The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1826-07-13

FIFTY fEARs SINCE The immortal Decla-
ration was first proclaimed to the people Of
Rhode Island by this favored individual, on
the same spot, after the lapse of half cen
tury, were the same glorious principles an
nounce.d by this Identical person-after age
had silvered his head and withered lis
hopes! An Arch appropriately and taste
iully decorated, and surmounted by an Ea-
gle, was raised over the Reader, Ghe
work OF Major Newtonj and with the fol
lowing very striking and appropriate in
scnption: "IiE STANDS IN THE CLOUD
OF YEARs--TnE MEMORY OF THE PAST
RETURNS" The whole procession having
surrounded the steps, the Rev. Mr.. Gam
nell in few audible sentences, requested
the, respectful Attentions of the assemblage,
while tho venerable man, ",oj.O stood in TIE
.cioud Of years" should proceed to fulfil die
duties imposed on him. Major Handy then
addressed his fellow citizens in the follow
ing Words; fE
"My Respected Fello,D- Citizens,
At your united request, lappear
before you, i'll this public sta
ton, at an age when it would
seem most advisable that |
should remain a silent specta-
tor of the performances of this
Day-a Day which half a CEN
tury past secured to us our In
DEPENDENCE and PROSPERITY
and no Nation more prosperous!
My own feelings on this occa-
sion, Ihave sacrificed to CRAFTY
your wishes.-The recollection
of past scenes of the last Fifty
Years, rushin succession on my
mlnd.-With a hope and belief
that the mantle of Charity will
be spread over my imperfec-
tons, and under that impression,
| shall proceed to the perform
ance ofthe part required Ofme."
The Declaration was then read by Mai
Handy, in distinct and forclble manner
& was Immediately succeeded by Hymn,
composed by G.. Wanton, and sung in the
tune Of Old Hundred. The whole multi
tudc Joined in this solemn efiusion Of graf
itude and praise with a fervency and zeal
which gave it. a fine effect. II brought to
our minds some of the striking scenes in
sold Mortality" aud the Historical Tales
of the author Of Waverloy, where our zeal
GUS ancestors, in their congregated hosts,
after some stern and well fought battle,
poured out their pGans oftriumph "under
the open Heaven, and on the green hill
side"
The ceremonies at the State House be-
ing concluded, the procession was again
! formed and proceeded in the same order
as before, through Washington-square and
Thames s-strect, to the second Baptist meet
ing house, which had been previously pre-
pared for its reception: The House was
ornamented with flowers and evergreens,
tastefully arranged and formed into mot
toes and devices adapted to the occasion.
Around and in front of the pulpit were sus-
pended the splendid copy ofthc Declara-
ton Of Independence by Binns, and Por-
traits of Washington and La Fayette; and
in the gallery opposite was full choir of
singers and the Columbian Band. The
aisles and galleries of the House were
crowded to excess by our usual throng of
Fashion and Beauty-and by the citizens
and military who filed up the area. After
very able and appropriate prayer by the
Rev. MIR. Fraser, and two Odes by Geo.
w. Patten, finely executed by the choir
under the superintendence of Mr.. Benz.
Maysh Jun. an Grafton was pronounced by
JosEpH III: PATTEN, Esq. in his best man
ner, and aboundipg in just and patriotic
sentiments, and which were received by
the audience with very general applause.
An Ode by G. Wanton and the usual Ben
edic,lon, closed the ceremonies of the
House; when the procession returned to
the Parade and was finally dismissed.
The surviving Veterans of the Reyolu-
tion partook of an excellent dinner at the
State-Housc, provided by the Committee
OF Arrangements; and the twenty four
youths, who bore the Standards of the
States, were Hospitality entertained at his