Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1907-08-08
The Rival Fourth of
July Celebrations
By JOHN B. CARING.
Copyright. by Daily Story Pub. Co.

The coming Fourth OF July celebra-
ton had been the paramount bit of
gossip of the town.
Congressman Blank of the district
had been captured by the town to
conclude the ceremonies with an ora
ton, much to the chagrin of the
neighboring village of Sunville. A
rivalry, not always good-natured, had
existed between the two communities
since earliest recollection.
1t was the evening of the second Of
July and the regulars had gathered at
the general store. Abe Crabtree had
been late in arriving, although to ad-
NIT that It had taken his best plead
ings to persuade his wife to allow him
to attend the session would have for
ever deposed him from the throne.
Il understand" said Abe. after he
had comfortably seated himself on a
-four barrel, that the Sunville crowd
has hired that air balloon man that
showed up at Windsor with the cir
Gus"
Before another day had passed the
information was common property and
many there were in a deep quandary,
unable to decide as to which celebra-
ton to attend.
Abe and his wife Of course would
attend the Token celebration. Their
daughter Helen, acknowledged by the
young men Of the town as the pretti-
est girl In the community, had accept
ed the invitation of Will Duncan, son
OF an old neighber, and the young
couple were to accompany them. Abe
was chairman of the arrangement
committee. He had been instrumental
In securing the attendance OF Con-
gresham Blank and fully realized the
important part he would play on the
coming holiday.
Jim Duncan, Wills father, when he
heard Of the event, planned by the
Sunvillites, Immediately decided that
even his loyalty to Token could not
prevent him from taking in the balloon
ascension.
VIII was a dutiful son, but the
thought of spending the day without
Helen was not pleasant to him and he
informed his father of the fact.
$50 you don't want to go to Sun
vile with us, WHIP" said his father.
We'll. as long as you are q member of
the Duncan household you'll do what
] want understand, young man."
But. father, have asked Helen
Crabtree to go with me to the cele-
bration here"
We'll, the only thing you can do.
then, is to see II you can't get her to
accompany you to Sunville."
why. wouldn't think of such a
thing. WILL" she told him, when he
preached the subject to her. you
know fathers going to introduce Con-
gresham Blank when he makes his
Grafton, and 1t would show great dis
respect to go to the celebration Of a
rival community on such an occas-
ion.""
1t was not Helen's objection so
much as her fathers that led to the
quarrel that followed and made VIII
decide to attend the Sunville event.
Helen declared his company was not
essential to her enjoyment of the day
ana VIII Duncan made up his mind
that If such was the case he would &C.
company his parents without her.
The Fourth of July broke bright and
warm. Token was early astir and Abe
Crabtree was not little disappointed
to see the number of rigs bound for
sunville. Jim Duncan, his wife and
VIII were OF early to make a day of
1t. On the way the latter more than
once was on the point of turning
back. He was sorry he had quarreled
with Helen over such a trivial mat
ter, but he decided to teach her a les.
son. To forget her as much as posi-
BILE he busted himself in aiding the
aeronaut in making his preparations
for the ascension.
The balloon had been inflated and
everything was ready for the great
event. VIII was Just placing the last
OF the bags Of sand used for ballast in
the basket when a horse, frightened
by the explosion of giant firecracker.
dashed by, causing those holding the