Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1899-07-05
The Day We Celebrate.

gather to pay homage to next Inde-
pendence day, new century will
have been mustered in. One hundred
and twenty three years ago the dec
laration that made us free people,
to the words of which millions of free
people are today listening, was first
given to the world. One year ago
these same free people, fighting to ex-
tend the liberty which they enjoyed
to the down trodden inhabitants of
Spanish colonies, heard of the glorious
triumph OF their cause in the news of
the final and crushing defeat OF Spain's
power on the seas.
Ritzville heard the eagle scream
yesterday as never before. The wealth.
er was pleasant and cool and we cele-
brated the anniversary of our nations
birthday and returned thanks to those
who have ever lent helping hand in
making our nation what it is-the
leading nation OF the world. The small
hoy was turned loose with his fire
crackers and flag, AMI from Maine to
Manila foated Old Glory--the flag of
the brave in the land of the free. No
BILE women, the uncrowned queens of
America, took their babies in their
arms and mingled in the throng of
patriotic fire builders on this doubly
significant day, marking an era in
national history.
The national salute at sunrise wa
kened the city and at 7 am. a moder-
ate westerly wind was blowing, at IL
it became cloudy, at noon II nice
shower OF rain was falling which laid
the dust aid freshened the atmosphere.
At the time of the races, two o'clock,
several appeared in overcoats and
heavy clothing but it gradually be-
came warmer and the remainder of
the day was exceptionally comfort
able.
The parade headed by Pynn's Mill
tary Brass Band moved on schedule
time, $50 a. m. In the first carriage
were Hon. o. r. Holcomb and Judge
L. H. Prather, president and orator OF
the day. Several pretty floats were
in the procession. One contained
Uncle Sam represented by F. d. Wal
ton, with tn zee little darkey boys as
Cuba, Peurto Rico and the PHILIPPINES.
A unique and original float was that
of a miniature ship and Admiral Geo.
Dewey emil EbneI) standing on the
deck.
Tomanowash Tribe No. 80 l. o. R.
NJ. was novel and pleasing feature
also. Dressed in their Indian costumes
and war paint riding on horseback in
single file they looked picturesque.
The Modern Woodmen OF America
Lodge No. 5595, made splendid
showing with their number, their
handsome banners and badges wav-
ing in the light breeze.
The bicycle party attracted much
attention, especial y the wheel of Dav-
id Pettijohn which was skillfully con-
verted into an American eagle in
fight. Others were Hastily decorated
and were admired by all.
Harris & Comparet and Thiel Dor
man King Co. had two monster en-
gines with threshing machines and
outfits attached keeping pace with
the parade. The separators were COW
cred with decorations of all kinds,
flags, bunting. ribbons, men and boys
AS they passed along the street cross
ings were smashed into kindllng wood
under the great weight, but it was the
Fourth and the day we celebrate.
In the line of march the procession
passed up Main and Second street to
B back to Z. crossing and recrossing
several times thence to the opera
house where everything was in readi-
ness an excellent program rendered.
The Declaration of Independence was
read by Mrs. Alice Copp, and at the
risk OF being called partial we must
say that we have never heard it read
so creditably and in such pleasing
and able manner as on this occasion.
AFTERNOON.
First horse race-One half mile, three heats.
five horses to enter. entrance fee s.: first
prize s75 saddle; second SO; third s..
Winner first prize, Redwing, entered by Clark
Long. second prize, Sunday, entered b. s.
Hutchinson, third, Turk. entered by Cas-.
Mcleod.
second race Onefourth mile dash, three
horses TO enter. entrance fee &; first prize
so gold watch; second s.; third 81.
Winner first prize, Betsey, entered by Geo.
Mattingly, second, copp, by Ray Saunders.
third, Topsy, by J. s. Sheppard.
Third race-saddle pony race, less than 800
pounds, quarter mile dash. 81 entrance fee,
first prize s.. second 81. third 81.
winner first prize Topsy R.-entered by Antoine
Boenig, second. Nancy, Thiel, third, Lizzie.
by J. Luiten.
| Fourth race-Saddle horse race. all weights,
entrance fee 81, first prize $40, second IS,