The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-07-25

7
tired. He only thought how happy he
should make his grandfather when he
carried the news up to the steeple.
The old man was becoming very anx-
ious. He listened for the footsteps of the
boy, but they came not. He began to
fear that the bell must remain silent after
all
"Will they do it?" he questioned to
himself. :FWill they do it %
He looked down upon the great throng
belong, and saw the sea of upturned faces
of the people awaiting the signal of the
bell. Would that he could strike it.
proclaim liberty throughout all the
land" he repeated, reading, as he so often
did, the inscription on the bell-''unto all
the inhabitants thereof. God knows ]
stand ready"
He walked back and forth he gazed
from the window-he shook his head
despondingly to the crowd.
''They will never do it ~ he murmured,
'Ethey will never do it :"
The multitude, that day, exhibited some
peculiarities. Although vast in numbers,
still there was no noise or disorder. They
stood packed about the doors of the State
House, and in groups, conversing; but
with serious countenances and in low
tones. They listened and listened for the
bell. Turning their gaze upward, they
saw the aged bell-ringer as he shook his
head discouragingly.
''The hours roll on ~ said one.
''There must be strong opposition :"
remarked a second.
"Such declaration should not be has
ty" urged an elderly man.
DWELL, I'm for independence ~ cried
young person.
"Independence ~
'.Independence ~
This thrilling, stirring word was repeat
ed from mouth to mouth. They pronoun-
ced it like defiance and VOW
The Declaration of Independence had
now been reported from the committee to
the House. The Secretary read it, in the
midst of the deepest attention and silence
on the|part Of the delegates. They bent
forward to catch every word, for every
word had meaning full of import They
We're creating nation-they were assail-
ing king and his government.
a painting, heated man entered the
chamber. As he glided with an almost
noiseless tread to his seat, the Adamses
and other champions of the measure well
coined hIm with a smile of satisfaction
The new conner was Caesar Rodney, of
Delaware. His arrival would give the
vote Of that province for the Declaration.
Mr.. Dickinson and another delegate from
Pennsylvania were away, and this vote
was also secured. The friends of liberty
were already exultant.
1t was two clock in the afternoon when
the final vote was taken. An impressive
stiffness prevailed as the secretary an
nounced the adoption of the Declaration
by the vote Of every colony. There was
no outburst of feeling; but there were
many who found tears of joy trickling
down their cheeks. America was solemn
ly declared free.
But the blue-eyed boy has gone speed
ing to the steeple. lie is in pain before
he has accomplished half the distance
but although he reels he will not stop
Upward he climbs. He catches for breath
to deliver the intelligence.
His grandfather hears him coming and
springs to the bell.
"Ring ring" exclaimed the boy en-
tering and falling from exhaustion
''God be praised - shouted the old bell
ringer.
Selling the iron tongue of the bell, the
old man swung it against the speaking
metal. The sound rose clear and joyous
to the awaiting multitude. Louder and
louder rang the bell, stronger and stronger
came the shouts of the people, and then
the booming Of many cannon.
For more than two hours the bell con-
! tinued to RUG. Its peals were waited
over the city, and were answered by the
throbbing of the thousands upon thous-
ands of patriotic hearts. In the evening
there were bonfres and an illumination
On the Sth of the month there was a
formal celebration of the event On this
occasion, the kings arms in the court
room in the State House were torn down
and burned in the street, There was a
| great celebration in Boston on the 18th
Indeed, in every part of the land liberty
held high carnival. Washington cause /
the Declaration of Independence to be
read at the head Of each brigade of the
army.
Bag" Parson Brownlow recently declared
in relation to the Union men of Eastern
| Tennessee ave intend to fight the Sc.