The Newtown bee., 1895-07-12
In Fairfield County.
BEDDING.
A PATRIOTIC CELEBRATION.


 l Many hearts were saddened by the | gloom and heavy rainfall on the Fourth of July, as preparations had been made for one Of the largest gatherings Reading Ridge had seen for years. A pole, 30 feet | ln height: had been erected and flag, l4x2o feet, had been procured through the efforts of the townsDeople which if it | had been pleasant would have fioated to the breeze amidst the cheer and shouts | of thousands of merry spectators, for the news had been spread far and near and nearly every one expected to celebrate their Fourth on Bedding Ridge. But | about the time for starting the rain fell in torrents and continued throughout the afternoon. However, Easton, Newtown and adjoining towns was represented and the chairs and seats were taken to White heads hall, which was packed to it's full lest capacity, when the program was car ried out so far as the speakers were able to get there. The following teachers from the adjoining districts were there with their scholars: Miss Maggie Flood, Miss Mary Flood, Miss Jennie McDon- aid, Miss Jessica Sanford, Mrs G. B. Tucker and Miss Jessie Bates. The Phil harmonic band of Bridgeport enlivened the occasion with sweet strains of music. The baseball nine came down from Beth NA U" PibJ ehAC AluC Dub ULSys bUO. were disappointed and all listened to the following program: Opening prayer by lion E. r. Shaw; singing, .Star Spang- led Banner;' reading of the Declaration of Independence, J. N. Nickerson; ad- dress by Hon E. P. Shaw, who said in part: It has been assigned to me the pleasant task of speaking on the question of patriotism. We all meet here on one equal platform, on this the 18th anni- versary of our independence. Just 119 years ago to-day our forefathers threw down the British flag. There was then 3,000,00 people. All men were born free and equal. This infant nation has grown to be a giant. She fears no foes. Our victories of peace have been equal with those of war. Our flag speaks to us to- day of thousands and tens of thousands of christian churches and schoolhouses. Let us renew our allegiance to the Amer ican flag. 1 well remember, when lit tie boy, celebrating the Fourth of July, and the spirit of patriotism burns with advancing years. Let the flags float over the schoolhouses. Teach the children patriotism in the schoolhouse. God grant that we may be filled with patriotism as we go from here to day.
 Next followed declamations, "The American fag,'' by Ernest R. Hill and Lafayette" by Arthur J. Sherwood
 Rev J. H. Kimball was the next speak CT. Among other things he said Life is not to cry ssHosanna' to- day and ssCruci- fly him" tomorrow. Let us in all seri- ousness ask ourselves what shall secure for us this life. Thoughts, words and deeds center around truth. History will not tolerate the man who has been traitor to truth. What is the second re- quirement of the new Commandment, Thou shalt love.'' Mark those men who have been inspired by. love. Earth vlbrates with their praise. We look to Him above who makes love to dominate in every heart. Faith is the third great essential that leads glorious nation up to victory, Faith that knows God will lead the weak man up to the strong. He 1t is who history will give the palm, Truth the object, Love the condition, faith the principle. Go then to the man who has truth. love and faith and history will vindicate your choice.
 Hon E. F. Shaw said it was a bitter disappointment in not being able to raise | the flag, but on every clear day will "Old 1 Glory float to the breeze, for this is his- l toric ground. The British soldiers | marched over this ground on their way l Blue. was spoken by four girls and the | chorus wal sung by the audience. Next | on the program was a pleasing recita- Lion by Mrs E. F, Shaw.
 The closing address was by Rev ". A. Swan. Among other things he said in the course of an excellent address This flag with it's stars and stripes knit us together to give us liberty. This lag represents that patriotism which we should teach our children, which gives IS our liberty and equal rights for every nan. After the lleclamation ssThe black E aorse and it's rider, ' by Ernest Sanford, LII joined heartily in singing America. y 8r Shaw tI1nr a1iI1nI1nssnd tf1af ff1nrn U q | a