Marshall County Independent, Volume 1, Number 37, Plymouth, Marshall County, 28 June 1895 — Page 6

BUNKEß HILL BATTLE

MEMORABLE EVENT IN THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERTY. Where the American Patriot's Mettle Wae Tested-Gallant Defense in Which the Kcvolutionary Heroes Showed Their Courage and Daring. Ficht on Breed's Hill. 'm NH of those engagements in g g the revolutionary war which V 3 tested well the mettle whereof maJr Americans were made was the fght on Breed's Hill, which by common sage is known as the kittle of Bunker Hill. The courage, heroism and bravery f those raw aud comparatively untried troops when facing men who had won great "victories over the best drilled armies of Europe, is something to marvel at. As the story of it is a tale which can never grow old, it is becoming to tell it now. In the summer of 1773 the British soldiers were stationed in Boston under Gen. Gage, while the American forces were mostly gathered at Cambridge. Near the former city were two small heights connected by a ridge and known as Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill. The latter of these eminences, the Americans learned, the British intended to capture on the nbrht of June IS and afterward build a fort there, which should serve as a strongkold and a post of general observation. This design of the British the Americans determined to frustrate, and on the eight of June 10 a party of 1,000 men were sent to seize and fortify Bunker Hill under Col. Prcscott. Gen. Israel Putnam with Ids force joined them, and, after some deliberation, it was decided to fortify Breed's Hill rather tli.ui the other m.und. This thty determined to do bei.nK Ttroed's X 1 ill ö3 was nearer Boston. $3 gfeÄ American soldiers flight came their Swork was still unJATfrvrx. t.om;tiett.d. Of course BwXKERlllLL MOM- first u;iwn revcalment. cj t'aeir work to the enemy and as soon as their design was discovered the British vessel Lively opened fire upon them. The other British hipping joined the Eivcly, the enemy's land forces were aroused and it was determined to give the Americans battle. Prescott was not alarmed, but kept his men diligently at work on their redoubt and dispatched a messenger to Cambridge for the rest of the American lorces. 000a all the soldiery came up, but their number was pitiably small, not exceeding 1,500, which was little when compared with the British. In order to surprise the Americans Gens. Howe and Bigot embarked their men on the Mystic river, intending to come up behind. In this ho was foiled, for the Americans caught sight of him and immediately threw up breastworks, utilizing a tone wall and rail fence which were there, between which was packed a lot of cew-iaown hay. The enemy advanced up Breed's Hill, pouring a heavy fire as they came; the Americans, however, had receded orders not to tire until they could ee the whites uf the British eyes and so lay behind their defenses. Repulsing the British. Up came the British in two wings and when they had gotten near the Americans the latter opened fire on them. Volley after volley was poured into their ranks, causing the greatest confusion. They pressed on; but still the Americans emptied their gun barrels, and finally the British became hopelessly discomfited and were forced to retreat. Howe rallied his men at once and his force, reinforced by 400 marines, pressed forward for a second attack. As before the Americans reserved their fire until the British were close upon them and then let it forth with the Bame deadly effect as at first. A third attack was made by (Jen. Howe, now reinforced by Clinton, and the British pressed eagerly forward. The ammunition of the Americans was almost used tip before this last attack, and now, after the British had come upon them for the third time, they found their supplies cuite exhausted. Still the British moved on or.ee more to where the Americans were lying behind their ambuscade. Nothing daunted, the little band of patriots rushed out upon the enemy, using their muskets as clubs, and a hand-to-hand tight ensued. Bravely they fought and desperately, but the odds were too great, so, overcome by numbers, the Americans were compelled to retreat. This was done in good order. Warren, One of the bravo commanders on the 1 wr-.rH' r-TT3u mT.ii GENERALS rUT.NAM AND WAKRKX. American side whose influence and cour ag were instrumental in carrying on the defense, fell shot through the head while in retreat. Gen. Putnam endeavored to rally the retreatiug army, but in Tain. The retreat continued across Charlestown neck, and many were killed by a heavy fire from the shipping and batteries; but the British did not continue their pursuit beyond this point. The loss on loth sides was extremely unequal. Of the A uteri cans but 150 were killed and missing, and CO-i wounded, while the British numbered their killed and wounded as 1,050. -A picture is given of the Bunker Hill monument which now stands on Breed's Hill, a splendid memorial of this heroic truggle. It is a granito obelisk 2-1 feet high and can be seen from far and near. Lafayette laid the corner stone of it June 17, 1825, the anniversary of the battle, and Daniel Webster delivered one of his most eloquent orations on that occasion? The monument was finished in 1S42 and the next year was dedicated, the Presl dent of the United States and his cab Inet being present. On this occasion also Webster delivered the oration. Health Is another word for temper ance and exercise.

A, f-J ,: r. I ' m.:Ä h : - ill iE??

AN

THE NATION'S BIRTHDAY. Columba, gem of the west, Peerless thou art, alone doth stand, A continent by freedom blest, Bright banners float o'er all thy land. From mountain peak to peaceful vale, From ocean depths to bubbling rill, We ever hear the same sweet tale Of peace on earth, to man good will. Of all the nations of the earth. What one can such a record show Of purity and sterling worth Among her men of years ago? On history's page forerermoro Their names shall blend harmoniously As those who opened wide the door, .Freedom for all posterity. Unfurl our glorious flag once more, Bing out in clarion tones again. Amid the glare of cannon's roar. The nation's yearly grand amen. This day of days, alone it stands A priceless gem of lustrous hue, Secured to us by patriot hands. A loyal band to right e'er true. The Stars and Stripes, long may they wave. Grand emblem of a land that's free. Might and oppression found one grave; Thereon was reared sweet liberty. And while the golden sunset rays In radiance flash across the earth We'd offer up to God all praise For noble deeds that gave our Fourth. E. Clifford Wadsworth. AHOJIE-MADEFOUÜTH HB boys in and about Barton expected every season to .,'ihave a good time at iMVFourth of July to be rSb entertained. Joe and f-StVS Ernest Folly were more than ordinary tfboys, and the saying ent the rounds that what the-v coulJ Ilot äv:c'v.. ml- invent in the way ot amusement was not worth seeing. These two farm boys prided themselves in do ing very original things, and not infre quently they produced very astonishing results, especially to the young city boarders in the region. The last Independence show they gave the visitors decided was the best of all. It was a fine Fourth of July night, and everybody was in the best of spiritsAfter it had become quite dark the old er brother, Joe, announced that the first display upon the program for the evening would be a balloon asrension and a show er of dewdrops. Ernest brought out an armful of tissue paper of various colors, which proved to be a home-made balloon. They inflated it by means of a ball of candle wicking satorated with coal oil. The burning ball was held in a light wire frame and the flame kept from spreading by means of cardboard tube that had been thoroughly saturated with a strong solution of alum to make it noncombustible. The great paper sack soon filled with hot air by means of the tube, and began to get uneasy and anxious for an upward flight. "Let 'er go," cried Joe; and as he did so it was noticed that he placed a string which hung loose in contact with the flame. Away went the balloon and all the company watched it. It had reached an altitude of perhaps 200 feet when there came the so-called shower of dewdrops. The air beneath the ascending object became suddenly filled with dashing, sputtering, glowing lights. This display continued for several min Utes, a portion of the scintillating dewdrops rising with the balloon and others Heating slowly toward the earth. "Splendid! Ciood! Beautiful!" were the expressions of the spectators. The next scene on the program was the firing of a cannon by means of a teapot of water. The cannon itself had been made by the Folly boys. A two-inch auger hole was bored into a curly maple block; the wood had been cut into the shape of an iron gun, then some iron bands from the hubs of an old wagon heated red hot were driven on and suddenly cooled. The expanded hot iron shrunk down so as to bind the wood firmly, and after they had applied a coat or two of black paint they had a fine home-made cannon, but, of course, they had to be careful about overloading the piece. The improvised gun had been charged with powder and wadding, and lay upon the ground all ready for service. Joe took an old teapot, turned it over and hit It with a stick to show that it was empty, then placed it beneath the pump spout and filled it to the brim with water. After taking o awallow from

OLD-TIME FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.

the spout lie placed it near the cannon. His wand a piece of broomstick was passed several times over the tin vessel while a jargon of senseless words was spoken. Ernest meantime lighted a match and applied it to the water. Instantly a flame shot up, and placing a fuse from the teapot to the piece of artillery, the boys stepped back. A flash was followed by a loud report, and the assemblage shouted with wonder. The third display was what the rural lads termed the "fiery serpent." Joe produced a long, ragged cloth object that looked something like a huge black snake with a wooden head and two irregular wings. After holding it up SO that all could see it, he passed out upon the lawn into the darkness, followed by Ernest. .Presently the spectators saw a glow of light; a crackling sound, and a peculiar whizzing" followed; then a stream of fire mounted the air with marvelous speed. The fiery serpent flew skyward higher and higher, throwing out a brilliance that made the lookers on hold their breath. The sputtering, squirming reptile formed an arc, and after a long riight came hissing down to the earth. The visitors were really amazed. "Three cheers for the Folly boys," cried Ben Slade, swinging his hat. The cheers were given right heartily, followed by a tiger. Explanation. "Now, tell us how it was all done," they begged, and Joe explained. "The shower of dewdrops," he began, "was produced by attaching a lot of long fine threads to a wire rim at the base of the balloon, to which were fastened tlifr strings taken from a lot of firecrackers, interspersed vith little rolls of tissue paper containing wet and dry powder. Some of these becaru detached while burning and floated ear i.vard, while others wer carried on. A slow fuse kept those upon the threads from igniting until the balloon was well up from the earth." "But the firing of the cannon with a teapot of water?" "The old teapot contained a little coal oil, which I was careful not to turn out when upsetting the vessel. Of course it arose to the top when the water was put in, and was easily ignited." The boys laughed heartily. "That was a good one. Now what of the fiery serpent?" "That was a mass of rags and cotton, very slightly dampened with benzine, and rolled in.to the form of a snake, but it contained also a lot of wet and dry powder. The serpent was attached to a crotched stick, the end of which formed the reptile's head, and the branches the two wings. A stiff spring-pole was set firmly in the ground and then bent over and held by a catch. The crotch was set aside the spring-pole at an angle of about 13 degrees, the serpent lighted and the spring-pole set loose. That threw the hissing reptile high in the air." "Bully!" cried impetuous Fred Bruster. Shout after shout sounded out on the night air as the large company of boys left Folly Farm thoroughly delighted with their home-made Fourth of July entertainment. I-'un at the Signing. When John Hancock affixed his, under and other circumstances, preposterous signature- to the Declaration of Independence, he laughingly pushed the paper aside, saying: "There, John Bull may read my name without spectacles." Again, when Hancock reminded the members of the necessity of hanging together, Ir. Franklin dryly remarked, "Yes, we must Indeed all hang together, or else most assuredly we shall all hang separately!" And stout Mr. Harrison remarked to littlo Klbridge (Jerry that when the hanging came he would have the advantage of him, for he should be dead while little (Jerry would be dangling around slowly choking. And thus on that hot morning of the Fourth of July, 177C, amid the livery stable's buzzing flies, which the honorable gentlemen were vainly fighting with waving handkerchiefs, was given to the world the immortal Declaration of Independence. A Fourth of July State. There was a small boy once living in Texas, Who bought a small cannon on purpose to vex us. He poured in the powder, and said, "They'll be lucky If soon they don't hear from me there in Kentucky." But the small cannon bust with 6tich terrible fury That pieces not peace reigned from Maine to Missouri. And Johnny was blown, with other small boys, To a State which some persons pronounce Illy noise.

WHEN WE WERE BOYS.

A Picture of an Old-Time Celebration in the Country. "Now, Billy, don't go near them anvils." "Sammy, will you stand back, or do you want to get blowed up?" And a stranger to boys and to the custom would have concluded that Sammy certainly did want to get "blowed up," for it was the regular complaint of the men in charge that there "wouldn't be a speck of danger if it weren't for the derned boys crowdin in SO." This was at 4 o'clock in the morning of a Fourth of July, years ago, in a country village. The boys were hurrying toward the public square, where the anvils were located, barefooted and clad for the most part only in low linen shirts and jean pantaloons and buttoning the latter as they ran, for the affair was too important to be missed on account of a Iii t lo informality in toilet. And close after them came two or three mothers with nervous warnings of caution. t The rising sun showed the whole population up, and in the country as far as boom of cannon or ringing of bells could be heard there was great excitement among the boys, each eager to get his breakfast and be off for the village. The men and women came in later if it wasn't a "good harvest day." By 10 o'clock all the town was out, and so many from the country that the village contained 3,000 or 4,000 people. If the season had been very early "down on the sand barrens," a few watermelons were for sale, but not often. Of home-made beer, ginger cakes, currant pies, striped candy and the like, the sale was wonderful a stand under every big tree. In the village grocery the big cheese was cut and regular customers invited to taste It. "Cuba six" cigars (six for 15 cents) were so plentiful that every boy could have one. The men gave way to unwonted generosity and whisky they had always with them "20 cents a gallon, and that that's good." Shutting up the "groceries" they were not called "saloons" till near, the war would have provoked a riot. The speaker gave "old Bngland" a few vigorous whacks, pitied the "subjects of foreign despotisms," congratulated his fellow citizens on their glorious freedom, and generally wound up with a statement that "but for our noble forefathers, who on this day so many years age declared these colonies free and independent, we, fellow citizens, would have been the subject of a desjotism, perhaps trodden into the mire of slavery and compelled to give one-third of all we possessed to the king and his soldiers." Boston Tost. Valuable Souvenirs. ftP "' lip. Visitor Are you planting potatoes on the old battle field, farmer? 1 Farmer These ain't potaters; I'm jus', scatterin a few bullets for th' Fourth of July excursionists. Tho Prophecy of John Adams, i The approach of another anniversary of our national birthday finds the whole country resounding with the note of preparation for its celebration. The prophecy of John Adams that the day would be ushered In by soun'd of cannon and ringing of bells and blazing of fireworks has been realized ever siice that auspicious day when the old bell in Independence Hall first pealed in joyous tones the birth of a' nation. Changes incident to our advanced age have brought a change in the modes of celebrating this great day, but the same patriotic spirit lives and breathes in all parts of the country and finds its own mode of testifying that patriotism. His Busy Day. Cobbie I called on Dr. Probo to-day and tho servant said unless it was very important he couldn't see me. Stone Why not? Cobbie He is resting up for the Fourth of July. Hit tho Mark. Briggs While I was on the piazza with Miss Lingerly last night her little brother threw a firecracker right into her lap. Griggs He was aiming at you, I suppose.

UNION OF TWO SEAS.

FORMAL OPEKING OF GERMANY'S NEW CANAL. Grand Celebration of a Triumph of Modern Knsiiieerinir International Naval Flotilla One of the Features Importance of the Waterway. Boon to Commerce. The most important event in the history ef the (Jerman Empire since the crowning of William I. in the palace of Vtrsailles jv:is the opening uf the North Sea and Baltic canal. This recently completed waterway was formally opened to commerce Thursday, with international ceremonies attended with splendid fetes, at which the governments of the civilized world were represented. Four of onr crock cruisers, the New York. Columbia, San Francisco and Marblehead. and vessi-ls of other nations took part in the splendid naval review. Kiel during the festivities presented A strikingly effective appearance. The tlas of all nations were hotsted along the Alü EMPKROK Wll.I.IAlt Of GERJIAXf. stcr, and the sentries at the doors of the principal hotels denoted the presence there of the imperial guets. Naturally the chief center of attraction was the seaport. where the display of warships attracted many thousands of spectators. Those of the United States, (Jreat Britain, Italy and Austria were especially admired. The war vessels of fourteen nations hoisted their flags to the strains of the anthems of their respective countries. The Emperor of Germany opened the ceremony by passing in through the canal in the imperial yacht, thus breaking the frail thread stretched across the entrance. The most brilliant feature of the series of festivities was the laying of tho last V JA AS, Y C a r R t SI I ,f w r-' - -Sw- - '- "

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L' vortt SSf? I $ J feif

MAP OF THE NOBT1I SEA CAXA L.

stone in the building of the canal and in the international banquet which followed, this marking virtually the close of the ttlieial program of festivities. This ceremony took place Friday in the open air at Holtenau. The spot where the Emperor performed this ceremony was embellished by handsome designs in landscape gardening, and the lighthouse, In close proximity, showed already the three bronze reliefs of Emperors William I., Frederick III. and William II. His Majesty Emperor William I. laid the corner stone of the Baltic canal on June '.I, 1SS7, and accompanied his blows with the hammer by the words, "In honor of united Germany, to her permanent welfare, in tokeu of her might and power." The lighthouse and the block of masonry into which the Emperor placed the finishing stone were surrounded by enormous scaffoldings rising aniphithealriea lly in a semi-circle and affording seating room for about 13,0OO. From these seats the whole space where the banquet took place and the bay where the ir.U rnalional naval demonstration came olT could be overlooked with ease. The grand banquet, at which 1.ho guests participated, including the diplomatic representatives of the various nations, was given in a structure of original design, the latter being based on an idea of the Emperor himself. The structure was a fac simile of a huge vessel of ancient construction as in vogue in the seventeenth century. Canal Cot $fJS,.r(H),000. After the labors of eight years and an expenditure of about J?oiv00,0t0, with labor obtained at 75 cents a day, the great canal which joins the Baltic sea to the German ocean is open for use. It intersects the peninsula of Schleswig-Holstein from Brunsbuttel, near the mouth of the Elbe river, to Irbttennu, on the Kiel bay, and opposite that city, a distance of about fifty-nine miles. For centuries vague projects connecting the North sea and Baltic ocean had been discussed, no less than sixteen different schemes having been advocated since tho sixteenth century. It was not, however, until 1SS7 that the foundation stone of the present waterway was laid by Emperor William I., and since then the work has been rapidly pushed, being finished within the stipulated time. The canal is 217 feet wide at the surface, 80 feet at the bottom and 30 feet deep, thereby accommodating the largest Tea-

gels afloat. The rate of speed through th canal will be five miles an hour except in cases of war, when battleships can go at their swiftest rate. Four railways and ten highways crossing the canal have been bridged at sucha height or provided with draws that they will admit the highest ma"sis afloat. In the construction of the waterway 07.0oo,(hh) cubic yards of earth were excavated and from T,XK) to 10,000 men were constantly employed. The effect of the Kiel canal will be to shorten the distance to the Baltic cities and save U3.0M merchantmen of all nations from rounding Denmark and braving the dangers of the Skager Back and Kategat. This will be a blow to Copenhagen, but will save the loss of 2h) vessels annually n the jagged re"i"s and islands off the Swedish and Danish coasts. In A military sense the canal more than doubles tht' effect ivcir.-ss of the (lerman fleets. In time of war they can be shifted from the Elbe to the Initio in a few hours, while ün enemy will be compelled to navipate the dangerous channels embracing the wh,le pt iiin-i'ila. losing two or three days i; the cii c.iit. The new canal, which Germany uw-.s to the reign of William I., must be regarded :is one "f the4 most important enterprises of the last decade. .

REPORTS ON FOREIGN CROPS. Prospect cf tlootl Y:ell in Great Rritain Kcduccd Acreage in France. The condition cf crops in for ign countries is attracting miu-h attention at the present time, and the reports thereon issued by the Agricultural Department are rjuite tail. The main reports are as follows: Great Britain Tho varying conditions of weather have already affected the prospective hay i-rop whieh cannct now be aa average, owing to the- absence of rain. The imports of hay are rctt:rnii:g to the averages which existed before the great drought of the figures for April being S.1U1 tons 'of which .VJOG came from the I'nited States against CT,5G0 tons in April of last year. Ccp-als throughout the country look promising aud tht prospect is for a very good crop. France The greater part of May has been unusually co , br.t con-idcrable rain has fallen and winter growths are in fine condition. Spring sowings are also reported as doing well. Authorities anticipate a wheat rep of 2-:mk!.hso to 'M.0.OUO.fHiO bushels, a failing off from last year, due to reduced acreage. Genna ny An average wli-at crop U now expected, but all reports concur ia estimating the rye crop as under the average. A u s t ri a -1 1 u n ga ry N c t w i t h t a n d i I .g su f licient moisture, the pro-p.-.is for cereal (Tops is characterized as a bare average, owing to the damage done by the extrelüOiy cold antecedent weather. Koumr.nia The spring crop have been planted under favoia' le coi.di i m.;. Wl.eut and rape seed are reported as doing well. Eussin The general tenor of reports :s unsati.:f a'ctory. Spring seeding accomplished very late in Northern and central governments. From the Caucasus the reports are favorable. 1'xteusive floods are reported from Poland and the southwest districts. Drought and black frost have effected some injury, it is reported, in the Black Sea district. Sweden and Xorwcy The reports from these countries are more gloomy than from any other part of Europe, owing to the extreme dryness of the spring. It is r-A.N t A P'Atti! erff generally admitted that both wheat and rye crops will be disappointing. The season is very late and heavy frosts have continued well through the month. Italy Tho weather has been favorable and a good average crop i. expected. Belgium and the Netherlands Season backward, but every indication of good average crop. Spain Extremely co'd weather for the season lias cheeked growths, but cereals are genorally reported as in favorable condition. PROSPECTS FOR GOOD CROPS. Ueport Indicate n I'cnvy Yield ia v the Y -t ami Niirt!nvrst. Recent crop reports are to the effect that tho outlook was r.evor better than it is now. Along nearly all the Western railway systems the winter wheat crop is being harvested, and wilt be alx.r.t Laif of what is considered r.oriuul. B.-mh havo recently fallen over tho entire West, particularly in Illinois, where complaints were being made of damage to hay, and near the southern boundaries, to oats. The actual damage to oats, however, will not affect general results. Spring w heat looks well, both in the West and Northwest. Prospects for a good corn crop are all that could be desired, nil reports received merely adding to the favorable outlook. In Illinois hay is short, as it is also ia southern Missouri, but in Iowa. Nebraska, Colorado, and especially Wyoming, larg yields may be depended upon. Potatoes and fruit promise Weil, and the recent rains have led the farmers to put in late crops of potatoes, corn, aud llax w herever there was an acre available. In some sections of Illinois grain has had more rain than was good for it. though In tht same districts corn has held its own. Oats cover a large acreage e cry where, and with the possible chance of lodging through stomis or local damage from "rust," which may come later, with 'extreme heat and moisture together, the crop s?ems assured. An unusually large amount of sugar beets has been planted In eastern Nebraska, showing that farmers have confidence in that crop, notwithstanding past failures. Bailroads are preparing to move an immense harvest. Cha'rles S. Graham, an artist, formerly of Chicago, has mysteriously disappeared from the Hotel Mateo, San Francisco.

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