A very interesting part of the pageant was the children of
the different schools, in four-wheeled cars, covered with drapery, and
decorated with flowers and plants; and it was really pleasing to see
the happy little creatures enjoying such a holiday as they would never
forget. It is impossible to give a third of the details of this unique
procession; but I cannot omit to notice the last feature--the
labourers on their truck-horses. These were the carmen of the town.
Their clean, healthy, happy faces, with their glossy horses, decorated
with ribbons, made me regard them as the best and proudest cavalry a
nation could have. These are all men who, a very short time since,
landed from the Old World--fugitives from misery and starvation.
I had a ticket offered me for the banquet, but I preferred being
outside among the people. I have had enough of dinner-speeches in my
time, although this occasion was one of peculiar interest. The Park
continued to be crowded to excess; and as the company arrived, they
were greeted by the people and the bands of music stationed here and
there.
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