The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-07-07
The NATIONS BIRTHDAY
How the Fourth Was Cele-
brated in Many Places.
AN IMMENSE CROWD AT THE FAIR

Ringing spseehes Made by vlcc-Presi-
don't Stephenson aud Others-Enthu-
siastle People Enjoy the Exercisss--
Gen. Davis washipgto Elm Gavsl.
WORLDS Fam GROUNDS, CHICAGO, July
6.-The national holiday started :ut to
chronicle the largest attendance since .he
opening OF the Worlds Fair. The special
rates given BY all railroads attracted many
Thousands Of visitors from the surround
ing States, and the general cessation Of
business In the city gave Chicsgoans an
opportunity to come out In full force.
BY o o'clock about 100, 900 people were
on the grounds and shortly after midday
this number was more than doubled.
AT II o'clock dense throng of thou
sands flied the enclosure between the Ad-
rinistration Building and Terminal sta
tion, aud the arrival of each person Of
prominence was greeted by cheers.
Shortly after 10 o'clock Mayor Harrison
and the city officials and common council
of Chicago entered the grounds in carriages
led by the Second Regiment OF the Illinois
"
crowd Of exhibitors and visitors was drawn
up in double columns under the command
OF Major Pangborn as Chief Marshal. After
a somewhat popular greeting Mayor Har-
rison and his party proceeded directly to
the stair near the terminal station and were
seated with the national commissioners,
directors and chiefs Of departments.
Director-General George r. Davis opened
the ceremonies In few words appropriate
to the day. and Rev. John Henry Barrows,
Of Chicago, followed in prayer.
Great applause greeted Vice President
Stevenson as he stepped forward to deliver
the opening address
He spoke Of the great assemb.aye and
auspiciousnsss Of the place for celebrating
Independence Day, and was glad Of the
honor OF addressing the assembly
An applause such rs can only be given
by throng Of over l50, 900 people fol-
lowed the address.
A chorus of 1000 voices than sang
Columbia the Gem OF the Ocean"
The Hon. Carter II. Harrison. of Chicago
was the next speaker He WAS given .
greeting by the multitude that was quite
as hearty and enthusiastic As that accorded
Vice President Stevenson and the crowd
listened attsntivsly to all that he had to
say. He welcomed ths tens o. thousands
Of visitors from every State In the Union
and every country OH the face OF the earth
and told Of the untiring energy Chicago
had displayed in building the great exposi-
tion. He dwelt at length on tho celebra-
ton Of the Fourth Of July aud spoke Of
the reason for observing it.
Mayor Harrison was frequently inter
rupted by applause during his speech, and
at the close the shouts and cheers Of the
vast multitude was such that it fairly
made the ground tremble.
The Hon. Hampton l.. Carson, Of Phila-
dolphin, made an address following Mayor
Harrison. Then there was salute Of the
flags and "Old Glory" was given one of
the grandest greetings It has ever received.
The great chorus struck up the Star
Spangled Banner" and the enthusiastic
swelled the grandeur Of the soul stirring
song. The effect was sublime.
The Declaration OF Independence" was
read by j. S. Norton, of Chicago, and
during the reading the great audience
maintained respectful and attentive 81
lence my Country, 'Tis Of Thee" was
sung, and again the crowd took up the
song and carried it through to the end.
The exercises were concluded by tho
singing Of the doxology.
A Unique Gavel.
A pleasing incident occurred when
Director general Davis took his seat OH the
platform. Col. G. H. Clarke, OF Milwaukee,
stepped forward and presented him gavel
made from piece of the famous Washing
ton Elm at Cambridge, Mass In presenting
the gavel Col. Clarke said:
Director general Davis, l1S years ago,
Washington arrived at Cambridge, Mass,
drew his sword and took command OF the
Continental army under the tree now
known as the Warrington Elm. take
pleasure in presenting you with a gavel
for this MORNINGS services made from the
wood Of that now famous tree.
At the stroke Of noon the Paul Jonss
Flag was hoisted and the electric button
dedicsting the New Liberty Bell now in
the foundry at Troy, N. Y, was pressed by
Mrs. Madgs Morris Wagner and Miss
Minnie F. Mickey. Of San Diego, Cal