Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-07-12
The Fourth.

this happy confederacy rose IN universal accla
nation to greet the glorious 4th of July into ex
istence. Before the rosy morning had glimmer
ed in the dale, or the gray dawn marked the
dappled East-yes, before our eyes had flashed
upon the king of day which added new lustre
tothe nth birthday of our national existence
our hearts were filled with Joy and thanksgiy
ing to the Great God for having quelled the
commOtion which threatened this Union, and
for having caused the perpetual inscence Of
peace to burn upon the FURNISHED affairs of free
dom, and for preserving US that we might once
more celebrate the birthday of our free and
republican institutions. On the memorable 4th
the people of Loudon were not dormant and un
patriotic; they did not meet it unmoved or pass
it by irrevently, but their jubilant voices were
heard far and near; the shrill notes of martial
music vibrated on the passing gale, and their
booming cannon answered the thunderings Of
cannons from the neighboring towns, seeming
to send their echoes back to the battle grounds
of Lexington, Bunkers hill and Brandy Wa
that they may arouse the dead patriots ofseventy
six to witness the great anniversary of indepen
dence, and to observe the duerespect and mark
ed fidelity which was made manifest to :heir
memories on that occason,-yes, which was
in our glorious struggle, "when darkness brooded
over our land, when only feint ray of repub-
lican principles fell in our paths-when vile des
pots concocted schemes of dissolution, "when
hideous tormentors tapped their deadly wings
in the halls of our capita, when proud kings
and princes looked forward to the suspicious
moment when the feeble pioneers of America
should think it a safe retreat to hover under
the Aegis of dukedom or that of servile aristo-
Gratis. 1t is true that we were few and feeble
but those who kissed the hallowed soil Of
plymouth" were determined not to sell their
birth right for a"mess of pottage."
The celebration which has just passed was
gotten up by the Sabbath school of this place,
they invited the Sons of temperance, and also
the Ladies and gentlemen oftown and vicinity
to join in procession. They assembled at the
Presbyterian church and proceeded to the c.
P. church. the banner and musicians in front
the scholars of the sabbath school and lady
spectators next in order, the Sons of Temperance
and gentlemen spectators in the rear-amount
ing in all to goodly number. After arriving al
the place prepared for the reception of the body
the musicians treated the congregation to the
melody of "Hail Columbia" The exercises Of
the day were opened by a very efficient prayer
from the Rev. JAMES JOHNSON. II. A. BLAIR
suitable preface, read the declaration of indie.
pendence in which he acquitted himself with
great honor. A. 81. HURLEY, Esq, being then
introduced, spoke of Liberty, Temperance and
strains of eloquence, and seemed to arouse the
feeling of the vast assembly by pathetic allu-
sions and high toned ideas. The Rev. c. Cop
BY being introduced, and ia an impromptu ad-
dress, spoke very eloquently of the bird of Lib
erty, and of the good influence of Sabbath
Schools, and related a very touching incident
suitable to the occasion. We then proceeded to
the Episcopal Church, where we met with a
very cordial reception by the Rev. Mr.. Gay and
lady, also by the good ladies of Loudon who had
prepared for US repast rich in abundance ard
favor, which they did for the fidelity and graft.
tude which they possessed for all persons who
were endeavoring to promote three Of the great
est causes on earth. Many toasts were given
and suitable responses elected, from various
individuals. So every man woman and child
seemed to enjoy themselves to the utmost ex-
tent-all was gayety and pleasure If Momus
had presided in person the enjoyment could not
have been more exquisite, nor the scene more
imposing.
In contrasting the present age with that in
which our Independence was declared, that dark
and lowering day when the political armament
was almost obsured by the drapery of dspair,
when despotism was striving with republican
ism-vice with virtue-infdelity with christi
anity, and all the adulterated institutions OF
Europe with those Of Liberty, temperance and
sabbath-schools, which originated in the United
States. Contrast the feelings and auspices
which marked that occasion when Jefferson,
Adams, Franklin, Hancock, Livingston, and
Sherman were seated in Independence hall,
with curtains drawn close, and seated in mar
row circle, reading the Declaration in low whis-
pers not knowing at what moment mobwould
burst the doors of the hall: l say compare The
dark ages of 76 with this under which we have
celebrated our last anniversary;-we were then
feeble, but now how changed, we are now great
as nation, good as people, and as free as
we are good, we ought not to forget our old
vete ran fathers who died in our defence, who
shed their blood that we mighthave an in
heritance. They made VOWS FOR us when we
could not speak for ourselves-have- we kept
those VOWS Yes we have sacredy preserved
them.
1--WE have remained mistaken unseduced-unterri-
fed
Their loyalty we have kept, their love- their ZEAL
And under such principles as, set forth by the
Declaration of Independence we have prosper
ed and will continue to prosper as long as we
inculcate good principles into the rising gener-
atoms. We have existed a free and happy ma
ton only seventy seven years, and in that short
space of time we have progressed more in point