Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-06
NO. 81.
#isfella,ttuns.
FOURTH OF JULY, 1876.

/
The centennial celebration of American
independence. which occurs on the 4th
day of July, 1876, will be one Of the most
interesting events in the history of our
country. On Monday, March 4th, the
Commissioners appointed by the President
under the act of February 28. 1871,
met in Philadelphia to perfect a plan
and arrange the details of the exhibition
OF the worlds fair, with which the day
will be celebrated.
The Philadelphia Press. in a lengthy
article on the subject, thus speaks of the
origin OF the movement: The idea of
holding celebration of the Centennial
Anniversary of American Independence
originated some years ago among num-
Der Of patriotic individuals in different
parts of the country, mostly descendants
OF Revolutionary heroes. but it was not
until 1868 thai anything practicable was
suggested as to what shape the celebra-
tion should take. For long time it was
supposed that the main feature would be
the assembling in Independence Square
OF large number of the descendants of
the signers of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence and of heroes Of the Revolution for
the purpose of hearing an Grafton and the
laying OF the cornerstone to commence
rate the event which discovered true
human liberty to the world This was
finally considered impracticable and not
sufficently comprehensive, and was drop
ped as plan of celebration per Sc, al
though there is no doubt that during 1876
the descendants of the signers of the Dec
laratlon will meet in Philadelphia, and in
general assembly enact some business
which will add to the interest of the grand
occasion.
| 1t was not long before the business men
of the country began to take hold of the
idea of getting up grand celebration,
and the agitation of the question drew
forth the proposition to hold an exposition
OF the products, manufactures, arts, and
sciences of the United States, and as this
scheme began to take shape it gathered
friends and advocates all over the land.
The question of site for the exposition
was eagerly canvassed by the newspapers,
and those interested in particular locali-
ties were quick to observe the importance
of such an enterprise in the monetary ad-
vancement of any municipality. First
came several Western cities as claimants,
and then New York insisted upon having
the exhibition held in that city, The citi-
zens of the commercial metropolis, with
their usual enterprising forwardness and
characteristic shrewdness, demanded the
selection of their city as the site, and
were beginning to arrange for it. when
the patriotism of the people of the whole
country inspired feeling which permea-
ted every one to the extent of a convic-
tion that Philadelphia was the proper
place for the celebration and exposition.
The press took up the demand and advo-
Gated it. 1t was combatted, of course,
and strenuously, by New Yorkers and
many New Englanders, but it was soon
evident that the majority of the American
people desired to celebrate the Centennial
Anniversary of American Independence
at its birthplace Philadelphia.
AT the last meeting of Councils of Phil
adelphia, bill was proposed for passage
by the Legislature creating an incorpora-
ted Board of Centennial Trustees, COM
posed of large number of the ablest and
best citizens, but the scheme fell fat in
the Chamber where it was presented, and
was referred back to the Centennial Com
mittee for review. This plan which it is
probable will now be adopted, proposes
that the city and State shall each give
$3.50, 900 as nucleus fund for creating
the proposed building. In addition to this
the Board of Centennial Trustees will be
empowered to issue stock, upon which
| they will pay dividends. They are to
have the rents for exhibition stalls and
rooms, and all the receipts for admissions.
At the close of the centenary the surplus
funds are to be divided among the stock
holders. share and share alike.
On the day of the celebration Independ-
ence Hall will be restored to its original
condition as far as practicable. On the
walls portraits of the signers of the De-
claration of Independence will be exposed
to view in the Hall during the Exposition.
Should the public buildings be erected in
the mean time, it is probable that Inde-
pendence Square will be cleared of houses
and ornamented with statuary, &c.
In some of the State Legislatures pro-
position is being advocated for the pur-
chase of Independence Hall and Square
from the city of Philadelphia for about
$2,5OO,0OO. Should the purchase be found
practicable, it is proposed by the purchas-
ers to present the same in fee simple to
the people of the United States, to have
and to hold forever. OF course Philadel-
phians could never be brought to accede
to any transfer, nor would the sale be con.
firmed by the Supreme Court of the Uni
ted States, as the deed of Penn provides
against any sale of the property or use oi
OF 1t for other purposes than for State
house, court house, and an open green.
IL