Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-07-05
A Typical Fourth OF July oelebratlon

ATypical Fourth OF July Celebration.
The 4th of July In the city or big
town is usually little more than noise,
but in the village or country district it
is still patriotic, soul inspiring festival.
There were a number of such celebra
tions in the territory in which the
Democrat chiefly circulates, the one at
Ryan being probably the most largely
attended. At any event, the Ryan
celebration was typical of an ideal OBJ
servance of the day.
A cornet band was at the depot and
welcomed the visitors on the arrival of
the morning trains. The members of
the band were mostly young ladies, and
dressed in their jaunty new blue uni
forms made an attractive appearance.
About 1920 a. m. the procession
formed in the town and proceeded to a
near by grove, one of Gods first tenn
pies, where speakers stand, seats,
tables and other conveniences had been
constructed. At the head of the pro-
cession was large decorated float
drawn by four horses and seated upon
which was an Uncle Sam and As
young ladies, each representing one of
the states of the Union.
On one side of the grove there was
large steam merry go round, and on
the other gun club contest; and, fur
ther back and all around, panoramic
view of corn fields and meadows, FARMS
buildings and church spires, richer than
the imagination of any painter, and
well calculated to furnish inspiration
for the occasion.
The president of the day, DIR. Alfred
A. Schofeld read the Declaration of
Independence, which was devoutly
listened to by the large crowd present.
Even the new boy" with his fire crack
or, suspended business long enough to
learn something about the history of
his country, and why governments are
instituted among men, deriving their
just powers from the consent of the
governed"
President Schofeld, in few appro-
pirate remarks, introduced Hon. Cato
Sells,who spoke for upwards of an hour
and quarter with unexcelled earnest
ness. eloquence and vigor. Much was
expected from Mr.. Sells, for his reputa-
tiOn as an orator is more than state
wide, but no ones expectations exceed
ed their realization. He seemed to
rise with the patriotic environments OF
the occasion, and voice the feelings and
desires of his auditors. There is love
Of country in Cato, and 1t just poured
out in rich, strong volume yesterday
The exercises of the day were inter
spersed with music and patriotic songs
The after dinner Grafton was deliver
ed by Henry M. Troy, bright syounp
lawyer from Cedar Rapids, and although
not personally present when he spoke
the writer has heard Mr.. Troy's address
spoken of as rich in thought and very
appropriate. In addition to the Grafton
the afternoon program contained the
following:
Recitation. Miss Esma BelknaI
Speech. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS p. Carter
Recitation. .................Mi Miss Mile Brayton
Speech. ........................P. ii Deviue
Defamation. Observation-Disclosures. Miss Maud Arey
Recitation .................M Miss Minnie Green
Speech. v. Haigi
If majority of the American people
celebrated the Fourth, as did those who
attended the exercises at Ryan, the pa
triotic lesson was of inestimable value
The person net benefited by such an
observance of the day is fit subject