The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-05
The Orator of the Occasion, Lieuten-
ant Governor Gilbert,
a Strong Address.
A BIG DINNER AT NOON HOUR,
MILITARY DRILLS AND FIREWORKS
ADDED TO ENJOYMENT.
Modern Woodmen's Picnic at Arm
strong's VI. 4. Council at
Greenwood-Other Events.

The thousands of people that attended the
picnic. outing and Fourth of July celebra-
ton at Garfield Park, yesterday, arranged
by the Soldiers League of Indianapolis.
had excellent cause TO congratulate them
selves. A more delightful place for such an
affair could not have been selected than
beautiful Garfield Park, with its broad,
rolling acres. it's inviting forests. its fasci-
mating, shady dells and its sparkling lake.
the latter set with a picturesque islet OF
waving green that strongly suggested a
precious Jewel. Nobody knows just how
many people went TO this park yesterday,
but it is known that Garfield Park cars
were comfortably filled from the early
morning hours until considerably past
noon. There was a programme of exercises
that comprehended the entire day. but 1t
was elastic enough TO suit the whims Of all
present. The juveniles were allowed on the
programme from 8 to IL in the morning for
discharging fireworks, but, as a matter or
fact. they began a terrific bombardment as
soon as the first carload of youngsters
struck the park, and kept it up until the
last car filled with happy humanity left at
a late hour in the night. Garneld Park was
cool yesterday, even in the afternoon whsn
the city's asphalt streets began to smoke
and grow mushy beneath the feet of pc
destrians. Men who went TO the place 10
make addresses, expecting TO melt their
collars down, were happily disappointed,
for a refreshing breeze blew gently over the
speakers stand throughout the exercises.
BECAME HUNGRY.
About IL o'clock the folks that had
worked hard celebrating Independence day
began TO grow hungry and almost as II by
magic the grass was literally carpeted with
tablecloths in an instant and baskets gave
up their appetizing contents to swift ami
hilation. A particularly attractive feature
Of the park is it's abundance Of excellent
drinking water. Barrels of ice water stood
about at convenient places, but the ma
jority of the crowd preferred water that
had been cooled in natures mysterious
cold-storage plant.
About 2 o'clock In the afternoon the cur
rent of humanity set in towards the grand
stand erected near the edge of the great
natural forest. Here Gen. James r. Carna-
han was found acting as master of cere-
monies and under his tactful guidance the
exercises moved along With pleasing
smoothness. The colored Pythian Band in
augurated the programme appropriately
enough by playing "Keller's American
Hymn The Invocation was pronounced by
Rev. Frank o. Ballard, of Memorial Pres
byterian Church. Mrs. New was TO have
read the Declaration Of Independence. but
could not be present, and in her place Caleb
s. Denny was called on TO read the immor-
tai charter of liberty. Mr.. Denny accompa-
MED his reading with an eloquent and pa
triotic address that aroused great enthusi-
asm. General Carnahan caught the infec-
ton himself and called for three cheers.
They were given with a will.