Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1914-07-02

anniversary festival. 1t
ought TO be commemorated as the day
of deliyerance, by solemn acts Of
devotion to God Almighty. 1t ought to
be solemnized with pomp and parade,
with shows, games. sports. guns. bells.
bonfires and Nominations, from one
end Of this continent to the other,
from this time forevermore
His prediction has become so true
that now we seek to curtail the bonn
bast OF the day as rank overgrowth
not foreseen by our forefathers. A
proud, glad time, the nations birth
day; time. not for unworthy and In
furious celebration, but for renewal of
loyal citizenship, and for private re-
joicing in the privilege of American
citizenship.
The first celebration by congress Of
the Fourth has been preserved to us
in a letter to his daughter penned by
that same splendid old John Adams.
Yesterday being the anniversary of
American Independence, was cele-
brated here with the festivity and
ICcASAuOAty oCSOl1a6 TIC oS[dbioAs
am too old to delight in pretty descrip-
tons, II had talent for them, other
wise q picture might be drawn which
would please the fancy OF Wing, at
least The thought Of taking any no
tice Of this day was not conceived un-
til the third. 1t was too late to have
q sermon, as everyone wished, SO this
must be deferred to another year.
Congress determined to adjourn over
chat day, and to dine together The
general officers and others in town
were invited, after the president and
council and board of war of this state
Celebrations on the Ships.
"In the morning the Delaware frig-
ate, several large galleys. and other
continental armed vessels, galleys and
guard-boats were hauled off in the
river, and several of them beautifully
dressed in the colors of all nations
displayed about the masts, yards and
rigging At one o'clock the ships were
all manned; that is, the men were all
ordered aloft and arranged upon the
topyards and shrouds, making strik-
ing appearance Of companies of men
drawn up in order in the air"
He tells how he went on board with
the president and the marine commit
tee. Each armed vessel fired 10
salutes. then the galleys and gunboats.
He describes much shouting and
huzzaing lin manner which gave
great joy to every friend Of this coun-
try. and the utmost terror and dis
may to every lurking Tory"
Dining at three, they we're agree
ably entertained with excellent COM
pany, good cheer, fine music from the
band of Hessians taken at Trenton.
and continual volleys between every
toast from a company Of soldiers
drawn up in Second street before the
city tavern, where we dfned.s Maneu-
I vers on the common by light horse
and trains of artillery, and thou
sand infantry flied the day agreeably
for the crowd
In the evening was walking about
the streets for a little fresh air and
exercise, and vas surprised to lind the
whole city lighting up their candles
at the windows. I walked most Of
the evening, and / think it was the
most splendid illumination / ever saw
"a few surly houses were dark, but
the lights we're very universal. Con
sidering the lateness Of the design,
and the suddenness of the execution,
was amazed at the universal joy and
alacrity that was discovered. and at
the brilliancy and splendor of every
part Of this joyful exhibition. / had
forgot the ringing OF the bells all day,
and the bonfsres In the streets, and