Celebration Concert of National Independence

Includes program.

“Amid the booming of cannon, fizzing of the fire crackers, shrieks of terrified females, plunging of nervous horses, and general amnesty of all law-breakers, where can a more desirable locality be found than in the beautiful garden of the American metropolis, where grayback sentinels frown down igneus patriotism, whether it takes the form of Roman candles, torpedoes or serpents? Yesterday, that wonderful anniversary, when the American eagle performs all those extraordinary actions ascribed to ‘him’ by loud mouthed orators of ninety-two years standing, the Park (the name Central is superfluous) was aglow with sunshine (ninety degrees Fahrenheit) and visitors. The rural element was prominent among the latter, for strange looking toilets and physiognomies, evidently of Jersey and Westchester manufacture, shone amid the kaleidoscope of linen coats, straw hats, red faces and gaping mouths that surrounded the Mall. . . . Carl Bergmann tried to do the same [as Thomas—i.e,. to make his audience oblivious of the extreme heat] at Terrace Garden with Fred Widdows’ assistance, and the sharpshooters at Jones’ Wood looked around after every stranger as a fair subject for target practice. And thus the day begun and waned; and the Park Commissioners emerged from parts unknown, with smiling countenances and immaculate vests. So mote it be!”