The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1915-07-08
OVER 10000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATE
IN M|N0TS BIG CELEBRATION


OF PEOPLE-MORE THAN 10000
VISITORS WERE GUESTS OF
MINOT MERCHANTS.
Never in the history of Minot has
this city seen such an immense crowd
as that which gathered for Mondays
Fourth of July celebration. 1t is esti-
mated that there were fully $4,000
people in the city that day, which in
Guided between ten and fifteen thous-
and visitors. There were crowds ev
erywhere. At the circus in the after
noon, one would have been led to be-
lieve that everyone had assembled
there, but this crowd was but mere
fraction of those who were actually
here. They were lined up along the
river bank by the thousands, watch
ing the canoe, tub and swimming
races. Five hundred stood on the foot
bridge until that structure quivered.
No one could pass across the structure
for an hour and citizens took it upon
themselves to patrol the bridge in or
der to get the women and children out
of the jam. Several nearly tainted,
and yet the crowd was good natured
and orderly. Riverside Park was full
of pleasure seekers. Several thous-
and witnessed the Drady-North Pra-
irie ball game and up town the streets
were crowded. Thousands were out
at Dorman's park and all about the
city there was continual line Of au-
tomobiles, buggies, farm wagons and
pedestrians.
Fully $500 automobiles were in the
city that day, and while there were
several narrow escapes, there wasn't
an auto accident. There were autos
from nearly every town in the north
western part of the state. Truly au-
tomobiles eliminate distance and the
great crowd was augmented because
of this modern method of conveyance.
Hotels Crowded.
Minot has several large hotels and
many rooming houses, but early Sun
day every room was taken. Hundreds
did not go to bed that night at all.
Some of the men slept in Offices. 9th
ers bunked in livery barns. The citi-
zens threw open their homes to the
public. ..-.
Merchants Entertain.
The Minot merchants closed up shop
for the day and these businessmen and
their clerks worked as man to see
that the visitors had a good time, and
they did. When farmers and others
arrived in the city, they were directed
to the park, where space was allotted
for the horses and autos. All were
made to feel welcome and we heard
hundreds of expressions of satisfac-
ton on their part.
Free Coffee.
At lunch time, thousands spread
their picnic dinners on the ground un-
der the beautiful trees of the park.
Coffee was served free by the mer-
chants, which made a hit with the
crowd.
The Parade.
Sparks circus happened to be in the
city that day and Of course every man,
woman and child had to see the pa
rade. 1t was good, too. The horses
are among the finest ever seen here
and the whole outfit appeared IN first
class shape.
The Minot Band.
The Minot Metropolitan band, under
the direction of Blaine Allen, added
much to the days celebration. The
band played concert on the street in
the morning and marched to the park
followed by countless thousands,
where the morning program was rem
dered. A large platform had been
built in the park and here the morn
ing's exercises were carried out. The
program was one of the best we have
ever heard, and Chairman Roell pre-
sided in happy manner. He called
upon all recently naturalized citizens
to take their places on the platform
and several responded. He announced
that at the conclusion of the program,
small flags would be distributed to all
and asked them to wear them.
Eloquent Address.
Hon. J. F. T. O'Connor of Grand
Forks, delivered one of the most eio-
quent addresses ever heard in the
city. He is regarded as one OF the
states best orators and he handled an
old subject in a way that was very in
teresting, indeed. -,
"Why do you celebrate the Fourth ?"
he asked, and then he went on to ex-
plain why this country was celeprat-
ing the 139th anniversary of the ma
TONS birth. Gambetti said to Napol-
con, "You are afraid to celebrate the
day that you assembled into the
throne" You will not find men and
women who never did any good to any
one celebrating this day. He referred
at length to the Declaration of indie
pendence. He referred to the signers
as very brave men, for they knew
that did their cause fail, every one
of them would be hanged. Our gov
eminent is yet young in the history
of nations. 1t is but an experiment
yet. McCauley gave it but few years
to live.
He referred to the birth Of Christ
as the greatest event in the history OF
mankind, the Savior, who came from
the common walks of life. This nation
is great because the people have a
chance. He spoke of our duty to the