Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-07-05
TAMMANY'S CELEBRATION.
Croker Puts in au Appearance-Letter from
Cleveland.

NEW YORK, July 4.-The Society OF
Tammany celebrated the one hundred and
eighteenth anniversary of American inde-
pendence in Tammany Hall to-day with
the customary Accomplishments. The big
wigwam on Fourteenth street was deco
rated inside and outside with flags and
streamers. The main hall, where the ora
tory took place, was especially resplen-
dent in color Floral wreathS set OF the
front of the platform. Behind were
American flags. Around the front Of the
gallery were the flags of the different
States of the Union, and between every
two flags was a large streamer Of red,
white, and blue. The doors Of the wig
wan were open as early as o'clock,
when the crowds began to flock in. Quite
q number OF ladies' were present in the
boxes on each side Of the hall.
The Tammany men were out in force,
all in their regulation uniform OF high
silk hats and frock coats. To this was
added profuse perspiration, for the day
was one Of the hottest on record, and the
throng in the hall was great. Mayor
Thomas +. Gilroy, grand sachem, was
among the first 10 arrive. While the
sachems were making arrangements
down stairs, Bayne's sixty ninth Regi-
ment Band entertained the wigwam audi
ence up stairs.
IL was nearly 1890 when the speakers
and sachems arrived. They marched up
the hall headed by Coroner DObhs. and
took seats on the platform. IL was OBJ
served that eX-Alayor Hugh j. Grant aud
Bourke Cochran were absent. Mayor Gil
roy opened the proceedings by calling
upon the Tammany Glce-Club to sing
"The Old Banner Waving" After this
song Mayor Gilroy made a short address.
After the glee-club had sung again the
Declaration Of Independence was read by
Maurice f. Holohan. Then Miss Err
nestne H. Berner rendered a song.
The long talks" were made By Sena-
tor Patrick Walsh. Of Georgia, and Repre-
sentative Bailey OF Texas. The short
talks were many.
While Senator Walsh was speaking,
Richard Croker. who arrived from Europe
this morning. entered the hall, and was
enthusiastically received.
THE PRESIDENTS SENTIMENTS.
Among the numerous letters OF regret
was the following:
"EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON. ID. c., June %, 1894.
'"To Hon. Thomas f. Gilroy, Grand
Sachem, etc:
Dear Sir,--I regret that II Is impossible
for me TO accept the kind invitation
have received 10 attend the celebration OF
the uSth anniversary Of American Inde-
pendence by the Tammany Society.
There never was a time in our ma
tions history when the celebration OF an
Independence-Day so impressiVely re-
minded US OF the meaning and significance
Of its commemoratiOn. The day Is cele-
brated, not because on the 4th day or
July 1lS years ago. certain English colo
MES In America secured their freedom
and independence, but because on that
day the first step was taken on this con-
tnent toward trusting human government
to the control ard management Of the
people 20 be governed. This reflection
leads to the further thought that such
project could never have been entertained
except in the faith and expectation that
those intrusted with self-government
would guard and cultivate that unselhsh
and self-sacrihcing devotion to their
scheme of government which Is absolutely
essential TO its purity and safety.
"Inasmuch as this sentiment Is the life
OF our Institutions. ami because they are
threatened with the sitting atmosphere
OF selfshness and cuplcfity. We should so
commemorate Independence-Day as 70
stimulate and intensity patriotic love OF
our government for its own sake. while
our rejoicing should be measured by the
extent 10 which We and all our country
men are imbued with this feeling.
Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND"
FROM SENATOR HILL.