The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1915-07-08
OBJECT TO POLITICAL SPEECH
Boys of the City Hold Lincoln" Meet
ing Regardless of the Protests Of a
Democratic Mayor Who Attempted to
Put a Crimp in the Plans.

Sunday will be the fourth OF july
and some of the older citizens of Keno
sha were today recalling memories Of
the celebration Of the Fourth in Keno
sha at the time of the first Lincoln
Campaign in 1860. That celebration
was one of the real stirring events in
the history of Kenosha. The files Of
the old Kenosha Telegraph have been
searched and in the paper bearing the
date of July 5th, 1860, the following
description of the observance of the
nations birthday down in old "Cen-
trail Park" is found:
Celebration Of the Fourth Yesterday.
The annual commemoration of our
national independence, was observed
in this city yesterday; the weather was
warm, yet good breeze prevailed
most Of the day, which relieved the
heated atmosphere A large number Of
people were in from the country, and
the scene from eleven a. m. until ten
p. M, was one of much animation and
apparent enjoyment. The military
and fire companies were out and made
a fine display. The order of exercises,
as they appeared on the program, were
carried out with less interruption than
usual. Much credit is due the COM
mittee Of arrangements for the well
planned order of the day.
The Grafton by Rev. Mr.. Slade, is
generally spoken Of as one highly APP
propriate to the occasion. He very
properly deviated from the old beaten
track Of Fourth Of July defamation,
and uttered sentiments calculated to
awaken thought in reflective minds.
Mr.. Slade has pleasing manner of de-
livery, and is a good speaker.
In the evening, large multitude Of
people were gathered in the park, to
witness the fire works. The evening
was one Of those soft, balmy, italian
moonlight nights, where everything in
nature conspires to render outdoor
amusements agreeable. These evening
Ipastimes in the open air, when the
throng is made up of families, wives,
husbands and children, are always
more orderly, social and agreeable, than
daylight recreations. The display Of
fireworks was Of good variety, and APP
peared to give general satisfaction.
The excellent music by the Racine
band, contributed much to make the
entertainment of the evening agreeable.
1t is but just to remark, that there
was less disorder witnessed on the
streets-less drunkenness and quarrel
ing, than has been seen on occasions of
this kind, in some former years. A
number of the saloons and places where
Intoxicating drinks are usually sold were
closed at sunset; this is highly credit
able ,and fact which we are exceed
ingly pleased to note. If the prac-
tice could be adopted, of having all
places closed on the "FourthD where
liquors are sold as beverage, it would
be stiH greater Improvement; it
would save much annoyance and dis
turbance in the commemoration of our
national independence.
After the exercises of the day an
nounced in the program, had been gone
through with, and the assemblage dis
missed, company of young men and
boys, denominated the Kenosha ssWide
Awakes," formed on Market Square,
and marched to the park, preceded by
a band of music. They bore in the
procession large flag on which the
names of Lincoln and Hamlin were in
scribed. On their arrival in the park,
and the speaker for the occasion hay
ing assembled the platform, some Of our
democratic brethren became greatly
agitated; their democratic sensibilities
were much shocked on seeing the illus
trious names of Lincoln and Hamlin
displayed to the public gaze on a flag.
Moreover, it was rumored an address
was to be spoken on the platform, by
a boy some sixteen or seventeen wears
Of age, Master Chancey Baldwin This
was too bad; the boy might possibly
utter some sentiments for freedom
damaging to the democratic party.
hence the proceedings must be stopped.
Our worthy mayor, whose fatherly re-
gard for the good name of the city is
ever on the alert, mounted the platform.
and amidst much clamor and uproar,
signifed his determination to sneak
The friends of the "Wide Awakes u,
persisted for some time in interruptinr
the mayor, believing he was interfer.
ing with what was not particularly his
business, the mayor IS friends thought
otherwise, hence there was naturally
some confusion. His honor appealed to
the audience to grant permission for
himself or somebody else to reply to
the address of the boy. So reasonable
a request on the part of our CHIEF
executive officer was Responded to
"yes, yes by the crowd.
His honor was furthermore allowed
~Aater his solemn protest against the
4s