Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-06-17

PREPARATIONS FoR THE FoURTH.-From al
u-ost every city, town and hamlet in the
North we hear of efforts being made to cell
sbrase the coming anniversary of the ns-
tons birth in a way never before equslled.
The people are determined that it shall be
such q celebration as shall signify to the
world their strength and their devotion TO
the great American Union hat shall tell to
the world that even in the midst Of war,
while apparent peril besets the nation, and
even within the hearing Of the lannon's
thunder, the roar Of musketry and the clash
of sabres, and almost in sight Of the advanc-
ing foe, the people of the North can pause
TO do honor to the deeds Of their fathers,
and celebrate with greater pomP than ever
thsn~ nations birthday. Numerous plans
have been suggested in the larger cities, all
looking to an imposing and atthe same time
economical display, the demand on the re-
sources Of the country ct large for the pro-
s~ecution Of the campaign, and on separate
communities for the support of families of
volunteers, and for aiding the volunteers
themselves, requiring the outlay Of as little
money as Iossible.
The Buffalo Express. in an article on the
subject, offers some very pertinent sugges-
tons 10 the citizens Of Buffalo, which we
take the liberty 10 publish for the consider
alton of the people Of cleveland. For our
own part we commend the plan entire, and
believe it 70 be quite as practicable here as
in Buffalo. The Express says:
We want q peoples celebration Of the
Fourth Of July, this year. q magnificent
democratic, republican demonstration. we
want the commemorative sPeetacleto be one
Of popular creation. No ceremonious pa
rade Of civic and military bodies, formally
arranged by the authorities, however imPos-
inp and splendid it may be, can constitute
the fitting exhibition. No programme Of
performance thai our municipal managers
can prepare will memoralise the day with
ADEQUATE significance. ANY proceedings
which they can institute must partake oil
too much ~formality and ritual pomp TO an
sver the occasion. To satisfy their owr
feelings, and impreSsively betOken the loyal
affection with which the glorious memOrie
of Independence Day are kept in mind, tho
people must act for themselves.
The suggestions that we would make, will
} a view 10 prompting and directing individ'
uaI and combined exertiOns in his matter
are simple and easily acted upon. For in
stance: the " Fourth" occurs in thes season
! Of flowers. Let Flora perform q grande
mart than has heretofore been allOtted 70 he
/, IN the preparation Of %splendors for the day
: Let the children Of the Public Schools, ant
the ladies of the city in their various sociA
] circles, unite in getting up horel devices I
exhibit in the grand procession. Let ther
be temples Of Flora, garlanded troops Of lit
lie girls, representations Of Columbia an
her children, Liberty and her attendant
the Union, the Genius Of America, and sue
familiar ideas, adding new and beautiiu
features 70 the commemorative display
, Let arches be raised along the streets, an
. every decoration for which the woods an
flower gardens furnish material 80 abund
antIy, be contributed By individuals an
companies, 70 produce a scene Of unequ'le
magni6cenee.
i Nothing that Wehave proposed here, is
= all difficult Of accomplishment. Wager
can easily be converted INTO cars for the flo
81 pageant that we suggest, blythe construi
ton OF a platform upon them. II the ger
! tlemen will prepare these, the ladies and Il
children will eagerly undertake the decor
tive labor. We know that some, 10 who
= the idea has been suggested, are enthusia
tic In their readiness 70 adopt Il. We ne,
not elaborate our propositions, or urge the
further. We think they will instantly re
ommend themselves 70 every one, and
lay them before the public quite conhde
that the ~resPOnseOn the =" Fourth" will bel
that We desire,