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men; try to govern yourselves so that no act of yours may prove you unworthy of the name of American citizens. Let the pride of young America consist in becoming worthy of those illustrious men who shone with never dying brilliancy, at the time of the American revolution. You have the well wishes and prayers of your friend, and may you experience the benediction of a kind and gracious Divine Providence.

And should I forget you, fair young ladies, who showed today your willingness to share in the celebration of our national independence? No man, however advanced in age, becomes indifferent to fairness and beauty. No care or toil can make us forget that you will be companions for life of our successors; the mothers and nurses of a new generation. Remember that upon you rests a great responsibility in regard to our future national independence, greatness and happiness. You will be wooed and won, but nevertheless you will exert a powerful influence and control over your victors. Let me entreat you to use your attractions for a higher aim than to be praised or flattered for that which fades away with growing age. The blossom of maiden youth and beauty often captivated and bewilders the sense of men; but only goodness of heart, kindness of disposition, industry and economy secure to you the continuance of affection. A good and kind Providence causes the luxurious blossoms to fall off, but he takes care of the ripening fruit. May Providence grant you lovely and beloved blossoms of our nation, to cheer our hearts, and if need be, to strengthen our arms in defense of our country.

Fellow citizens, old and young, native and naturalized, we must finish our exercises, and we will partake in genuine American, republican, democratic simplicity, of a frugal repast, prepared by the fair hands of our promising youth. May the partaking of the same food, at the same table, put us in remembrance of our national Union, and when our band strikes the national anthem, let us rejoice and feel happy. Music is a heavenly exercise, joy is a heavenly passion, happiness is a heavenly sentiment; let our exercises, passions and sentiment be sanctified by gratitude to Divine Providence for His bountiful blessings. May our American republican, democratic government overcome every internal or external foe, and stand as a testimony of providential favor, till the day comes when a nation of independent and united sovereigns shall hail the ushering in of a new dispensation, and sing anthems of praise at the revelation of a kingdom which will not fade away. May Providence grant that our national independence, celebrated this day, may be preserved until our national existence will be blended the glorious millennium!

CHOLERA

In the summer of 1854, which was one of the hottest seasons ever experienced in our history, an epidemic of cholera prevailed in Pella and vicinity, and six teen people in this community died of that dread sickness. Many others were stricken, but fortunately recovered. One of the most impressive funeral ceremonies ever held in Pella, was that of September 1st, when two adult children of Jacob Van Vliet, both cholera victims, were consigned to the grave. Dr. A. J. Betten delivered a sermon on the occasion that made a deep impression on all those present.

In most of the fatal cases death came very suddenly, often on the same day that the patient was stricken. This was the case with Dr. H. D. Rubertus, who was stricken while driving along the street, on his return from calling on some of his patients. He lived only a few hours after reaching his home. This was a serious loss to the community, as Dr. Rubertus had proved himself as an able physician, and his services were in constant demand.