Evening journal., 1897-11-23
OUR CITY THEIRS!
The Bible and Punch Bowl For
mally Presented
TO THE BOLD WILMINGTON
BY Mr.. Bayard and Receiv-
ed by Commander Todd.

MARINES, BLUE JACKETS, MA
TIoNAL GUARDsMEN AND CA
DIETS IN LINE-BIBLE PRESEN-
TATION MADE IN THE AUDITOR
IUM BY LITTLE JOHN ASPIN
KIENLE, OF THE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS - PUNCH BOWL CERE-
MONIES IN THE GRAND OPERA
HOUSE THIS AFTERNOON - A
THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR
JACK TAR-HISTORY OF THE
GUNBoAT AND THE SILVER OF
FERING.
The pleasant function CT presenting
to the gunIboat Wilmington the magni-
fcent silver Offering from the citizens
Of wilmington and The handsome Bible
from the children Of the public schools
took place to-day, and there was not an
incident of any sort to mar the occa-
sion.
Last might it looked as though wet
weather would preavil but during the
night the wind changed, the rain
ceased, the clouds were dispersed, and
shortly before Z o'clock the sun arose
over the Jersey hills and flooded the city
and its surroundings with rich golden
light. 1t was a great relief to the thou
sands who had for weeks been prepar-
ing to make this a gala day, and there
was a general feeling CT thanlxfulness
to Jupiter Pluvius for his kindly con-
sideration.
At 10 o'lcck Commander Todd went
to the Auditorium. at Eleventh and
Madison streets, and received from the
school children the Bible which they
had purchased with their penny sub
scriptions. 1t was an impressive sight
and particularly pleasing to both the
doners and the recipients.
AT 2.3O o'clock the punch bowl was
presented to the Wilmington by Hon
Thomas F. Bayard in the presence of a
large concourse of people at the Grand
Opera House. the presentation being
preceded and succeeded by a short pa
rade.
This evening the officers cf the gun
boat win be entertained at one Of the
private homes Of the city, the forma'
banquet having faEen through.
The gunboat is open tc inspection Il
everyone from 10 a. m. to II m. and
from 1 to p. m. every day from now
until Saturday, inclusive No admis-
sion tickets are required.
TITRONGS ON MARKET STREET.
From an early hour this morning
Market street was thgonged with men
women and children, a number a
whom had arrived from out-of-towr
points.
Along toward noon the sidewalks be
came so crowded that there was YER.
little opportunity to move up or dow
the street.
Down by the wharves the crowd
lined along every possible vantag
ground to view the vessel as she la
at anchor. Market street bridge was
favorite spot to watch the maneuver
of the Wilmington's men. Along tn
opposite side of the Christiana tn
crowds lined the shore during the pref
arations for the afternoon parade.
THE BIBLE PRESENTED.
No more patriotic sight could be see
than that of the gathering of the schoC
children at the various points desie
mated by the committee, for the cert
mony of presenting the Bible.
Wllu the DedL u luS Li uihS e'AN "a
notes from the horns of the First Reg
ment Band, the vast concourse OF chill
dren moved from Third and Washing
ton streets like one great army
youthful warriors. The processio
marched up Washington street
Eighth, to the Wollaston School, wher
the procession was swelled by severi
hundred more. 1t was an inspirin
spectacle, and when the High SchoC
was reached the number was increase
to nearly a thousand. The march wa
then continued to the Auditorium.
Hyatt's Militery Band went to schot
No. "a and escorted the pupils to NJ
2. where the line was increased by Z
lease 400 children. They then prC
ceeded to the Auditorium. Anderson
colored band escorted the pupils
school No. 16 to the Auditorium. b.
fore the ceremonies begun it was see
that every school in Wilmington W;
represented.
On table in the centre of the stai
rested the Bible.
1t is one of the handsome
ever seen I'M this city. IT.
bound in rich black seal, and is Tx