The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-11-18
influence of the Centennial on the
study of American History.

1t is one Of the great benefits of the Cen
tennlal year that it will stimulate the
study OF American history, and by re-
treshing the memory of the patriotic de-
votion Of the fathers and their ancestors
will inspire noble emulation. To most
cultivated Americans the history of En-
gland has charm which our own has not
Why IS it," asked a distinguished
Judge, that the story of English politics
is SO interesting and that of our own so
dull and dry" There is, in reply, the
constant charm of distance to be consid-
cred, and the scenery and events which a
great literature has illustrated, and the
fascination of "a long-extcnding multitude
OF men OF genius of our own race devOting
their powers to our welfare. England IT.
sell Is touched with poetic association,
While America is as yet, and with great
exceptions, bare of that interest. But the
more closely our story is studied the more
heroic and satisfactory it will be. Wearc
Still too near the carly epoch for tradition
to resolve itself into legend. We cannot
have an Arthurian cycle. Our Cecrops
and Cadmus and ROmulus and Remus are
too near the eye. Our antiquity cncoun-
tiers the modern time of England, and our
history, therefore, lacks that vague and
vast setting of mystery and remotencss
which the imagination loves.
Then, colonial annals are always reflect
i've. The last century in this country
was not so interesting in its Indian and
French wars as in the details of unevent-
full life, in the routine of towns, and the
romance of settlement. The Governor
was little shadow Of King, and his
council of Parliament. But the mo-
ment the great debate of the Revolution
begins, the interest in our history is CON-
manding. We had, indeed, and unfortu-
nately, no men so conspicuous for genius
as many Englishmen, no oratorical figure,
for instance, so superb as Burke, whose
single splendor fills his time with light.
Patrick Henry and James Otis were cleo
trio speakers, who fired an assembly and
kindled people. But they have LETT
nothing which is part Of the treasures
Of our literature, and over which the pO-
ct, the statesman, and the student all
hang with delight. Jefferson said of Hen
ry that it was the inspiration Of hearing
him which was his great gift He could
not remember what he said. Lord Chat
ham was correct in saying that the Con-
tinental Congress was an assembly of
sages as illustrious and dignifed as any
Oh OTceCc Ut 1NOLlC. DuC IL was weight
of character, purity of purpose, heroism,
patriotism, good sense and intelligence
which distinguished them. There was
no Pym, no STAFFORD, no Falkland, no
Cromwell.
Yet, when all this is conceded, there
remains the fact of the mobserved growth
of nation upon this continent, the de-
velopment under most favorable condi-
tons of many of the most characteristic
institutions Of the race from which En-
gland and her colonies sprung, and the
mastery management of one Of the great
est international debates in history, con-
Quoted by men Of the clearest insight and
the utmost intrepidity, and of remarkable
ability. 1t is the setting, the scene, which
is wanting to the imaginative reader; but
it is little more; for our fathers cause was
that Of England herself, and their atti-
tude and devotion were the qualities that
had made the glory Of great epochs in
England. It is quite time that there was
a more careful study Of American history
in schools and colleges, and the Centennial
year will quicken an interest IN it which
is sure to be repald.-Harper's Nagasine.