Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-07
LIT rRARY CADET.
PROVIDENCE, SATURDAY. JULY 7.
THE CELEBRA ALTON.

can Independence, of that proud day, whicl
! gave birth to this Republic, and brcathed a
nation into existence, would have passed OF
unnotced ard unk sn, but for the manly
and patriotic cxortions Of the young men oi
Providence. who, when they found that the
older part Of the community, overcome by
lothargy, or influenced by sordid considera-
tions, had resolved, that the birthday Of this
great Nation should uot be celebrated by the
discharge of artillery, the pcang of the bells,
and the display of all that pomp and crcun-
stance to which so great an event is entitled,
stepped forward, and resolved that they would
celebrate the Nations Jubilee, and prove to
the world. that they were not degenerate sons
Of ungrateful sifes
II is far from or intention, TO cast any sneers,
or 10 treat with long catalogue OF inyectyc.
those who have lived long enough TO appre-
cia:e the ;ncstimablo blessings Of liberty, and
who, now fast wandering towards the grave,
in the dotage Of life. have lost thoir youthful
ardor, and from physical defects, are left to
| look with cold Indifference on that great day
which freed their necks from the yoke, and
rent their chains asunder But il is passing
strange; it is lam entnble, ard it is not less
true, that those, 20 whom we are taught 10
look up TO for examples Of patriotism those
who sho-ld ;nstil The bosoms Of the rising gen
Grafton with the love Of country, should sailer
littln MI cnrdid 80 :rJ,,., 49,,
TO forego the happy privilege Of hailing in loud
| acclaim, the retitrn Of the anniversary day Of
American Independence. If any censurc can
he cast, il must be thrown at those who can,
but who sciU not, do their duty, and who have
the power Of a.lordng the means TO defray the
trhng expenditures, incident to the gala day
of the Nation.
The ceremonies and orders of the day, were
on Wednesday carried into operation; and
more imposing spectacle was never presented
10 citizens Of Providence. Pausing simply TO
remark, that the Military Corps, which APP
pcared. to escort the general procession,
evinced an intimate acquaintance with the
science of arms, and displayed phalanx of
strong-sinewed and resoute youth, who are
ever ready to lay their lives down in defence
of their common country; we hasten TO notice
more particularly, and with excited feelings,
other departments Of the spectacle.
The most effective part of the gala, was the
appearance of the Barge Independence, man.
ned by six gallant tars, and commanded by
two venerable patriarchs, familarly known in
their own neghborhood by the appellation of
the /" down. town boys There was some
thing in the appearance Of the barge, which
called forth an hundred fancifl and agreeable
associations; and as the gallant tars passed
along the streets, their neat and manly profess
ional attire, their strong marked countenances
and sinewy arms, told, that they were ever
ready to meet the foe upon the ocean, and
prepared to sustain the honor Of the American
Flag. And as The populace gazed upon the
barge and her hardy inmates, the venerable
Commanders, told the story of their early
youth, reoounted their many "hair breadth
'scapes''; and now with bosoms beating high
with exuitation; and now with tear clistenng
ewes, which bespoke their gratitude, they pass
cd along, and received the tribute Of grateful
hearts. and the paudts of those youth, to ac-
complsh whose liberty and independence, they
once buffct.ed the storms Of war, and rskcd
their fortunes and their lives. There is Sc
eret something, an indcscribable interest ex-
cited, in watching the characteristics Of that
hardy race Of people, who devote themselves
10 the hazardous vocation Of the sailor. and
who, reckless. Of tho winds, the howlings of
the tempest, and The convulsions of the earth
quake, fearlesely man the PROV, and with light
hearts tray crse the painless ocean. We look
upon them with admiration, listen TO their sto-
res with eagerness and interest; and whilst
ve applaud their deeds Of noble daring, We ten
! der 10 them the tribute of honest and grateful
hearts, pity their misfortuncs, and wish them
happiness. Such were the sensations that
we're produced, when beholding the barge In
DEPENDENCE, and as she moved along the
streets. an involuntary burst Of applause broke
/ in repeated huzzas, from an udniir;ng multi
tude.
Next in interest, and irst in the effect pro-
duccd by the gala, was the band Of that little
remnant Of the survivors Of the Revolution,
who moved along TO the music Of the hollow
drum, and bearing upon their bosoms tho motto
Of l776; and with light hearts and animated
eountenances, told o'er and DER again the
the story of tic wars, and recounted the Incl
dents that occurred at Monmouth Red Bnnk. .