Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-07-11
Anniversary Celebration.

it was an extraordinary day, calling for live :
ly demonstrations of joy, and the exhibition -.
of patriotic ardor and enthusiasm, at the re- ~ -
turn of our National Anniversary. And
there is something refreshing in the thought, :
that throughout the broad expanse Of this -
great Confederacy, from Maine to California, p
from the Atlantia khs Pacific ahore-the :
whole Nation united IN appropriate ceremo- ?
MES, on the return of the anniversary Of II
the day that gave liberty and independence-to Ct
America. +"
We say it is refreshing to see this time :
honored custom universally observed with y
animation and spirit in these days of party =
warfare and sectional strife. We like to see :
hostile parties leave their strife for that day :
and unite in paying homage at the shrine of
the noblest self-sacrifce, the loftiest heroism
the world ever saw. That bold and decisive !
act-the signing of the declaration of indie
pendence-we have not yet begun to esti-
mate its influence on the destiny of our Re-
public. 1t is meet that the thunder Of can
non, the stirring strains of martial music,
tIlG G1OQdGllCG VI paul lOG1SlI CllOulO
the Fourth Of July.
The few brave men who have rendered this
day so bright in the annals Of history, have
passed away from earth, but they still Itce.
We are glad that it is so: that their memory
is vet fresh and green in the hearts Of their
countrymen and we hope the anniversary
which ought to be so halloWed by its cluster.
ing associations, will never be rudely desc
Grated.
The exercises of the Fourth were opened
by appropriate religious ceremonies in the
Presbyterian Church at sunrise. A forcible
and instructive address was delivered by Rev.
DR.. Lacy, breathing the pure spirit Of pa
triotism and devotion to the Union of these
States, and intoxicating a reverence aud de-
pendence upon the Great God of Nations, to
whom we are indebted for the distinguished
privileges which we enjoy as . people. We
were glad to see so large a congregation in
attendance on these interesting exercises,
and especially were we gratifed at the atten-
dance Ct the Independent Guards" one Of
our beautiful Volunteer Companies. It car
= ried US back to years past when the Military
/ and almost the entire community used tC
meet within the consecrated walls, and begir
the Anniversary festivities by uniting in de
vout thanksgivings to God for his unnum
bored blessings, and asking his protecting
e care and mercy for the time to come. Gu
young friends of the Independent Guard
fl must have felt highly complimented by tn
1t smiles and congratulations Of the Ladies be
a slowed upon them for their attendance 0
y the sunrise prayer meeting. The Oak Git
Guards were not present, owing to an owe
% sight, we presume, more than any want
as disposition to unite in these appropriate e.
ercises. We hope, hereafter, to see bot
20 Companies present at the sunrise services
h, every Fourth Of July.
is At 10 o'clock a procession was formed
u, the Court House, headed by the two Milit
20 ry Comprehensive Oak City Guards, COZ
at manded by their deservedly popular Capital
nd VIM. II. Harrison; and the Independe
Id Guards, under their efficient and WORT
commander, Capt. John @. DeCarteret.
The former turned out in fine force wi
"a SOulG SlAby lCl III idI1ho"GuOl dCtCI uuiAlU
ed about fifty, Notwithstanding the drawbac
nd it has had in disappointments about The
all equipments and we venture the a%sserti
oss that a finer looking set of soldiers are
to be found than the two Companies pres
II ted on this occasion.
cry Under the martial music of " the soul-s
~ ring drum and ear-piercing ffe," the line
march was taken up for Capitol Squa
of where an immense concourse of ladies 9
ce, gentlemen were already assembled. The
ar vices were opened with prayer by the Oh
on, lain, Rev. DR.. Lacy after which the re
ere ing of the Declaration Of independence
tor Mr.. Joseph A. Engelhard and we m
as say we never heard il read better. I
ue- followed the Grafton by Mr.. John M. L
tick, which was an effort highly credits
to his intellectual abilities and his fine
elimination, in being able to make n Fou
to of July Grafton so interesting in detail,
Vor- so original in matter and manner. Mr.
ON is a native of this City, and has just pas
him through our University with the first dict
lrm- ton and highest honors of that Institut
- LIZ hUW enters upon dCGISt ItI0 WV
wv prestige of literary renoWn and intellec
luse greatness resting upon him. May his fu'
zoo success be as brilliant and honorable as
. junior years give reason for anticipation
A number of Amateur performers vo
the teered their services for the occasion,
of discoursed in fine style our National
the during the exercises at the Square.
e OF thanks of the well pleased audience
take no doubt mentally awarded them for
De- Grbanely supplying the occasion with
much needed accompaniment.
The two Military Companies then para
Of the streets ofthe City, firing National Sal
) too Feu-dejoies, &c., and performing val
land, evolutions in a manner highly creditab
best their drilling officers and the understan
of the men. We are proud of our two s
III. ted Companies, and of the amicable relat
existing between them. Let them kno'
AOAS -Ll-- - 49,