Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-07-18

been the solemn receptacle of many, many,
yea nearly all. Itmust needs be 50 s for Il is
appointed unto men once to- die"
The lives of many of those who pledged their
all, in defence of that instrument which We
now consider sacred, through the Providence of
God, were heightened out, peradventure that
they might be eyewitness of the happy con-
sequences resulting from the administration Of
laws, enacted by men who had declared them
selves capable of selfgovernment. We are
the descendants of those who commended against
all opposition to obtain our freedom. We
have read of the tolls of the revolutionary
struggle. Let US treasure up those items of
history, with the oft-repeated tales of our an
~cestors in some niche of our memories, and
never forget that il was "aprice" which was
paid down for the glorious privileges We this
day enjoy. We are native-born American
citizens. Let US appreciate, yea highly prize
the inexpressible advantages secured to Us by
our forefathers and which may be perpetuated
by union Of sentiment-union of feeling-u-
MON of effort and the union of these United
States.
The day dawned. The seventy46fh amir
versary Of American Independence was usher
ed in by the loud reserborating Artillery
The beiching forth Of the deep toned cannon
announced its arrival. The Sun, as he arose
in bis majesty, peeped merrily over the East
ern horizon, throwing bis genial rays, in COL
den folds from the Atlantic to the Pacific, over
our glorious Union, with her twenty millions
of freemen, bidding us enjoy the festivities of
the day, and to end unto God, the giver Of
all, the gratitude of our hearts.
Il The armament, as if participating with us,
was interspersed with beautiful detached por-
tons Of clouds, which portended, in the eye Of
the farmers imagination, a gentle stiIliridium of
what in these parts is greatly needed.
About 9 o'clock crowds, thick and long, be-
gan to pour in from all points-till soon the
grove, where the stand and seats were erected,
was literally filed with men, women and chill
dren-carriages, other vehicles and horses
and still they came
The Sons met at 10 O'Clock in the church,
and after some desultory conversation and pre-
> Hminary arrangement, under the care of Col.
R. p. Taylor, Marshal, were formed into a
line Of procession, preceded by the Cadets 81
Temperance of the Section at oxford, and the
. young mems band of Music. we marched Il
the Store near by, where the orators of the
A day were waiting. They were received by thu
4 committee of arrangements and escorted il
n procession back to the grove and stand, Eher,
d were assembled, (variously estimated) from
one thousand to fifteen hundred persons,
may say the greater part females.
h Look back upon history, MIR. Editor, AM
tell me if, whenever any enterprise of magni
tude was to be engaged in, or achievement
+ made, the ladies were not foremost. The
.e bold up the arms of the stronger yet less re
n fined sex, and this is done in ten thousan
u+ore Tba nonlarakion 1f Trlnao,lw,oo ~
read by Maj. J.. F. Harris, in a clear, distint
manner. James M. Virgins, long and avol
ably known in our county, wasthen introdu,
er ed to the audience. In an address of an hour
Nd length, he answered fully, and 1 am pursuade
is satisfactorily to every open, candid mind, som
rs of the objections most frequently urged again
a. the order Of the Sons of Temperance, an
Sc urged the claims Of the Order upon every nai
nj 1t would be sdperfuous in Ie to attempt
give even an analysis of this able, argument
as tive address, for all who know himo have heaI
RS him, cede to him The power of strong arr
We ment. He said he gloried first, in being a
~ American citizen, and secondly, a Son of Ter
\. persnce. He was followed BY Rev. NJ. De
"a ons, who, in an address of about half an hou
IL urged many arguments drawn from the scri
So lures in favor Of the principles Of our Orde
d, and such as reason as well as common sem
: would sustain him in impressing upon Il
Ell minds of bis auditory. Many more of the mi
t~ifarious. yet silly objections to our Orde
las were dissipated by him He closed with son
to amusing anecdotes.
nd To those who are acquainted with this ge
- tleman ! will only say that he acquitted hir
self in his usual happy manner
m The hour for Refreshments having arrive
- the procession was again formed and went
. the church, where We DOTTED cur regal
he went out, mingled with the multitude and pa
il took Of a sumptuous pic NC dinner, prepare
ge and brought by the noble Sons in the neig
IL borhood, and friends Of the cause unitediy.
Of We Jared sumptnously that day There W
ST. enough for all, and each became satisfied wi
liz goodly cheer. There were not only some fra
ments left, but much that had not been touc
ma ed. Hunger had no lurking place there.
IS Dinner being over, we again reassembl
RS, and in procession moved to the stand, al
ind were addressed by Mr.. T. o. McClanahan,
10 a thrilling strain of eloquence. He spake
ion the oppressive yoke of British tyranny, briI
ing up to the minds view that still greater
d a ranny which Alcohol exercises over its 81
&C. jects, as it affects them physically, mental
ad- morally and externally.
- Loud calls and long, were made for RI
lct- Mr.. Archer, of Virginia, who responded. a
I. for half an hour RECALLED the audience with @
of the most pleasing I'M romptu addresses
J. which it has been our privilege to listen.
He declared his uncompromising enmity
l.. spiriiuous liquors, and gave his strong reasc
ul- in that strain of natural. eloquence and flow
Irby soul peculiar TO himself. The Ladies be
Hill called upon signifed their appreciation of
ldg- canse in which we are engaged as well as
oubt proceedings of the day.
Wig An appeal was made for volunteers, vi
has fourteen persons gave their names for Initial
0 is into our Order. We returned to the chur