The 3d of April, the
anniversary of the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, was
celebrated by our colored fellow-citizens throughout the
country. In this city the display was remarkably fine; the
procession contained over 3000 persons, and the streets were
thronged by interested spectators. Among the most noticeable
features was the Colfax Club, the members of which were
handsomely dressed, and mounted on fine horses. The largest
organization was the Saloon Men’s Association, who mustered in
great force, and immediately became the cynosure of all eyes,
and were heartily cheered. The Willett Pioneer Club was also a
feature in the procession. The members wore tall bearskin hats.
There was a large wagon draped with American flags, drawn by
four horses, in which were seated fifteen little girls
tastefully dressed in blue and white. The tallest stood in the
center and represented the Goddess of Liberty. A large escort of
police accompanied the procession along the whole route; but the
rowdy element in our population has learned that all classes of
citizens are under the protection of our laws; and there was no
necessity to repeat the lesson. The procession had an
undisturbed march through the streets, and made an excellent
impression.
As the procession
passed Union Square the statues of Washington and Lincoln were
reverently saluted. It was a noticeable coincidence that the
funeral of General Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, should
have taken place the same day. |