CELEBRATING THE FOURTH
The Amusements Extended to Bismarck Patriots
Mandan Steals Bismarck's Cannon and Celebrates—Emmons to be Court Martialed—The Ball.
The glorious old Fourth has come and gone. The small boy has expended his seventeen cents which which he had saved for powder, and the patriot has yelled himself hoarse at the sight of the old flag. The day was ushered in with genuine patriotism. Old rusty shot guns were brought down from the garrets, and filled with shot, paper, and sand, belched forth their hearty appeals as early as 2a.m. Several parties became so enthusiastic that the town couldn't hold them, whereupon the "swett-box" was brought into requisition. The horribles held high carnival, and base-ball, horse racing, glass-ball shooting, two theatres and a ball filled the days programme. Raynard's private fire-works in the evening filled the shy for a few moments with all the colors of the rain-bow. Thus passed away the 193rd anniversary of the nation's holiday.
the cannons' boom was omitted, Mandan having gobbled that patriotic piece of furniture. Capt Emmons is held responsible for the loss of the gun. He slept at his post and the enemy stole upon him and triumphantly carried away his sacred trust. That cannon boomed all day at Mandan and Mandan was happy. A court martial of Capt. Emmons is demanded and a court has been ordered by the boys with Maj. Wm. Woods, president; Major Dickey, judge advocate, and Ed Ware, Les Wahlen, Sol Sunderland, J.W. Plummer, Geo. Elder and Wm. Davenport, as members of the court. The penalty of conviction will be ten pounds of powder for the next Fourth and the recapture of the gun. In justice to Capt. Emmons it should be stated that in consequence of the failure of the appropriations his command was disbanded and he claims he should not be held responsible for the loss of their gun. The appropriations for last {illeg.} were exhausted and no more deficiency bills will be passed.
given by the Bismarck Fire Co., at Raymonds Hall was a great success. The hall was nearly decorated with evergreens and flags. The attendance was large, the arrangements complete and the whole affair a big credit mark to the energy and forethought of the managers. The support, at the Merchants Hotel, was excellent.
At Whitbey's the great Drama, "Lady Audley's Secret," was given to a large audience. The Reno combination and the regular Opera House troupe make one of the strongest companies in the West. Mrs. Wallace Britton, last evening, as Lady Audley, proved herself to be an actress of much more than ordinary ability, and the people of Bismarck should remember that they can see one of the leading dramas of the day every might at this theatre.
Sawtelle, after visiting the pleasant suburb, Fargo, returned to this city on his way home to Helena. By request, however, he was induced to give two more entertainments in this city. Champion Hall, a well-ventilated room, was secured, and "Our Boys" announced on the boards. Mr. Sawtelle, as the "Retired Butter Merchant", acted his part admirably, and his support was all that could be wished. For this character Mr. Sawtelle has but one or two rivals in the United States. To-night the company were to play "The Two Orphans" but the Str. Montana arriving Mr. Sawtelle made up his mind to go to Standing Rock. He will return to this city next week.
The Bismarck Blue Stockings received their second defeat yesterday at the hands of the Fort Lincoln Actives, to the tune of 22 to 16. The game throughout was characterized with good playing, despite the fact that some of the home nine had not played ball before two years. A little practice and Uncle Sam's nine will be left in the shade by the Blues, who showed a clear understanding of the game but a painful lack of practice. During the afternoon several horse races were in progress near the base ball grounds, the obliging umpire calling time at each race to allow the boys to bet on the favorites.
The programme of the day consisted of the reading of the Declaration of Independence by M.J. Edgerly, and an oration by P.O. Chisholm, Esq.; dancing, pony race, two foot races, a horse race, boat races, wheelbarrow and sack races. It was Mandan's first Fourth and she celebrated it with all her might and enthusiasm. The cannon's boom and the dancing were kept up all day. The pleasure boats were in active operation.
At Fort Yates there was a formal remembrance of the Fourth. Beginning at ten o'clock, there was a rifle match between selected teams, with Gen. W.P. Carlin as referee. At noon a national salute was fired. During the afternoon there was a base ball match, officers vs enlisted men; also a foot race, sack race, wheelbarrow race, slow mule race, pony and horse races. At 9 o'clock there was a "grand display" of fire-works, with music by the Seventeenth band.
The Bismarck Tribune, 7/5/1879
