The Rutland weekly globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-06
TIE CENTENNIAL ExPoslrloN

only TWO years elapsc before we celc-
brate the one hundrelh anniversary of
Americas independence of the day when
The thirteen colonies of Great Britain,
7parsely settled, without armies or navies,
with no treasury or apparent means of pro-
curing the sinews of war. with, in every
lther respect, diverse interests, and almost
without resources, relying upon the right
eousness of their cause, not by their dele
gates and resolved to be free and indepen-
lent. Without men, money or resources,
with no power to raise taxes, they resolved
to cope with the most formidable govern
nent on the face of the earth, and fight to
he bitter end. Almost from nothing, the
irm resolve and intense patriotism Of the
people of 177G, and the creative genius of
the stuesmen, generals and financiers of
the day caused to spring forth armies, ma
vies, and money as required, an the con-
test fought through to a successful issne.
1t is well to recall the day of these small
things, not for the purpose of making us
proud and vain-glorious, but as an incen-
tive for the future. From small, distinct
colonies dependencies of Great Britain,
with towns and villages scattered here and
there. and occasional farms remote from the
settlements, we have grown to our present
proportions with cities, and towns, and vii
lagos, and farms almost without number.
Instead of blazed trees TO mark the way or
rude turnpikes, we have our well graded
highways, our railroads and canals. The
rude, heavy vehicle has been supplanted by
light, convenient carriages and wagons,
while instead of journeying IN the saddle
| directed by the uncertain foot path, we can
travel, almost where we may, in car or
boat, as comfortably provided for both
night and day, as in the best appointed ho-
tel. Wealth, prosperity and industry
mark the present day. The strides which
this country has made in material pros
perity, during the century are almost be
yond comprehension. and cannot be paral
leled in History. Every one who wills, car
obtain a comfortable support, il not nc
quire a competency or, indeed, alliuenco
No more, are tie itch and poor, as has
been the case in the country's history
compelled to make dinner of five kernels
of parched corn and a single oyster or crab
Except in extraordinary an exceptona
cases, every man, woman and child wht
will work can procure the necessares %
life.
Such are some Of the changes of cen
tury. Is it not meet and proper that th
centennial anniversary should be appropri
ately commemorated We have been ac
customed for years, in almost every city
village and hamlet of the land, to celebrat
the national anniversary. 1t will, doubt
less, be more generally commemorated i
1876, throughout the country than ever be
fore. That this may be done in an apprC
pirate manner money is needed whic
must be raised by private subscription
/ This will absorb the voluntary offerings o
t the people. In addition to this, as wa
meet and proper, n national commemorS
. tion has been provided for in Philadelphi
tho city which gave birth to a nation. /
: accordance with an act of Congress, the d,
9 tails were left TO commissioners to be, an
q which have been, appointed by the govern
: ors of the several states. In Vermont, OF
, townsman John N. Baxter was appointed
J, and, upon his resignation, Middleton GolC
y smith. NJ. D., another citizen Of RUTLAND
G was placed on the commission in his steat
n Every citizen OF Vermont knows that be
y ter selections could not have been mad
Il We have reason to believe, from person