Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-07-05
AT THE CAPITOL.
The Literary Exercises In the Assembly
Chamber-The Grafton and Poem.

The Literary Exercises In the Assembly
Chamber-The Grafton and Poem.
Immediately after the procession was
disbanded st Tenth and ii streets the liter
AIRY exercises were commenced in the As
sembly Chamber of the State Capitol. The
large hall had been tastefully dec
GRATED with flowers, evergreens and
bunting. a raised platform had been
erected in the east end of the
chamber directly in front of the Speakers
desk, which was occupied by those who
were to take part in the literary exercises,
and the officers of the day. The hall was
crowded long before the procession reached
the Capitol and thousands were turned
away from the door.
After q patriotic air by the band Grand
Marshal Orion introduced the President of
the day, Mayor Eugene Gregory. Mr.
Gregory said:
One hundred and twelve years has passed
! since our forefathers shouldered their guns and
| fought for the liberty enjoy. The record of
] the hardships ard selfdenial they endured in
| securing the independence of our country are
historical facts, firmly craven on the heart of
| every true American, and we have cause to feel
| the most profound gratitude In consideration of
| the many blessings of peace, comfort and plenty
| which, through their patriotic aud persistent
l elOTlS. TOW suITOuHU NDeu We CONSIDER
| the grandeur of our environments, aud realize
that we live in the laid of perpetual peace, and
| in which each citizen is peer of his fellows
| without regard to heritage, pedigree or ances-
| try-other than the nobility of character which.
! in America, ranks a true and upright citizen 10
! the station in life commensurate with his in
! tegrity, worth and ability as man; where gov
! eminent is exercised for the benefit and protec-
ton of all industries, asses. creeds and derom-
nations where freedom of rational thought
and action is every citizen right and privilege;
Nrrkn.nr 1aNrE a Ir- -.
WI o enjoy the unimpeded right of suffrage; q
country that is devoid of every principle OF
monarchial or other arbitrary rule that. in any
manner, ten IS TO influence against the rights of
her people-and compare our situation with that
OF any other country on the globe, our hearts
should swell with pride, and we should conse-
crate this, our natioD's holiday, to not only
pstriotic celebration of this most important
event in American history-a day OF rejoic Ing
throughout the lie 9Th and breadth of our glor-
ions country, in commemorate N OF the grand
principles of liberty OF unity and of patriotism,
which we enjoy and experience-but we also
dedicate 1t as day of thanks TO the ever liv-
ing God for his it, finite wisdom in permitting us
to live aud flourish ia this truly enlightened
and progressive country-in this land of peace
and plenty, among such a people and under
such grand old banner
This great country has shown wonderful pro-
gress in the arts and sciences, in manufacturing
and agricultural pursuits and in the develop
meut If meme commercial Interests. since
the time when the immorta4 Washington first
assumed the we earned title of Father of his
Country and could that distinguished patriot
rise from his resting pace and look upon the
present generation with all its allurements aud
su roundlngs he would experience feelings of
mingled surprise. inereduIity and amusement
, in viewing the strange sights his vision would
encounter: our Northumberland of the Gus
tomery knee-breeches traditional three. or
nered hat and buck ed shoes-would cause a
sympathetic smile 10 beam upon bis noble
countenance. and he would doubtless express
sorrow and COMMUNICATION for people who
live in such ignorance OF The hes of American
costume; ii he ere to hear the snort of the
iron horse and be told of its wonderful achieve
ments in lrav. rsirg the broad pralries. deserts
ana plaus which spread over the surface OF the
/ continent. and learn that the distance b.
tween the Capital city of the United