Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1889-07-13
THE FOURTH AT WELLINGTON.
A Gala Day for Smiths Valley People,
sports OF all Kinds.

W. ~ u q W AlAAhIA&N - OxSs
A Gala Day for smiths Valley People,
sports OF all Kinds.
1t has passed into proverb that if it does
not rain on the 4th, Of July, it is almost sure
to blow. The recent Fourth was no excep
ion to the rule. The morning opened bright.
ly, ushered in by the usual salute, and
continued fine until about noon when the
wind arose and for two or three hours blew
gale. But no stress Of weather can destroy
he ardor ard patriotism Of true Americans
while celebrating the birthday Of the Decla
ratio of Independence. There is feeling
Of national pride in the heart Of every lover
Of liberty, that causes stolid Indifference
TO all other things. The occasion is usually
The mother Of inspiration, and when the in.
spiration on such an occasion as the Fourth
Of July be allowed TO attain its highest con.
su nmation, then all the combined element,
OF nature may spend their forces in its des.
truction, but in vain. The people Of Smith
Valley never do anything by halves; but on
the contrary. they enter into every enterprise
with spirit OF determination that always
wins success. MIR Dwight Smith. Presiden
Of the day after few appropriate words by
way of introduction, proceeded to read the
programme. The first Of which was piece
by the orchestra, followed by '.The" Star
Spangled Banner" beautifully and effectively
rendered by the Choir Of seven voices. Miss
Lizzie Ames then read patriotic poem, a.
the close of which she received round Of
we'll merited applause. After the singing Of
| columbia, Mr.. Seth Ames read the "Dec
laration of Independence" in a very clear
and forcible manner. The Orchestra then
rendered another patriotic effusion, when the
chairman introduced to the audience Mr. A.
E. Harris OF Dayton, as Orator of the day.
As Mr.. Harris advanced to the front Of the
platform he was received with a storm Of
applause. No synopsis Of the Grafton won ID
do the speaker justice. To say the least,
| it was the best ever delivered in the Valley.
Several times the speaker was interrupted by
cheers and applause. He began by ascribine
glory and honor unto the fathers Of freedom
the perpetuity Of which has been established
by all the sons and daughters Of liberty.
1t is not because Of any broadening exPan>e
Of domain, not on account Of the vast amount
Of mineral wealth and agricultural and me-
chanical achievement that this nation has
been so firmly established and has become a
beacon light TO nearly all other nations OF
the earth; but it is on account OF her fidelity
10 law and justice, to liberty and union.
The grafton outlined the country's progress
during the one hundred and thirteen years
since the emancipation from tyrannical rule,
and predicted still greater r.sulIs in the years
TO come. He gave beautiful panegyr'c on
the .'Stars and Stripes"-our national EN-
blem. "rhe Union Jack Of England may
pale; the tri color Of France may fade; the
Harp of Erin may cease to vibrate; but let
US trust that the "Slars and Stripes" may
float over every sea, may be unfurled to kiss
every breeze; may be an emblem to future
nations, Of the freedom that was purchased
with and preserved by the blood Of heroes. !"
With an eloquent preoralion that inspired
devotion and loyalty the speaker took his
seat followed by loul applause. The
choir then sang America, after which the or
chestra rendered, the last piece on the pro
gram. The chairman then announced that
dinner would he served in the dining room Of
Mr.. Rogers new and magnificent house, now
in the course Of erection. After dinner the
usual games and sports incident to Fourth
Of July celebration, took place. The first
was fool race, distance 100 yards, free for
all. The winner was Seth. q. Ames, with
Paul Ames good second time I2H seconds.
The next was horse race, distance 400 yds
Frank S,ickney's "Weasel" rode by Frank
Lane, took first money, and the bay horse
rode by F. Simpson came in about two leug
tbs behind. No time taken. The third was
the egg.race for ladies, won by Miss Ida
Rogers. In the race for girls, under IA years
of age, Carrie Ames, and Mabel Richford
came in lie, and the prize money was equ'
ally divided. In addition to running there
were jumping, baseball and etc. The day
closed with ball in the evening at Roger
Hall, large crowd was present and every
boiy had a pleasant and enjoyable time
May all succeeding celebrations pass of as
harmoniousIy and probably.
DIDO.
| anl~ ISanst lvh0