The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-06-24
PATRIOTIC
FESTIVAL
OF FRENCH

st. John. N. p. Juno A-Historically
in this city the calendar was turned back
today to that great French patriotic
festival In June, 1904. when this harbor
was discovered by sieur de Monts and
Samuel DeChamplaln and named by them
in honor OF ST. John. the Baptist.
The landing OF the intrepid explorers OF
old France was reproduced with It's at
tendant scenes as nearly as possible. The
Nday was public holiday and was the
Ereatest OF tercentennary week salutes
were fired at sunrise and the war vessels
OF three nations and all the merchant
shipping in the harbor were dressed In
bright colors long before the citizens wTe
astir. At every hand on land and water
werc displayed the British flag, the Stars
and Stripes and the tri-color
The weather was clear and delight
fully cool. Thousands OF persons many
OF them from the United States were In
the city and 80 great was the crush that
hotel accommodations we're severely
taxed. From Houlton. Maine, came a
party OF 10 knights Templars, headed by
the Houlton band.
The feature Of the forenoon was the
representation OF tho landing OF Cham
plain. de Monts and Poutrincort from
their vessel. the Timothee. T. T. Lanta-
lum represented Champlafn, H. NJ. STAN
bury, de Monts, and II. H. Harrison,
Poutrincourt.
large number Of French and Indian
characters accompanied the landing party
For the occasion an old vessel had been
built over to resemble as nearly as pos
stble. the original ship. Half a hundred
yachts accompanied the French vessel.
parade through the streets followed.
A number OF militia companies and local
societies marched to the north end OF !
the city. where monument in River |
view Park TO the Canadians who fell in |
the south African war was unveiled. |
Thousands OF persons were present.
Later a tablet I'm the new Carnegie H. !
brary was uncovered I'm honor OF Cham
plains memory. Representatives of the
French aud United States governments
saw this ceremony.
During the day the ROYAL Society Of
Canada had general meeting. at which
historic papers were read. In addition TO |
the regular program Of general events
throughout the city there were numerous
athletic games.
The American and French guests were
and driven about the city by
4 committee appointed by the city gov
arnment.
II was arranged that they should leave
omorrow and participate in the exercises
u the mouth or the st. Croix, at which
representatives OF the Maine and New
8runswick governments will hold a joint
celebration. The warships will also pro-
eed 10 the mouth OF the ST. Croix
MASSACHUSETTS AND MAINE.
The Knights Templars OF southeastern
Massachusetts, are celebrating the feast
Il st. John by n field day In New Bed {
ord and vicinity. A parade this fore
Don was followed by a sail down the bay |
nd mammoth clambaks at South {
dartmouth. I
The observance OF 81. Johns day hv {
he Masonic fraternity In Maine todhy Z
as conducted by the knights Templar c
rder. In number OF Instances one or v
lore Communicates visited the fraters OF
nother city. Dunlap commandery Of 9
ath Is entertaining the S<owhegan and v
umford Falls Communicates for two h
ays In Bath and at Pomham Beach. 4
Portland commandery OF this city united n
ith ST Amand oommandery OF Kenne- o
INK In an outing at Kennebunk Beach Il
ewiston commandery fraters were the q
tests OF st. Alban commandery OF this A.
ty, the day being passed at one Of the a.
lands In Casco bay a,
st Aldemar comma ndery OF HouIton ot
as entertained by ST. BERNARD com.
andery at Eastport Bradford com. G
andery at Biddeford spent the dav a, p
ittery Point. and the Belfast corn n,
andery at Crescent Beach. near Rock ca