The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1867-07-04
COITJMBIA
Thurgday Morning, July q. 1861,
The Fourth OF July.

when this national holiday brought
with it Joyous memories of the glo-
rious past, and kindled in the hearts
of old and young glowing emotions
of patriotism and pride, which were
exhibited in various demonstrations
of rejoicing. Then, we were aroused
at day-Greak by the thunders of ar
tillery, the rattling peals of bells, the
fen de .joies of our volunteer compa-
nies, through our streets, before
breakfast, and the frolics Of the
youngsters with pistols and fire.
crackers throughout the entire day
winding up with, probably, display
of fireworks in the park. But six
sad and weary years have intervened
since such celebration, and have left
us with scanty means to make suita-
BILE demonstration of our patriot ;m
and respect for the day. Poverty
stricken, crushed in spirit, depressed
in view of their political future, the
people of the South will scarcely be
expected to celebrate the day with
that joyousness and hilarity which
characterized their celebrations in by
gone days.
But there are many good reasons
why the day should be observed-if
not with the usual noisy popular de-
monstrations, at least with honor and
respect. The principles enunciated
by the representatives of the Ameri-
can colonies, this day ninety-one
years ago, are immortal, and will en-
dure SO long as liberty has place of
refuge on this broad earth. Although
party strife and unhappy sectional
differences may have beclouded them
for the time being, yet we have con-
fdence and hope thatthey will emerge
as brightly, and with as much ra-
dance, as when they shone upon the
American people in the earlier days
of the republic. Those principles
are founded upon truth and right,
and, when the baleful fires of faction
have been quenched by the good
strong sense of the citizens of the
United States, in every section, then
will they be hailed with Joy, and
adopted as the guiding constellation
for the people and their representa-
tives, both in State and national coun-
ellis, and in the administration Of
public affairs throughout our COM
mon country.
Let the day, then, be celebrated in
the proper spirit, and in the mode
most beitting the circumstances in
which we are placed; but let no one,
bowed down by what they may con-
slider the undue pressure of the cir
cumstances, despair of the republic.
It is an old saying, but one that has
been verified too often to doubt of
its application under any and all
circumstances, that the darkest hour
is that which Immediately precedes
the dawn; SO, let us hope and trust,
will it be with our present distracted
country, that she may soon again
become the wonder and admiration
of the nations, for the virtue and
intelligence of her citizens giant
strides in all that make people
great and prosperous, and their un-
dying devotion to the principles of
liberty upon which was founded the
Government Of the United States of
America. To this end, let all, OF
whatever rank or station in life,
resolve this day to work-to work
continuously and effectively-until
peace, harmony and mutual good
will prevail throughout the land, and
the pcrpetuation of the American
Union be the highest political object
of the people. their Legislators and
their rulers. Before the next succeed
ing anniversary of the nations birth
day, all this may be accomplished,
and equality, justice and right be the
governing principles in the admins
tratlon of the affairs of free Ameri-