Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 July 1883 — The 4th at DeMotte. [ARTICLE]

The 4th at DeMotte.

Editor Republican.—The people of northern Jasper gathered in force at De Motto and enjoyed a first class celebration. Saving the failure of Col. De Motte to connect, everything passed off in good shape. The speakers were eloquent, the people enthusiastic, and patriotic, and the music, under the direction of Geo. S. Suild, was just splen* did. Miss Emma Roberson presided at the organ, with charming grace and efficiency. Capt. R. W. Marshall, of Keener township is a graceful and interesting Fourth of July orator, and, in the absence of Col. DeMotte, his address was a very satisfactory substitute for what was expected from the latter. Mr. j» W. Helmick, made a good president, of the day, and also two good speeches. Mr. Walter Harrington read the declaration of Independence, in an eloquent and scholarly manner. Mr. John Alter, of Union township, not. only helped with the singing, but made a “Dutch speech,” which took both the cake and crowd. Mr. Pierce, Dr. Antrim, B. W. Harrington, S. J. Bently, Wm. Tyler, J. F. Antrim, and others, helped on the good work, with singing, short speeches &c., until the special “Pull-man” hand car train got back from San Pierre, without Col. De Motte. Then dancing, foot racing and other games, furnished amusement, and occupation for the rest of the day.

The letter of Col. De Motte shows that he also was much disapointed in not being able to reach us. It was an unfortunate accident for which no one was to blame only the R. R. As soon as they learned that the noon train was not coming, as expected, Postmaster Bently and D. E. Fairchild, marshal of the day, promptly sent a hand car to San'Pierre, after the Col., but it got there a few minutes too late, he had gone. Below is the Col's, letter handed to the writer by Mr. Marshall,. to whom it was addressed. It is well worth perusal. Valparaiso, Ind, July 5, 1883. R. W. Marshall, Esq. Dear Sir:

As you are aware by this time, I was not present at the celebration at De Motte, on yesterday. Your postal card directing me to go by the way of San Pierre was received on the 3rd at 11 a. m., too late to reach the only South going train on the L. N-A. & C. R. R. My only chance was to make the noon train from San Pierre. I arrived at that place a little before 12 M. on the Fourth, and was told that the train would not run that day, and that I could not reach De Motte before night. 1 had esteemed the invitation a nigh compliment, and had carefully prepared myself that I might contribute as much as much as possible to the interest of the occasion, ahd was sorely disappointed that I was thus, denied the privilege Bl celebrating the national birthday, with the good people of that portion of Jasper county. Will you tender them, my regrets and assure them I did all in my power to fulfill the obligation, I had assumed. When 1 found I could not reach DeMotte, I went on down to Francesville, and joined the people there in Celebrating the day. Yours Truly,

Mark L. DEMOTTE.