The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-18
ENGLAND.
American Independence and the National
Independence.
From the London Times, July o.

From the London Times, july d.
Yesterday the anniversary OF American lndepen
dence was celebrated in every city OF the Union.
Years pass by 50 rapidly to all but The very young
that an annual display mas In 1t something Of weary
repetition. so 1t is IN this country. and no doubt,
there are III America the usual number OF
people. steadled and sobered by years, who never
think the Fourth OF Juy TIL they near the bells
and the guns, vino never go 10 listen to the
speeches aud are glad when the nosiest Gay OF the
year Is over But the DAY is nevertheless cele-
brated with an interest and yIvacity which never
seem to fail. The Americans have but snort
history, unmarked till lately with very striking
events. Constant and immeasurable progress. with.
out any limit IN the future eXcept The eventual
peoplng OF u continent have excited their magma
tons and enlarged theirlhopes They haveIhad before
them the vision OF unbounded empire, OF prosperity,
happiness and power, such as have never fallen 10
the lot OF the mass OF mankind IN any country and
their most absorbing emotion has been the cOntem
plation OF their national greatness. Yet until their
own great war, there were lew definite achievements
could gather They were greas nation, but they
had not mad great historical periods or great battle
days, or great literature or art their reyolu-
ton, their nationality, aud their marvellous
material progress were the few and simple,
though mighty, themes which their orators
could touch. The anniversary OF the national birth
recalled something on which the deep patriotism OF
the people could dwell with satisfied pride. Al! that
The nation mad been, was and could be attached
itself 10 this auspiclous event, and the Declaration
OF Independence furnished text nom winch Ameri-
can history and American institutions might be
treated In every sense, political social or intelec
Iual. The celebration OF the Fourth Of July, extend
ing through three generations, became habit OF the
American nature, ana mas now sOileLHlnR III ~ oI
religious solemnity. Once year Americans Will
continue 10 dwell upon the weak beginnings OF the
republic In room at Philadelphia to consider the
nrst principles OF their institutions and 10 congrau-
late themselves that these have been successful both
In theory ana practice and are destined TO renoyate
the world The festival Is so firmly rooted In the
national HABITS that 1t IL hardly likely to lose It's
popularity or to be superseded by any other ami
versary.
such an institution has its adyan ages, though
these are lessened by various defects. Amid the
self-seekIng and greed the petty motives and am
billions OF private life, II may be useinl thing that
men should be invited from time 10 time 70 New
themselves as community, and TO re0ect upon
their national capacities duties and rcspon-
aibilities. As the Individual may make new
resolves on the day that enters on new
wear OF life. so the Union on Its birthday mas review
its bygone age, and, while INDUCING IN decorous
concentration on the past, NAV iOok INTO Its
conscience for what Is wrong IN the national
poIicyt or character with view 10 amendment.
6iIherto however, such celebrations a. these have
almost always been made the occasions Tor inordi-
nate Boosting, and unfortunately the Fourth OF july
mas IN times past been invariably celebrated at the
expense OF England. Whatever might be the other
top,cs introduced, the dement's OF England rad a
constant place She furnished the piece de restsdnce
An ideal figure Of Britannia was set uD TO be pelted