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Life of Albert Parsons

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p68

Morning Salute—Sunrise gun.

9 a. m.—Grand rally in the park. Band. "Rally 'Round the Flag." 10 a. m. reading the Declaration of Independence by W. L. Parkingston. Band. "America.:

7:30 p. m.—Address by the celebrated labor agitator, A. R. Parsons, of Chicago. Band. "Home, Sweet Home."

On the morning of the 4th the sun rose bright and clear, and the day bid fair to be most auspicious, and by noon of that day fully 10,000 persons were assembled in the park.

On approaching the gate which gave entrance to the grove, your reporter observed above it the following motto, painted in large letters on twenty feet of canvas by three feet wide, viz:

"No system of religion, government or society, which builds up one person by despoiling another, is worthy of the support of true Christians, patriots or philanthropists."

Small red flags were suspended in clusters on either side of the entrance, on which were printed in golden letters, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity."

Entering the grove, a most inviting scene presented itself. The broad and beautiful shade trees, the soft and inviting green grass,  the beautiful river meandering through the booths, tents, and the large tabernacle, where 3,000 persons could be comfortably seated, make up the attractions of Forest Park.

On reaching the platform of the speakers' stand we found it draped with the American flag, bordered on either side with clusters of the red flag.

Suspended above the center of the platform was a large canvas, on which was the motto, "Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and never could have existed had not labor first existed. Labor is much the superior and deserves the higher consideration." –Abraham Lincoln.

On the left was the motto in large letters: "The corruption of the best and most divine forms of government must be the worst." –Aristotle

On the right of the platform was this motto: "An injury to one is the concern to all."

The following mottoes were painted on canvas in large letters

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