The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-06-27
A NATIONAL CENTENIAL FOR
RUTLAND.

a NATIONAL CENTENNIAL FOR
RUTLAND.
Two years only intervene before the CEN
tennial anniversary of the declaration of
American independence will be upon us.
Although preparations are being made in
the several towns and cities of the country
for the celebration of the annual anniver-
sary, this year, we do not think that it will
interfere in any way with the present com
memoraton, if word is said in reference
to the centennial day. Indeed it seems to
us that now is the time to speak thereof.
We have always favored an international
exposition as part of the proceedings of
the year. for several reasons, only two of
which we need now name. One hundred
years AFRO, we were unknown as country,
being simply dependencies upon Great
Britain. In 1915, our fathers declared that
we should he free and independent, and by
that act laid the foundations for great and
prosperous nation. Although without re-
/ sources, we sustained long, expensive and
] y
| achieved our independence, trumphed over
| every obstacle and difficulty. and have be-
] come what we are. 1T seemed to us, when
| we reflected on these facts, that it would
be proud and happy year for America it
! in an exposition where We're gathered the
results of the genius, skill and industries of
all nations, this country should, rs she
could, surpass them all A country which
from nothing could in a hundred years sur
pass all the nations Of the earth in exhibit
tons Of material prosperity, could in no
better manner show that prosperity than on
her hundredth birthday. There was, also,
another reason. We did not suppose that
all Tie patriotism of the people would be
exhausted in one international exposition,
hut we believe that every city, village and
hamc, in the land would have its joyous
celebration The exposition extending
over several months, would give to all.
who SO desired, the opportunity of partici-
pa;iue in both. The probabilities now are
that the exposition will be failure, even
if the attempt IS made to have one but the
home commcmoration remains to lis all.
We take it as matter of course that
Rutland will have her celebration that veal
and we propose, briefly, to suggest what
to our mind. would be most appropriate
for her TO do. We speak of it thus early.
that our citizens may fully consider the
| ~. oil
sary that the town and village should par
ticipate therein in their corporate character
AS they most assuredly ought to do an en-
abling act can be obtained from the mex
state legislature, if necessary. 1t is wei
known that the old Vermont state house
the oldest public building in the state, still
stands on West street with its outward ap
pearancc unchanged save by paint ant
blinds There are persons still living VIII
could give the plan of the inside as it wa
when alternatively used for the general as
sembly and the courts. This building
should not he permitted to go to destruction
How could the fourth day of July, 1876
the centennial, be more appropriately cele
, brated than by the dedication of this build
ing to the public as an antiquarian museum
Our plan would be that the necessary fund
should be raised, the property decided t
the town or village in perpetuty and
trust for the sole purpose of preservn
= relics of the history of the town, stat
and country. That such a collectio
could be secured and one that woul
be attractive, was demonstrated at our ow
y, centennial in 1870. A number of article
y of interest have already been offered fC
" that purpose, and the fact that permit
nent institution of that kind was estal
y lished would bring to light many more, IL
owners of which would be only too glad
D.. deposit them where they would be SAT
After the building had been bought ar
v prepared on the inside, the future cXpen
> would be tliiling, and would be cheerful
- borne by a few of our citizens. The tru
tees, or whatever they might be called III
der whose management the matter mig
be placed, would, Of course, ask nothlr
: for their services, so that the only expen
would be the salary of a keeper who shou
be present on public days and at stated i
tervals during the warmer seasons of Il
year. Could Rutland have a better Gel
bration than, after having bought the o
state housc-the building Of which W
u almost contemporancous with the treaty
&c peace-dedicatin it TO the public on Il
1T fourth day of July, 1876?