Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1898 — Rensselaer’s 4th of July. [ARTICLE]

Rensselaer’s 4th of July.

Our Own Opinion Witheld, bnt the Republican and Journal Didn’t Like It.

As we are just starting in business in Rensselaer and are a stranger to most of her people, we refrain from saying much of the celebration held here on the 4th. Besides, we are-in favor of “building up” instead of “tearing down,” therefore will simply copy the reports given by the Republican and Journal, both of which papers are locally patriotic to the core:

THE JOURNAL’S REPORT. Last Monday was the Fourth of July and what wal expected to be the largest celebration ever held in Rensselaer proved to be a mighty tame affair. Bright and early the country people began to arrive, and by eight or nine o’clock the streets were crowded by visitors from the country and surrounding towns waiting for the celebration to start. The only indication of any celebration was Halstead’s rongb riders galloping through the streets, and an exhibition run by the fire company. Just at noon tbe rough riders gave a sham battle which was witnessed by a large crowd. After dinner S. P. Thompson. Jesse E. Wilson and Peter- Fonlks made addresses from tbe band stand. A bicycle and foot race also took place about the same time. The foot race was won by Van Grant and the bicycle race by Jay Sayler. Proceeded by the band, those who cared to witness it marched to the ball park and took in the game between Delphi and Rensselaer. During the game it became known that there would be no balloon ascension and many of the country people began to return home, much disappointed with the day’s program.

At night the free show of moving pictures took place in front of the court house as advertised and was very creditable, but as most the country people had already returned home it was witnessed by but few other than our own citizens. The "grand" display of fireworks was noticeable for its absence. Much dissatisfaction is expressed as to tbe way the promises were carried out. As to who is responsible for tbe dissatisfaction the Journal is not prepared to say. For the part the Journal took in getting a crowd here it is sorry. What advertising it did for tbe celebration was done in good faith and witb the expectation that all promises wonld be carried oat and it regrets that it helped to bring people here only to be disappointed.

THE REPUBLICAN’S REPORT. s The weather was all that coaid be asked for yesterday, and the crowd was a very large one but in many respects the celebration here fell far short of promises and anticipations based on those promises, and it is probably no ex. aggeration to say that practically all of the people went away dissatisfied and disappoirted. The one particular feature whose absence caused the most disappointment was the balloon ascension. This bad been contracted for and was promised in good faith. The contract was made with Walter W. Newman, of Chicago, and the aeronaut waa to be George Love, a man of much experience in his line. He agreed to give an ascension with parachute descent, riding on a bicycle. He wrs to receive $75 for the exhibition and expenses. He failed to come however, and sent no explanation why he did so. Probably he got a better offer from some other scource. There was no opening parade, whatever. Even the bicycle parade for which considerable preparation had been madesAnally fell th rough. Tbe first feature was an exhibition run of the twohoae companies. Each ran two blocks and attached 800 feet of hose to a hydrant. No, 1 had its stream going several seconds before No. 3. The rival hose companies created considerable amusement for the spectators, by turning their respective streams on each other. It was m performance more enjoyed by tbe spectators than by the firemen.

The sham battle by Capt. Halstead's cavalry was one of the leading feature, of the day. He had SO uniformed men and pretty weU drilled men, and after dividing >nto two parties, they charged and counter charged, keeping up a continual fire, with blank cartridges. The division which represented the Spaniards was finally driven from the field, with great slaughter. The actual casualties of the battle, was a horse shot with a gun wad, but not ranch injured. All reports that some of the riders were injured, were without foundation in fact. The attempt to secure Gov. Mount or some other eminent speaker from abroad, was be* gun too late, and failed. There were therefore but little exercises at the stand. Jesse E. Wilson made a short address, and then Uncle Peter Foulks, of Milroy spoke awhile, and Judge Thompson recited a poem. The bicycle race took place soon after noon. It was from the Stock farm to McCoy’s bank, a distance of about a mile. There were four in it. JaySayler, Frank Bruner, Charley Chip, man, and Julias Tayler. Then came in all in a bunch, but Sayler was first and Bruner Second. The 100 yard foot race was run by Van -Grant, Ist, Fred Parcells 2nd and Merle Gwin 3rd. The ball game took place at the ball park. It was a fair game, and very largely attended. It is to be regretted however, that the money raised for the balloon which did uot come, had not been used to pay for the bail game, this making it free to the peop’e. It is not certainly known, howevfer, until the 1:55 P. M, train arrived, that the balloon would not come. In the evening the moving picture exhibition, in front of the court house was quite successful performance, . and presented many novel and beautiful features. The skirt dance, after the inovirg pictures, was very fine, but unfortunately, a large proportion of the crowd left before this took place, under the impression that the performance was over. The bowery dance, in Roberts’ hall, managed by Kellner & Bushey, was a great success.

In conclusion of the whole a Hair, we may say that many of our business men and others worked hard and faithfully to make the celebration a success and to fulfill every promise, while many of those who are now roaring the hardest never have and never will, devote an hour oftbeir time to workrn ft up an affair of this kind.