The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1895-07-11
A WET AND MUDDY 4th..
Observance Of the Day in Cor
wallis. Exercises of Unusual
Interest.

Booming of cannon and promiscuous dis
charge of fireworks ushered in tho glorious
Fourth as usual. The morning was dark
and heavy clouds overcast the sky, indica
ting that the day would be q rainy one, but
this did not seem to deter the patriotic OF
Corvallis aud vicinity from carrying out
their plans to celebrate with us. Nor did
the unpropitiousness of the weather dampen
the ardor of those who came, for more en-
thusiastic observance of the nations birth
day could hardly have been expected under
the most favorable circumstances. The
committee of arrangements had worked
hard and enthusiastically for the success of
the days exercises and the efforts of its
members were thoroughly appreciated.
] They have the satisfaction of knowing that
every event arranged for was carried oat as
advertised, and those who celebrated here
will long remember the Fourth of 1895, a.
being one of the most pleasant days ever
spent in Corvallis. OF course the weather
was not such as would tend to promote the
enjoyment of all, yet the showers were not
heavy, and daring the afternoon the sun
came out and scattered the clouds for several
hours, affording an opportunity for the ina
menss crowds to witness the events OF the
afternoon without being in danger of drown
ing from the drippings of someone's umbrella.
i The parade was to have formed at $50.
but gentle shower at that time caused it
to be postponed until promptly at 10 o'clock
when it moved south on 4th street, in the
following order: Grand marshal and aides,
Marine Baad, national colors. carriages con.
taiping officers of the day, float containing
Goddess of Liberty, Hook & Ladder Go.
liberty car, Young America Engine Co.,
float representing the navy, Young America
and ON horseback.
1 A conspicuous feature of the procession
was the handsomely decorated liberty car,
containing bevy of prettily attired little
girls representing the states and territories
of the Union. The selection of the girls and
their arrangement was under the charge Of
the ladies' special committee, of which Mrs.
S. L. Kline was chairman, and excellent
taste was displayed. Another feature al
most a. attractive az the liberty car was the
float containing Miss Lillian Pomeroy, who.
elegantly attired, and very creditably repre-.
ssnted the goddess of liberty. and Miss Eva
Wiley, who charmingly represented oul
own state, Oregon. The fire apparatus was
tastefully decorated and added much to the
attractiveness of the pageant.
Owing to the rain the procession did
not cover the ground that was intended
The original plan was to march down Sec
ond street to jackson, and thence west t.
the court house square, where the oratior
and other literary exercises were to tak'
place. On reaching Madison street, how
ever, the parade moved west to the oper,
house. Here the exercises were held
Seated upon the stage were the little girl
, representing the different states and terri
tories, and others who were to take part el
the program The exercises began with al
r overture, "Ths Silver Bell, by the Marin
D Band, followed by prayer by the chaplain
Rev. Geo. F. Plrnmer. Then the childrsl
sang in spirited manner, ''Amsrica." afte
t which Miss Mildred Linvills read in clea
- voice, with excellent expression, the DeclaI
: alton of Independence. When the childre
q had flashed singing "Red, White and Blue,
!. President Bloss introduced the orator of tn
y day, Hon. G. K. Wilkinson, of Eugene
!. Mr.. Wilkinson is, perhaps, the youngea
: orator in the state. In 1898, he was nom
mated 90 the legislative ticket in Ian
county, several months before his 2lst birtf
day. Although Lane is strong rspuhlica
u county, Mr.. wilkinson, democrat, wa
> elected by good majority, running som
450 votes ahead of his ticket. He prove
= himself a competent legislator, and earne
70 tor himself an snviable reputation as a
orator. His address here was indeed ma
. terly effort. While his oratory was not
- the spread eagle sort, his address abounds
o. in lefty thoughts and patriotic sentiment
= and there was much in it of practical wortl
III The wrapt attention paid the speak
y throughout the thirty minutes consumed
delivering the oration, was an evidence th'
his remarks were heartily appreciated
At the vast assemblage. When Mr. Wilkinss
At had finished, the band played another bsa
a, tiful selection, and the audience was di
he missed.
l. At l o'clock the baby show occurred
Is. the opera house. Eight mothers were
l. hand with their youngest born, each anxio
We to secure for her.child the S. 90 cash priz
er and with it the honor Of being che mother
ed the handsomest baby in Benton count
ms Each of the little contestants scanned ali
is to the situation, for each wore its prsttie
or smile, and behaved it's best. apparently
cd the hope of convincing the judges that
was the prettiest babe in the lot Amo
the contestants were twins. and to them t
prize was awarded. They were the childr
%, of Mrs. Fannie Thornton who lives near I
-. carriage factory.
The sports in the afternoon were anG
,- the charge of Especial committee, csnsi
% ing of Robert johnson. n. q. Krisbel, RI
: srt Huston and Virgil Waters, and to tn
:. antiring efforts was largely due the suos