Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1898-08-19
BRAY's FOURTH.

Celebration of independence Day
by Consul General Bray at
Melbourne.
John P. Bray sends the TRIBUNE a
copy of the Melbourne Herald of July
4th containing the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
of Independence day at the American
consulate:
1t was only natural to suppose that
the reception blythe United States con-
%sul-general in Australia, in honor of
the anniversary of the declaration of
independence. would be on an extern
sive scale. Owing to the stirring
events passing in Cuba, the interest of
a large portion OF mankind is attract
ed to the struggle in which the great
republic is engaged, with the object of
releasing Cubans from the Spanish
yoke. An added significance was
given to the celebration from the fact
that the sympathy of the two English
speaking ace at the present time has
been evinced in the most u~nmistakable
manner by hearty demonstrations of
goodwill on both sides of the Atlantic.
Australians have been by no means
behindhand inexpressing theirfeelings
of genuine friendship for their kins-
men, and it was therefore, not remark
able that the attendance which filed
into the GLIB rooms away up on the
sixth floor of the Equitable building
this afternoon should have surpassed
that OF all previous years. 1t is also
fair to say that the n in which
the guests were received, and the gen
eral arrangements in connection with
the ceremony, reflected great credit on
the consul-general and his staff.
Mr.. John p. Bray is a widower, and
consequently was at q disadvantagein
having no lady to stand by his side
and'assist in welcoming Americans and
Americas friends.
The consul-general received visitors
in what we might term Room No. l.,
the walls of which were profusely
decorated with the flags of all nations,
and it was noticeable that the delicate
compliment of placing the Australian
flag and the Stars and Stripes with
folds entwined had been paid insever-
al places. In a second room was a
buffet literally spread with suitable
refreshments, and also a stage for the
musicians. This room was also very
tastefully decorated with the bunting
of the various countries. There was
yet a third chamber, where the hard
ened male guests of Americas repres-
entative might solace themselves with
various creature comforts. .ea
From half-past two the visitors be-
gan to arrive in a constant stream,
ever growing in volume, until the lifts
were kept flying up and down like
Admiral Camara's squadron in the
Mediterranean. Many of the arrivals
We're Americans and ore the little
star and stripe badges, in celebration
of the day, butthere yer a greatmany
Australians, many of whom had never
previously attended the functions, but
who We're present as a distinct testi-
mony Of the kindly feeling of this
country towards the United States in.
the present juncture. Amongst them
were politicians, lawyers, doctors,
military men, and countless represent
atlves of the great business world,
whose hum ose from the busy streets
far below. There were many ladies
tastefully attired, of whom "Rita''
may discourse. Of course, the con
sular body was in force to greet their
colleague on his nations birthday.
One and all were welcomed by Mr..
Bray, and found their way around the
pleasant rooms, and there were plenty
Of citizens and citizenesses of the
union to aid in making them at home.
There was no formal speech-making,
only most of the visitors murmured a
few words Of congratulation to Amer
ica's representative appropriate to the
occasion; and Mr.. Bray, who, like
most Americans, is agood CONVERSE
tionalist, thanked them in the name of
the United States. Some of the yisi-