St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1889-07-13
Our National Anniversary.

IL oNl pSoplt lidfS Uc1h ASltIlCL Ill
former years in assembling themselves
together to celebrate the Fourth of July
they certainly awoke from their lethargy
last week and commemOrated the day
with due honor and demonstratiye pa
triotism. Every portion of the parish
was largely represented, and at least
three thousand people were in town On
that day to witness the parade and hear
the speeches.
The procession formed at II a. III. in
the following order: A carriage occu-
pied by representatives Of the commit
tee OF twenty-five, under whose auspi-
ces the celebration was gotten up, bear
ing large United States flag. Opelou-
sas Brass Band, who rendered martial
music along the route Of march. Opel
ousas Fire Co. No. in regulation uni
form, with their Silsby steam engine
decked in flowers and drawn by four
! blooded chargers. H. II. g. Ladder Co.,
! in bright uniforms, with truck decorat-
! cd in profusion of flowers, pot plants,
and trailing vines, drawn by four splen-
| did horses. Colored Fire Co. No. 8, in
| gay uniform, with their little engine
! looking like pyramid of flowers and
drawn by two pretty bay horses. All of
them were fine looking men, and their
motto" Ready for Duty '-were not
idle words, but a symbol that they have
often proved by saving homes from fire
| in the past. They paraded the different
streets of town in admirable order, the
band dscoursing soul-stirring music,
while hundreds of enthusiastic specta-
tors viewed their fine appearance as the
procession moved along.
At 10 O'Clock the parade closed at the
Court House Square and broke ranks
The OpeIousas Guards then formed
ranks aud fred a salute OF one hundred
guns. The ringing of the Court House
bell then announced that the hour of
speaking had arrived. A rush was made
for seats, but large numbers were una
BILE to gain even standing room in the
densely packed building.
Laurent Dupre, Esq, announced the
program, explained the objects of the
meeting, and paid a glowing tribute to
our country, and its national anniversa-
ry. He then introduced Associate JUS
tice McEnery, who, though pressed with
judicial labor, said "the request of the
ladies for him to speak was the same as
a command to him." and he would do
The best he could upon SO short a no.
tice.N He had not said many words be-
fore the audience found out that he
needed no preparation. His review of
the struggles Of our forefathers, that
followed the Declaration Of Indepen-
dence, on the 4th Of July, 1776, the grand
pen picture he gave of Washington, who
led them to victory and made them
free people, and the graphic retrospect
he made Of the marvellous growth of
our country up to the present time, was
uttered with an eloquence and fervency
OF diction that warmed up the patriot
ism of every one present. His compli-
ment to the firemen was a splendid re-
cognition of their services in the hour
of danger. His tribute to the ladies was
one of delicate chivalry and valorous
devotion. In all the grand events that
had distinguished any nation or any
people he ascribed their success to the
influence of woman. She was always |
patriot, always heroine, bnt never a
coward.
W. n PeteIman, Esq, of Ayoyelles |
was next introduced, and spoke upon
education as the surest and best auxili
ary in perpetuating our republican form |
Of government. He said, to be good cit
izens, the people should be educated in
the principals Of onr government and |
in morality so as to understand the val
ne of the elective franchise and the dig |
nity of American citizenship. Mr.. Pc
terman delivered an able and earnest |
address and met with frequent applause.
John N. Ogden, Esq, followed in a
very stirring and patriotic speech, epit-
omizing the grand events in the past
iISUOIy VI OAt
some of it's heroes, and commencing the
patriotic observance OF our national an
1iyersary.
Hon. Joseph A. Breauy, State Super
ntendent of Education made the clos
ng address of the day, in which he very
appropriately and ably presented the
claims Of popular education upon the
State government and the earnest sup
oort of the people. Col. Breaux is
Jealous educator and his whole soul is
IN the grand work that he is laboring to
elevate and place on an efficient basis
q our State.
After the speaking many humorous
games engaged the attention OF the
7oung people and greatly amused the
,lder ones. The -refreshment tables
we're literally patronized, and the la
lies realized handsome sum for the
,ublic seipeol building fund, They GER
ainly deserve all praise for theit ardn-
,us Iabors in promoting and carrying
,ut SO lahaable an obapst.
The Concert in the evening, under the
supervision Of Prof. r. Mayer, by him
nd his talented amateurs, was grand
uccess.
The Ball given under the auspices OF
he Opelousas Social Club, at their ele-
ant hall, was brilliant social event,
nd fitting denouement of the festivi-
les Of the grand Old Fourth. The