Vor several days imwediatoly proceeding the 4th of July, there had been almost continuous rain in Kuling, but the morning of the birthday of the great Minerican Republic dawned favourably, and sven a largo tout, kindly lent by the China luiand Mission, was standing on it lot near the Church.
This tent was tastefully decorated. Two large American flags floating from the top could be seen all over Kuling. On the inside, red, white, and blue bunting streamers were hung from the centre poles to the sides of the tent. The many beautiful flogs submitted in former years in the contest to choose the Kuling' flag were kindly lent to the decoration committee, and adorned the tent. Behind the speaker's stand'a British American flag together were significant of the close fraternal relations existing between the two great English-speaking nations of the world. In the rear of the tent, the tables loaded with refreshments were not the least of the attractions.
Invitations had been sent out to all the residents of Kuling to be present at the exercises at 3.45 p.m. and to portal of the refreshments to be served st the conclusion of the programme.
When the time arrived nearly every seat in the tent was filled and many men were standing. The Rev. Brownell Gage was in the chair. The programme was opened by singing "The Red, White, and Blue," which was followed by the invocation by the Rev. P. 8. Evans. After rendering @ delightful piece, the children led us in the following salute to the flag: " Wo pledge our allegiance to our flag and to the Republic for which it stands, a nation one and indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Master Woodrow Wilson Woodbridge then sang with much expression "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Rev. L. B. Ridgly, in his address, reviewed the history of the American Republic from 4th July, 1776, to the present day—tracing the past contests between those who contended for a strong contralised government and the who contended for a maximum of individual liberty and a minimum of ional power. Hoe referred to the difficulties of the present and th hope for the future. It was a strong, well-prepared, and truly patriotic address. At the conclusion of the address, several well-trained voices sang John Hay's hymn. The Rev. J. 8. Adams, in 1a very happy speech, responded on behalf of our English guests, After the child-ron had again sung for us, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—1.—That the Rev. Brownell Gage of Changsha; Bishop L. H. Roots of Hankow; Dr. R. 0. Beebe of Nanking; the Rev. J. Williams of Nanking; and the Rey. 8. I. Woodbridge of Shang! ap pointed the committee of "The American Independence Day Arsociation 2,—That in view of the inability of Rey. W. A.B. Marti telegram be sent to h gratulations, Ge After singing ' America," the invited guests were served with tea, lemonade, cake, and sandwiches.
The fireworks in the evening were a jed success; they haa been previous) ordered from Hankow, and elicited mud ape especially from the hundreds of Chinese who fringed the greensward.
Our Commit'ees Worked splendidly and articulated their functions with) precision so that there was no hitch inthe pro-coedings.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.