Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1895-07-12
AT wILLIAMSPORT.

Al "1LL1AMSF'OHI.
The day was just as enthusiastically
observed at Wllliamsport, apparently, as
it would have been had an angel de.
scended and Informed the people that the
500 grade was being ironed. that blight
instead of proclamstions would soon at.
tack the Muscovite tumbleweed, and that
wheat would sell for dollar bushel
thisfall. Old Sol seemed determined to
broil the multitude, but "the boys had
got the better of him by providing an
awning of lesfy boughs, and within this
bowcry the people were quite comfort
able.
The exercises began after the baskets
brought by the ladies had been opened
and dinner partaken of. First there
was music by the Williamsport choir,
and then the Declaration of Independence
that clear-cut, ringing, immortal protest
against kingly ttyranny--was read by
was more music, after which Judge R. P.
Allison, of Kidder county, proceeded to
deliver the oration. The writer was not
present. having promised, long before
the home celebration was thought of, to
attend elsewhere. But those who were
present and keeping tab on events for the
Record readers state that the grafton was
one of the best ever delivered in Emmons
county. The judge is one of the good
speakers of the state. His voice is pow-
erful and well-modulated, his command
of language easy, and he never fails to
hold the close attention of his audience.
After the oration the field sports began,
the first being the pony race. best two in
three, with four entries. which was won
by s. A. Hawks Black Billy, Aug. Benz
, horse second.
For the free-for-all horse race, best
three in five heats, there were three en-.
tries--Honest Bob, said to be noted
ce-horse formerly known as "Sleepy
Bob" recently brought In by F. H. Cot.
ton jeff Woodmansee's Buckskin Bob,
and the Brlnghurst mare, Betsy. A man
who knew Honest Bob in Minnesota as
Sleepy Bob informs the Record that the
horse is one of the swiftest IN the north.
west. But, in order to catch suckers Ia
ter, the W0odmansee horse, which had
been beaten IN the pony race, was allowed
to take the first heat. When the second
heat was called the starters, after giving
the word "Gop called out, "Ceme backr'
The Woodmansee horse kept on, how
ever, and ran the course alone. Mr..
Woodmansee asserted that 1t was settle
rule In racing that after the "go" W as
given no one could rightfully call the
horses back. JEFF claimed the money,
Mr.. Woodmansee expressed himself in
plain terms as to the manner IN which he
had been treated. THIS species of mon
key work has been altogether too fire.
quent at Fourth of July races in this
county. The public do not care tink-
ers' continental how often, In private
races skin-game methods are employed
but. when horse race is advertised as q
feature Of celebration or other public
event, the people are entitled to see q
horse.race and not a jockeying lob for
the purpose of bleeding somebody. Bar.
ring this episode, nothing occurred to
mar the pleasures of the day.
In the slow race there we're three en-.
tries, and Robert Cotton's pedigreed
mule, Kentucky Cyclone, took the cake.
In the foot race John I. Roop, e. G..
Coover. Bert Raymond and Tom Morton
were the contestants Johnny Roop won
by nose," Eddie Ceover being close BY
to keep the flies from settling on him.
There was tie in the running broad
Jump, between Ed. Coover and Clayton
Worst, each Jumping 1s feet. A stranger
who entered as WISCONSIN Pete'' "lept
some 84-inches.
The standing jump was won by Clay.
ton Worst !; Harper Simcoke second.
Clayton Worst and Ed. COover won
the three.legged race. Harper Simcoke
and John Roop second.
Floyd Baker won the boys race Viii.
lie Boutillier second and little Paul Kurtz
close third.
A small part Of the program was passed
on account of rain.
Tom Morton of Kidder aud Ed Camp.