The Fourth At Ypsilanti

The semi-centennial Fourth of July celebration at Ypsilanti, on Saturday last, was a deci. (led success, notwithstanding the heat and dust. The crowd gathered from all parta of the county was immense, - variously estimated from 20,000 to 30,000,- filling the streets and walks, and forming a dense mass in the fair grounds where the exercises were held. The people came by the cars- packing regular and special trains - in carriages, on horseback, and afoot, from early light until high noon, and we might say until the shades of evening. Tlie city had on its gala day dress, and the principal streets and many dwellings were beautifully decorated with evergreens and Jourere and banners. A grand evergreen arch was thrown over Cross street just west of the Central Bailroad, surmounted by the Goddess of Liberty, and over all flying the American flag. There was a grand doublé arch at the junctiou of Washington and Congress streets. There was a single arch across Congresa street, from the grounds of William Cross, and auother across the same street from the grounds of Frank Smith to Mrs. Strong, with a flag inscribed "Washtenaw: 1824-1874. Ypsylantey: Hard to spell bat can't be beat." And still an. other arch at the junction of Congress and Normal streets. The procession formed at about 10 1-2 o'clock, and marohed through the principal streets to the fair grounds in the western part of the city, under the management of Chief-Marshal Bogardus and his aids, and led by the Ypsilanti Light Guarda and Crossett's Constantino Band. At the grounds, as soon as order could be procured, the exorcises commeuced, with music by the band. Prayer was offered by the venerable Rev. John D. Fieros, followed by vocal music, " Stand Hand in Hand," by the choir led by Prof. Pease. Hon. L. D. Norris then read - or tried to read, in the teeth of a strong wind, the rattling of leaves, and much talking, - an historical address or sketch of special interest to all the older inhabitants. It abounded in incidents worthy of preservation. When Mr. Norris alluded to Alpha Washtenaw Bryant, the iirst white child born in the county - now just past 50 years oíd, and a teacher in Tennessee - and said that both he and his mother, aged 80 years, were on the stand, tbay were called to the front and received by stunning cheers. The name of Orange Bisdon, the first surveyor in the county and the first State map maker, was also greeted with cheers. At the close of the address of Mr. Norris the choir and audience sung the " Star Spangled Banner," after which the oration of the day was delivered by Schuyler Colfax, Esq. It was listened to with interest, but was in no sense a remarkable production. After the oration (and during it we might say) canio the dinner, the offtcers, and invited guests filling the mam building, the Pioneers' Associationhaviugtheir long tables spread along its side, and the other thousands occupying other buildings and sheds, the Ladies' Library Association having charge of this important feature, and doing their duty well. The toasts and after dinner speeches, usual to such occasions, were fortunately omitted. At 4 o'clock p. M., the military companies participating, -the National Guards, of Detroit, the Pelouze Cadets, of Detroit (two companies), Company B, of Anu Arbor, and tbe Ypsilanti Light Guards, were reviewed by Gov. Bagley and staff. At 0 o'clock the Fire Department was reviewed, the steamer " Clark Cornwell " being elegantly trimmed for the occasion. The display of fireworks in the evening was unusually liae, and was witnessed by a crowd of people not inferior in numbers to that of the day. The day passed off without serious accident or noticeable disturbance, and will be one loog to be remembered by our neighboring city, whose enterprise and liberality are to be commended. It was a celebration in striking contrast to that one fifty years ago.