The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-07-13

We notice through our exchanges that the ever
memorable Fourth was hailed with grateful accla-
nations throughout the country, and celebrated
with much genial enthusiasm. No small part OF
the national joy found vent through the lungs of
the thousands of distinguished gentlemen "who
had kindly consented to deliver addresses upon the
occasion, and of the hearers who applauded them.
In most of these orations the despots OF the old
world were heartily belaboured, and its benlghted
people pitied. Comparisons were freely Instituted
between all other systems and our own, and the
manifold advantages which we enjoy were fully il
Illustrated. In reading these things, and recogniz-
ing them as chiefly true, so far as they touch upon
political rights and privileges, are not surprised
that some of our countrymen who have been lis
tening to nothing else for twenty consecutive years.
or more, should wonder what it is that makes life
bearable to European. How they can there con-
sent to exist in state of servitude which prevents
them from electing their own constabes, or can
submit to q tyranny which does not allow them
any choice in the appointment ofa State Attorney
it is of course difficult for us to understand. Yet
apart from their political condition, these very peo-
pie certainly manage to make themselves quite
49,
many particulars be initiated by us to our vast and
lasting benefit. We are not, as we surely ought to
be, a cheerful people, nor can we ever become so,
as long as we deem it to be sufficient relief from
occupation to white single or ''take drink"
Why we do not often indulge in the athletic sports
and festive entertainments by which other nations
are enlivened, is question not easily answered.
The manly recreation afforded by national games,
the innocent diversion derived from innumerable
fetes the cheerful relaxation from graver cares
which the galleries of art nvite-all these are al
most unheard of in or around our populous cities.
Even the opportunity of obtaining at moderate
cost, the cheap refreshment of country air and
quiet is almost denied us. We glance over the adj
vertisements of our summer resorts, and look IN
vain for any spot that offers rest to the weary, or
shelter to the poor Enormous caravanserles
wherein from eight to ten hundred people are I'M
comfortably congregated, and at whose crowded
tables they snatch their hurried meals, amid din
and confusion more appalling than that from which
they had fled, are the only places towards which
we can turn our steps. There, for an exhorbitant
per diem, we may obtain few days of uneasy ex-
citement, which to some is pleasure. Abroad,
there is scarcely watering place, around which,
either in town or village, accommodations may not
be had of every grade and at every price. On
wooded slope and sea-coast the over-worked citi-
zen can always spend his summer leisure in some
palace or cottage as his requirements suggest or
his means justify. At this season are especially
prompted to ask, why it is that we have not SINH
lar facilities. Our city in its situation and sur
roundings is, of all Others, peculiarly fortunate.
The high grounds encircling us, running back even
to the mountain ranges miles away, seem to invite
us to nestle among their shady retreats. Yet it is
with the utmost difficulty that very few, out Of
the thousands who desire it. can obtain temporary
home beyond the reach of the ceaseless dust and
turmoil that surround us here Among the many
wants of our teemng population, this is one of the
most pressing, and the demand for its qualification
is steadily on the increase. We hope it will not
be long before we begin to pay attention than
heretofore to the by which our leisure hours
can be nationally enjoyed. Nature has made for
us no niggardly provision, and it needs but little
effort on our part, to develope into incalculable
good the resources at our command.