tongued'
orator, George W. Taylor, who was re-
ceived with cheers.
Mr.. Taylor delivered the Grafton of the
day, which was an eloquent eulogy on
the, great men who had founded the
American republic. He spoke of the
the gallant soldiers, who fighting
against heavy odds had made this country
free nation. He referred in eloquen
terms to the general celebration of this
day and to the powerful influence which
the achievement Of American independ
ence had exercised upon the advance
ment OF liberty throughout the world
Mr. Taylor's language was classic
and ornate. 1t charmed the audience
vino responded with rounds of enthusias
TIC applause. ,
! The "long talk" as in New York, wa
folk5wed. by "short talks" Judge Race
introduced Judge Bach, referring first il
complimentary terms to the war veterans
the Caledonlan club and the United
States army represented by Lieutenant
Ahern.
Judge Bach made good humored
telling speech, in which he alluded tt
boyhood celebrations of the 4th of July
He advised his hearers to let the gooC
deeds of the great men of rs shed ligh
on their path and not deem the proud DO
sition which the founders occupy as en-
tirely unattainable. He spoke of thu
greatness which Washington displayed
amid the gloom of Valley Forge and thel
alluded to the fortitude which Paris Glib
son had manifested when IN his lionel,
tent he had planned the founding O.
Great Falls, displaying manhood, plucl
and energy, which entitled him to bt
placed on the roll of the great men OF
this nation (applause)
Charles NJ. Webster, who spoke next
said that the manuscript of his orator
had been carried down the rapids, but he
proved that he could make an excellen
speech without it, for he told some goot
stories and closed with complimentary
remarks about the fire laddies, which
were we'll received
The quartette then sang the "Red
White and Blue" the people joining in
chorus. The large assemblage then dis
| persed, giving hearty cheers for Judge
Race.