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states in the Union. Miss Ella Wadsworth, as Columbia, occupied an elevated position under the Stars and Stripes, where she presided with dignity over her family of states, consisting of young ladies and misses, who, dressed in white, and each bearing a flag carrying the name of a state, presented one of the most pleasing attractions of the day.

The exercises at the stand were opened with music by the band, followed by the president of the day, Hon. Perry Hannah, in a few appropriate remarks. "America" was then sung by all. Rev. O. H. Spoor, chaplain of the day, offered prayer. The glee club sang Whittier's Centennial hymn, which was followed by the reading of the Declaration by L. H. Gage, Esq. The glee club then gave the "Star-Spangled Banner," all joining in the chorus. Judge Hatch, historian of the day, was then introduced, and gave a very interesting sketch of the history of Grand Traverse county. His address was followed by music from the band. The continental army then drew off to one side and fired their salute of musketry. This, with further music, closed the exercises.

In the afternoon came the field sports, games, running, jumping, etc. A match game of base-ball was played between the Bingham and Traverse City boys, in which the latter came out ahead, twenty-six to six.

In the evening there was a fine display of fireworks on the bay. Many of the business houses on Front street were finely decorated; among them, those of Hannah, Lay & Co., S. C. Fuller, J. T. Beadle, J. A. Perry, Hamilton, Milliken & Co., F. Friederich, E. E. Miller, O. H. Ellis, F. Brusch, S. E. Wait, Ramsdell & Gage, W. J. Backer, Mrs. R. A. Campbell, "Eagle" and "Herald" buildings, Langworthy & Simpson, and the Campbell House. Hon. S. C. Moffatt's residence was very tastefully decorated with the national colors. Many other places of business and private houses were nicely trimmed, and floated the Stars and Stripes.

UNION CITY.

The celebration was rather impromptu, and the rainy weather of the morning came near spoiling it altogether. Never before were so many people assembled in Union City. At eleven o'clock a stand was improvised, in High street, from which the Declaration of Independence was read, and a short address was delivered. This was followed by a procession of "Fantastics and Horribles," which was an immense success. Afterward there was a tub race, which caused much sport. There were also horse races at the driving park, and various athletic sports, the festivities closing with fireworks in the evening.

VASSAR.

There was a salute at midnight, and another at sunrise. At nine o'clock, a fine new flag, made for the occasion, was hoisted on the liberty pole on Main street. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, people from a distance began pouring in at an early hour, and before noon it was estimated that full three thousand were on the grounds. The tide continued to swell during the afternoon, and it is believed that not less than five thousand persons witnessed the rope-walking over the river. It was certainly the largest assemblage ever in Vassar. The Marshal, Colonel J. H. Richardson, of Tuscola, with several of his aids, was on the ground in due time, and organized the procession, which marched to the stand erected on Main street for the speaking. The procession was headed by a wagon bearing a large boat, elaborately decorated, with a flag streaming from the mast-head, and carrying thirty-eight young misses, gaily attired, each having a little flag, on which was printed the name of the state represented.

Alexander Trotter was president of the day. The exercises at the stand were opened with prayer by Rev. J. H. Reid. The Declaration of Independence was read by Prof. L. A. Park. The oration was delivered by Captain J. H. Palmer, of Lapeer. At the close of the oration, the young lady representatives of the states, who, in their gorgeous boat, were drawn up in front of the stand, sang the "Red, White and Blue." At the close, three cheers were given for our Centennial year, for the young ladies, and the marshal.

The entertainment of the afternoon opened with music and the procession of the "Horribles." An unearthly looking group led off with a wagon carrying the "Gas Creek band," which was provided with instruments of all kinds, and some of no kind. This was followed by another wagon with the "Mormon Quire," and some two hundred "Horribles," mounted on horses, with masked faces, dressed in the most grotesque and fantastic style, and playing all sorts of antics. After a telling speech by the orator of the day, and an original poem by I. J. Spencer, the "Quire" appeared on the grand stand and entertained the audience with pantomimic performances. After this ceremony, there was rope-walking across the river by two young women. Then came tub races, Daniel Meehan, winner; foot races, James Braden, Wesley Ridgeman, Walter Braden, winners; swimming matches, and other athletic sports.

In the evening there was a display of fireworks, though the damp state of the atmosphere interfered somewhat with their effect. The selection was good and varied, and the whole proved satisfactory.

D

IV. CENTENNIAL TREE PLANTING.

URING the first century of the Republic the pioneers devoted themselves largely to the destruction of the forests. This was the first work in hand, for the obstructions must be removed and the face of nature subdued before the soil would yield subsistence for man. But it has been found that the wholesale destruction of forests was injudicious. The climate and hygiene of the country have been changed thereby. If it were necessary to make any excuse for our ancestors for the indiscriminate removal of trees, bearing upon their stumps millions of feet of what would now be very choice and valuable lumber, it may be said that self-preservation is the first law of nature. They were chiefly concerned about their daily bread. In the rude and distant pioneer settlements, far away from available markets, many acres of cleared ground were required to produce enough to sustain a family and provide the necessaries of life. Nor could the pioneer, as he sallied forth from his little cabin, axe in hand, be expected to have the eye of a landscape gardener, nor the taste of a cultured schoolman. He was not pondering on picturesque effect, as he laid low the monsters of the forest; he was thinking of food and clothing for his wife and little ones. He went straight at his work, felling trees great and small, here and there indiscriminately, as best suited his purpose. With fire and axe the forests were soon cleared away and the face of the country opened up to cultivation and civilization. But it is found that forests are beneficent agents in the economy of nature, and we are now planning to restore in some degree what our ancestors so ruthlessly destroyed.

Societies have been organized in various parts of the country, and there is a National Forestry Association, whose purpose it is to discuss from a scientific standpoint and in the light of experience the effects of forests upon the rainfall, retention of snows, protection of fields and orchards from gales and tornadoes, absorption of poisonous exhalations from the soil, and the preservation of the public health. These societies have already determined many of the questions in favor of an increase of forest trees, and are assiduously working up a public sentiment in that direction. It is unnecessary here to discuss these questions, or to dwell upon the artistic effect of trees in a landscape.

Suffice it to say that public opinion already strongly favors the protection and preservation of the trees now left standing, and also a considerable addition to the number by judicious planting of approved varieties along streets and highways and in public grounds. This sentiment is growing stronger every day, and it is fostered by intelligent and public-spirited citizens. Therefore it seemed fitting that, in this Centennial year, when the fires of patriotism burn brightly, one form of love of country should find expression in tree planting. For, be it remembered, we plant trees not for ourselves, but for posterity. The sapling which we plant to-day may be scarcely more than a sapling in our lifetime, but our children's children and their offspring a century hence shall rejoice in its grateful shade and beneath its outspreading branches, long after our bones are mingled with their native dust. This is the height of patriotism and philanthropy, to serve not only our own generation, but to plant for those who shall come after us. The following poem, written by John W. Chadwick, of New York, and published several years ago in the newspaper called "The Golden Age," seems quite appropriate in this connection:

LIFE AFTER DEATH.

Soft was the air of Spring, and, at his feet,

The turf, full swift, was turning green and sweet,

As from the city Rabbi Nathan passed,
Musing on Him who is the first and last.

The tuneful birds he heard in woodlands dim,
Wooing each other with that vernal hymn,
Which flowing first from the Great Heart above
Keeps fresh the world with its perpetual love.

Anon he came to where with eager toil

An aged man, fretting the fragrant soil
With his sharp spade, did make a place to set
A Cobar tree-the greatest wonder yet!

For seventy years the Cobar tree must grow,
Full seventy years leaves bear and shadows throw,
Ere to fair fruit its fair sweet blossoms turn,
For all the day-god's ever-flowing urn.

"What madness this!" doth Rabbi Nathan cry;
"Thou workest here as one not born to die;
As if thyself did'st hope that of this tree
Fruit yet should come to be a joy to thee."

Then turned the aged man and gently said,

"This tree shall grow long after I am dead;
But though its fruit my hands may never gain,
My planting, Rabbi, will not be in vain.

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Then Rabbi Nathan knew that seventy years,

With all their precious freight of smiles and tears,
Had fled since he had lain him down to sleep,
And felt the slumber o'er his eyelids creep.

He wandered back into the city street,
But saw no friend with voice of love to greet;
Yet in the schools where he of old did teach,
The sages still did quote his silver speech.

And there he saw, that not in Heaven alone,
But here on earth, we live when we are gone.
Too late he learned the lesson of to-day:
The world goes on when we are gone away.

The world goes on; and happiest is he

Who in such wise wins immortality,

That should he sleep forever in the grave,

His work goes on and helps the world to save.

We are fond of saying of the Revolutionary Fathers, that they were unselfish; that the spirit with which they resisted the encroachments of the British king and parliament was a pure and noble one; that they were forgetful of themselves, and pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for the establishment of a republic for their posterity. It was, therefore, a fitting

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