FIFTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART VII. 661 



first ballot, the prize was awarded to ' 'Pink Ribbon" (Miss Belle Turner) , 

 "for the most bold and graceful riding." Captain Huyett accordingly 

 called for "Pink Ribbon" to advance, accompanied by her cavalier, Mr. 

 B. Wilson of Keokuk, when the following proceedings took place: 



The chairman, accompanied by Mrs. Huyett (who had been appointed to 

 affix a broad white satin ribbon as an additional trophy of success), de- 

 scended from the platform; approaching the fair victoress, the chairman, 

 after taking off his new hat and making his best bow, said: 



Miss Turner — As the organ of the committee who have designated "Pink 

 Ribbon" as the successful contestant on this occasion, I have the honor of 

 presenting to you this beautiful prize. Having won this trophy under cir- 

 cumstances justly calculated to excite your pride, may it ever be your 

 pleasure to wear it as a testimonial of your youthful spirit, your courage and 

 your gracefulness, as displayed before admiring thousands. 



The young lady received the gift with a sweet smile, and a graceful in- 

 clination of the body, at the same time modestly expressing a doubt as to 

 her merits; in reply to which she was informed that the committee had 

 decided that question for her. 



The broad white satin ribbon was then appended by Mrs Huyett and 

 salutes were exchanged, and the lady and cavalier returned to the line, where, 

 after each of the ladies had been presented with a gold ring, by Colonel 

 Claggett, whose generosity knew no bounds, they were dismissed with a 

 handsome speech by that gentleman, and retired in the same order in which 

 they had entered; and thus ended the ceremonies proper as connected with 

 this, the most pleasing event in the history of the State. 



The splendid performance of Broad Blue Ribbon, however, together 

 with other circumstances, had so strong a hold upon the popular feeling 

 that they were determined she should not go unrewarded. Spontaneously, 

 as if by concert, men sprang up in all quarters of the field, and in less than 

 five minutes upwards of two hundred dollars were contributed (she is but a 

 child, poor and unlettered) , and eighteen months boaiding and tuition 

 provided for her. 



We honor the noble generous impulses which prompted these proceedings, 

 and rejoice at their success. We, too, were spellbound and overwhelmed 

 at the daring exhibition of the little favorite, and even went so far as to 

 give her the benefit of one ballot, but the sober, second thought teaches us, 

 as it must all, that if we would encourage a tasteful, correct and lady-like 

 school of female equestrianism, such as we should be willing our misses and 

 daughters should imitate, the decision of the committee was based upon cor- 

 rect grounds. The awarding of the prize, therefore, took nothing from the 

 glory of the little girl, and everyone will rejoice to learn that she has been 

 so generously, kind and bountifully provided for. Long may she live to 

 merit the applause of her friends; the daughter of the people, may she ever 

 prove worthy of her benefactors. 



