Mexico weekly ledger., 1898-07-07
Champ Clark Enthused the Throng With
a Characteristic American Speech.
DR., FRANK J. TYRRELL ALSO SPEAKS,
Monster Picnic in Hardin Park, at Which All Were Fed-1he
Grand Parade aud Trades PrOCesson-An Imposing
DisuIay of Fireworks Mexico Outdid Itself.

| Fourth. The incidents punctuatlne
these were parades, oratory, noise!
bicycle races, a picnic dinner and more
noise.
The citizens of Mexico and the coun-
try for miles around joined together
for the purpose of celebrating the
| victories of the American arms in the
present war. The Fourth Of July
was merely used as a subterfuge'
The day was converted into an exhaust
pipe to carry of the pent-up enthusi-
asm of the country.
Ample arrangements had been made
both for the entertainment and well
fare of the crowd. The Mexico Band
| furnished the music, DR.. Tyrrell and
Hon. Champ Clark the oratory and the
citizens of Mexico the lunch for the
hundreds OF visitors VINO thronged
Hardin Park at the moo hour
Amusements were plentiful at the
park and the only thing lacking was
the reading of the Declaration of In
dependence by James G. Trimble.
The day had hardly broken before
people began streaming into the towr
from all directions. They came pre-
pared to enjoy themselves and they
| did SO. The excitement began with
band concert in the Court House yard
| While this was in progress the mar
shall of the day, Willard Potts, and hi
aids, Respondent In cooked hats
plumes and tri-colored sashes, were
galloping about the streets forming
the parade. The line was formed OF
East jackson street and moved through
the principle thoroughfares In thi
order:
Marshal Willard Potts and aids
Messrs. John D. Orear, VIM. Freeman
John Mcintyre, VIM. Fitzwater, james
Ford, VIM. Smith, VIM. Sims, Greel,
Talbot, Luther Shesrer, Jay Montague
Oscar Lewis, John Potts and JameI
Muir.
Mexico Band.
Mayor Potts and City Council in car
riages.
Orators of the day in carriages.
Mexico Fire Department.
Float, Creasey g. Dempsey.
Uncle Sam on horseback, Jno. Hook
representing Mexico Steam Laundry
Exhibit, Hord & King.
Float, Shireman Clothing Company
Float, Worrell, the Jeweler.
Float, Columbia, containing 46 littl
girls.
Float, Cuba.
Float, Victor Dry Goods Company
Float, Stickley Whizzer Cigar Com
pany.
Float, Pratt Bros. Blacksmithini
Company.
Rough Riders.
Jubilee Singers.
Bicycle Representatives.
Model Bakery.
Lemp's Beer Depot.
Citizens in carriages and on horse
back.
The floats, respondent in flags an
bunting, were greatly admired alonl
the route. An especially hearty vel
come was given the float representing
Columbia and the various states. Mis-
Ida Boomer was Columbia and tn
states we're represented by a bevy O
the prettiest little girls of the city.
Cuba was represented by Miss Bet
Patterson, who followed the float O.
horseback, probably wishing she coul'
climb into the wagon with the others
All of the floats were tastefully ar
ranged and reflect great credit upol
the enterprise of the merchants VIII
prepared them.
The "Whizzer" float made q grea
hit by scattering cigars broadcas
along the route, and many a youtl
will remember the Fourth as the da
on which he sought the s~eclusion @
the woodshed to recover from the ef
fects Of his first cigar.
AS soon rs the parade had passe
the crowd adjourned to Hardin Parh
where preparations had been made t
care for them. A speakers stand ha
= been erected and seats built. Sewers
lrefreshment booths rel s~cattere
over the park, and a dancing pavilio
: made many Of the younger generate
!. yearn for the approach of night.
Near the speakers stand q Ion
table had been placed and a lare
force of people were busy arranging
, bountiful lunch, which had been SCI
In by the citizens.
3 In the speakers' stand we're Mayo
Potts, the City Council, 8. B. Cool
. Rev. Pittman and the orators of til
day, DR.. Frank Tyrrell, of st. Loui
, and Hon. Champ CLARK.
Mayor Potts opened the programn
with a neat address of welcome
which hs invited the visitors to tai
possession Of the town and run 1t
suit themselves. Said Mr.. Potts: "W
meet to-day to celebrate the annivel
sary Of the birth Of our Republic ar
to give thanks for this beautiful lar
OF the free, which was purchased ar
n made sacred by the blood OF our Rev
% Iutionary sires; a country, which,
the blessing of God, has been mali
tanned and protected to this day b
the patriotism and wisdom of the
posterity. I extend to you, one nj
all, q most hearty welcome to our cit
and offer to you the generous hosp
tality Of our citizens, who have MAJ
provision for your physical comfort
= The crowd wa still streaming In
the park while the Mayor was talkin
III and In order to give time for eve
D one to get comfortably located Il
o. band gave an impromptu concel
When it played "American q lar,
D proportion OF the crowd joined In u
ri chorus and the hum of voices singh,
Q the national anthem arose above q
4 popping Of the crackers and the
is ritating screach of a instrument
70 torture composed Of . small balo,
with . whistle attachment.