The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1919-06-18

The Fourth of July celebration of
1876 was easily the most elaborate, en-
thusiasuc and successful Of any we
have ever held in Chattanooga. Plans
were formed weeks in advance. The
executive committee was made up of
business men, some of whom were the
very best of the time; OF leading pro-
fessional men, and of well-known poll
ticfans. Regular meetings were held,
and every detail of a heavy program
was thoroughly arranged. The news
papers gave space for publicity with
utmost generosity. Society women gave
time and labor with a patriotic zeal.
Capt Henry c. Cook, of the United
States army, then in command of the
garrison here, was chosen grand mar
shall, and we so thoroughly entered into
the spirit of work that when.the great
day came everything moved along with
almost military precision. He main
tanned a small printing plant at the
post, and the entire program, including
action from time to time by the execu-
tive committee, was printed at the post
under his direction. A large crowd
from far and near was present for the
occasion, and celebration went along
with a hip, hip, hurrah!" from be-
fore sunrise to well toward midnight.
First of all. THE Horribles" paraded
principal streets on horseback. headed
by the "Beshazzer Band" and If | am
not mistaken, Floats" constituted the
last number. These consisted of great
platforms mounted on wagons, bearing
symbolic representations of incidents
and traditions connected with United
States history. They passed down Mar
ket street from somewhere above Ninth
to the river. 1t would be a valuable
addition or contribution TO Chattanooga
history if somebody could unearth the
Cook program or find a copy of some
newspaper containing full reports OF
the celebration.
Notable Event.
Local colored people held a somewhat
notable celebration, June IS, $780, in
honor of the Fifteenth amendment.
constitution, of the United States. Just
why that date was chosen | am not adj
vised. for it is not my understanding
that it was the anniversary of any day
specially associated with that measure.
The celebrators were early birds, and
the procession formed ia front of the
Stanton House at Z O'Clock am. sharp.
1t was headed by a marshal and his
staff, followed by the executive COM
mittee on horseback and six ladies in
hacks" Chattanooga Brass band and
Tyler cadets followed. and then there
were many wagons well-filled with en-
thusiastic men and women; many chill
dren, gaily dressed, waving flags and
banners.
In a grove near the foot of Lookout |
mountain they jollifed all day, eating |
playing, dancing, no doubt, |
and listening to speeches, Elders WI,
liams and Jackson being principal |
speakers. Large measure of credit for |
success was given to John u. Moore, |
John ]. Eryine and Squire Sewelf. The |
latter we still have with us, and he
may be seen any day at the courthouse
looking happy. yet serene, as. of old
At night they assembled in large |
numbers at James Hall. chiefly for the
of listening to speeches. which
that the negro race has
among it's virtues patience and forbear-
ance. But In this instance there could
have been no great occasion for the
exercise of this particular virtue, for
he principal speakers were Mayor II.
=. Temple and DIR. Il. M. Wight. both
sneakers who said things when they
,noke. Mr.. Temple declared there were
10 party alignments antagonistic to the
amendment, and as illustrative of the
act. cited the invitation extended to
lin and DIR. Wight, representatives OF
he two great antagonistic parties. At
er brief mention of the Civil war, he
aid IL hope that while remembering
IS we should the deeds of valor of
,ur soldiers, we let the bitter memories
# the past be ohliterated from our
nlfluS as water SIllN upon lilC bApNAAN |
which cannot be lifted up again God
rant that this nation may never again
e called to take up the implements of
warfare. But should such a destiny be
n store for us. | know it will not be
'ivil war. But should any foreign
over throw down to us the guage of
attic, whenever our country calls for
blenders, the soldiers of the south and
he soldiers of the north will vie with
nch other i'm enthusiastic response and
4 the grand rally around our national
tandard there will be found I am per-
uaded, equal in patriotic ardor equal
, burning enthusiasm to any from the
orth or south, the battalions and le-
ions of the colored troops"
Conditions existing at that time made
ne language used by Mr.. Temple IN its
AZURE prophetic. He predicted two
ighly important outcomes OF any war
lat might be forced up on the United
tates by a foreign power an entire
Mon of hearts and union Of hands, for