New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-01-28
ANNUS MIRABILlS.
1870.

Two a'o ~, w., for the privilege Of publishing
the following singuarly va'uape ie'' 80 -.
Iohn R,seloyr in relation subject OF eupr'e 'e'ee'
10 the American people,
,r,,rxzotiERN srRAssE, BERLIN. Dec a. 1870
Nv Dr,p SENATOR: 1t may not have occurred TO
t,o, ro are RAPIDLY approaching the most men,
Sroh,o anniversary in our national history Five
- foro the 4th day of July next We shall have
o,,oted the first century of our existence AS an in
dorandent people The event which marks the term
~ such memorable political cycle ought to be suit
.hIy oommemorated. II should not be permitted to
rass without leaving behind il some appropriate
recognition of great inheritance, some durable
memorial like the altar of stones erected by the
children of Israel on Mount Ebal, which should be
in perpetual remembrance of our deiverance from
colonial bondage and of the Divine guidance and
protection under which we have since been pros
perously jouTneyng.
To make suitable preparations for such COM
memoration no time should he lost. 1t will not do
10 delay them until the anniversary is upon MS and
then allow our patriotic enthusiasm to find imper-
feet expression in confused and abortve essays
In determining how the anniversary should be
noticed several questions present themselves for pre-
Iiminary consideration.
First should whatever is done be conducted under
te auspices and direction OF the Federal Government
or by people acting through national organization
specially provided for the purpose
Second What precautions necessary az the outset
10 prevent the success OF such communication being
impaired by political differences and party discussions
Third: In what way and to what extent should the
participation Of foreign nations be invitedi
Fourth How could the celebration be most universal
with the least displacement OF the population
To settle these questions satisfactorily presume
the most efcacious method would be for the Presi-
dent TO instruct member of his Cabinet, OF to
create volunteer Board, to receive suggestions from
h. oil fhasa and IN
him the results with plans of celebration. mature
and detailed possible and sufficiently in advance
of the next session of Congress TO enable him 70
make il one of the topics Of his next annual Mes
sage. The subject might also be brought before the
people in their various gatherings on the next Fourth
of July and such degree of public attention con-
centrated upon it would greatly aid the committee
in their task The recommendations of the President
would probably determine whether the celebration
should be conducted under the auspices of the Ex-
ecutive and Congress. by unofficial and purely
popular organization.
There will probably be great diversity of opinion
as 70 the most appropriate mode Of concentrating
snch q centenary. Happily il admits of being
commemorated in an infinite variety of ways, nor
need there be any limits placed to the forms in
which the ingenuity and patriotism Of the country
may find expression. 1t is only important now to
make sure that the occasion is not overlooked or
undervalued.
There are some important things to be done in
contemplation of such an anniversary which may or
may not be associated with its celebration OF these
the most obvious are:
Ersi The completion Of the Washington Monument,
Of the Capitol buildings and far possible Of all the
projected railway Geographic and other public works
throughout the country
Second; The restoration Of the gold standard Of values
Third: The reduction Of the national Indebtedness to
point which shall insure TO Federal securites value
In markets Of the world equal at least to the Sc
curtes OF any other Government IL will he scarcely
ereditable TO the form OF government under which we
live and OF which we proud IL ten years after
civil war; and with uninterrupted peace continue TO
nav our debts in deprecated currency, and our re
publican securities sell at lower rates than those OF the
renowned monarchies OF the Old World. We may not
pretend that the War Of the Rebellion lie and the
premaey the Constitution OF Fathers fully reestab
lshed till our Federal bonds worth their nominal
value I'm gold There s surcr sign Of weak govern
nent than deprecated currency How Is IL possible TO
celebrate first centenary Of our political institutions
az II should celebrated with the knowledge that the
financial promises Of Government are worth less than
those OF England Germany Of any other Govern
rnent that consttuonay dstrustful Of the popular
sovereignty.
Fourth II possible the geological meteorological and
botanical surveys Of those States wheh yet lack them
should be made.
Fyrh: An extra Federal census should he taken In
June 1875 that its results may ascertained and pub
nshed time for the anniversary OF 1876 unless the
same end would by the taken that year
by the States The takers Of the should
be instructed specially 10 procure the names and ad
dresses OF all citizens then living who born
before July 4, 1776
In regard to the celebration itself il is important
that il should take such direction as would involve
the massng the people AZ little as possible To con-
centrate the ceremonies entertainments Of the
day too much at any one point might raise trouble
some questions about the place for such c0ncentIa
ton. Then it would necessarily occur at season 0f
the year when all large gatherings in climate are
attended with considerable danger But if the place
and season could be freed from every objection snch
a gathering would fail, in populous country of
gratifying the curiosity except of very limited
number The Last Presidential inauguration bah at
Washington ought 10 put end forever to all at
tImpts to hold national assemblies In the United
States except by delegation or for military purposes
and under military discipline If there is anything
worth seeing such occasions the crowd il sure to
be too great for any TO il Wo6tabbly, OF even
in safety.
BY the aid Of the telegraph and the press, how
ever, under such organization az may be given them,
the cxtremides of the nation may be put into cleo
trio communication with its heart and the spirit OF
whatever manifestation may he resolved upon com
uunicated 10 every citizen Of the Republic, with
ess trouble and inconvenience than if it in bis
ower TO DC an eye or witness Of them. ,-+
Though cannot presume to have thought Of all
Of the most appropriate ways of comment
Grating the approaching centennial of 1876 yet will
name a few that have occurred 10 me TO show the
general character with which think the memorial
exercises of that occasion should be impressed: 4
Isra At least one complete set Of gold silver cur