The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-02-05
TEE CENTENNIAL ExPOs,TiON

OHly TWO years clapSc before VIC Ceic-
hrate the ono hnndrcth nnnivnrsarv of
the thirteen colonies of Great Britain.
sparsely settled, without armies or nayies
with no treasury or apparent means of pro-
curing the slnews of war, with, in every
other respect, diverse interests, and almost
without resources, relying upon the right
cousness of their cause, not by their dele
gates and resolved 10 be free and indcpen-
dent. Without men, money or resources,
with no power TO raise taxes, they resolved
to cope with the most formidable govern
ment on the face Of the earth, and fight to
the bitter end. Almost from nothing, the
firm resolve and intense patriotism of the
people of 1776, and the creative genius of
the statesmen, generals and financiers of
the day caused to spring forth armies, ma
vies, and money as required, an the con-
test fought through to successful issue.
1t is well to recall the day of these small
things, not for the purpose of making us
proud and vain-glorous, but as an inccn-
tive for the future From small, distinct
N'''''ASS VI bItuL Dllldll.
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 viii
lagos, and farms almost without number
Instead of bla1ed trees to mark the way or
rude turnpikcs, 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. can
obtain comfortable support, if not &C
quirc competency or, indeed, aflluence
No more, are the rich and poor, as has
been the case in tho country's history,
compelled to make a dinner of five kernels
OF parched corn and a single oyster or crab.
Except in extraordinary an exceptional
cases, every man, woman and child who
will work can procure the necessarics Of
life
such are some of the changes OF CEN
fury. Is it not meet and proper that the
centennial anniversary should be appropr-
ately commemoratcd We have been ac
customed for years, in almost every city,
village and hamlet of the land. to celebrate
the national anniversary 1t will, doubt.
less, be more generally commcmoratcd in
1876, throughout the country than ever be-
fore. That this may be done in an appro-
pirate manner money ia needed. which
must be raised by private subscription.
This will absorb the voluntary offerings of
tho people. In addition to this, as was
meet and proper, national commemora-
ton has been provided for in PHILADELPHIA
the city which gave birth to q nation. In
accordance with an act of Congress, the de-
tails were left to commissioners to be, and
which have been, appointed by the govern
ors OF the several states. In Vermont, our
townsman John N. Baxter was appointed,
and, upon his resignation, Middleton Gold
smith. M. D., another ctisen of Rutland
vas placed on the commission in his stead
Every citizen OF Vermont kasus that bet
ter selections could not have been made.
We have reason to believe, from personal
acquaintance with some and the reputation
OF, and information about, the other COM