The procession started from Lincoln Park, West Newton, and was reviewed by Mayor Speare and the City Council, in front of the City Hall. The people of Newton are to be congratulated on having a Department composed of such a fine-looking and substantial body of men, and who are, from appearances, so well provided with the most powerful machines to cope with the devouring element. Hon. John C. Parks, a resident of our city, whose long experience, enlarged observation, and strong national sympathies, indicated him for the position of "the Orator of the day," kindly accepted the invitation. Mr. J. L. Ordway promised the poem for the occasion. The time-honored custom of the reading of the Declaration of Independence was committed to Mr. E. W. Cate, one of the young men of our city, who had passed through its schools, graduating with honor from its highest. It was deemed advisable that the children should not be overlooked, and that they should be made participants with their parents in the celebration, thus perpetuating the memories which the occasion commemorated. Mr. George S. Trowbridge, who was assisted by Miss Mattie C. Howe, very kindly gave his time and attention to the arrangement of this part of our programme, and with unqualified success. It was a matter of regret that the address prepared by Rev. B. K. Peirce for the children should have been obliged to be omitted, owing to the lateness of the hour. The beautiful hall of our City Hall, Ward Three, was appropriately adorned in honor of "the day we celebrate," displaying conspicuously a finely painted seal of the City, and also the seals of the Commonwealth and of the United States, with other decorations national and patriotic; while a profusion of star-spangled banners told of "The land of the free, and the home of the brave." The stage was occupied by the members of the City Government, the speakers on the occasion, and the invited guests; while every available space in the large hall was filled, and numbers could not obtain room. The exercises were exceedingly interesting and profitable, and, although lengthy, were waited upon by the large, sympathetic audience with patience and attention. In conclusion, your committee would desire to express their appreciation of the kindly co-operation of the members of the City Government, and of our citizens in general; and, insomuch as the celebrations were a success, it was owing to the support and countenance of our people. Very respectfully submitted. G. D. GILMAN, JAMES F. EDMANDS, D. S. SIMPSON, Joint Special Committee. |