The Grange advance. [volume] (Red Wing, Minn.) 1873-1877, 1875-04-27

ueuSc tuIOuSS VI spectators, as we'll as
the thousands in procession subjected to
a biting cast wind, was anything but con-
duc:ve Of patriotism. At length, about
two Pm, the march was resumed, and
passing in review before the President
and suite, the procession was dismissed
and grand raid was made upon the tent,
and then so dense was the crowd sur
rounding it on all sides that all those emit
tied to admission did not effect
an entrance before four o'clock. The pro.
gramme contemplated "a regular toasts,
but the lateness of the hour necessitated
a serious curtailment. The tables as
signed to the President and other distin-
guished guests, to the number of about
one hundred, were ranged alongside the
tent, on raised dias.
A letter was read from the ex-premier
Of England, Mr.. Gladstone, as follows:
LONDON, March 5th, 1875.
GENrs:-I have the honor to receive a
letter, in which you convey to me very
warm and courteous invitation to attend
the banquet which it is proposed to hold
at Lexington, in commemoration of the
attainment of the independence of the
OultCA 0t6IcS VI AAAcI4CSss NC ClICuu"
stances Of the war which yielded the re-
suit, the principles it illustrates, and the
remarkable powers and characters of the
principal men who took part, whether as
soldiers or civilians in the struggle. have
always invested 1t with peculiar interest
in my eyes, quite independent of the in
innate concern Of the country in the
events themselves. On account of these
features, that war and its accompani.
ments seem to me to consti-
tute one Of the most instructive
phases of modern history, and 1 have re-
peatedly recommended them to young
men as the subject ofspecial study. With
these views. I need not say how far I am
from regarding the approaching celebra-
ton with Indifference. 1t is entirely be.
yond my power to Cross the sea, even
with the present admirable communica-
ton, for the purpose of attendance. The
present time happens to be for me, even
independently of my attendance at Par
lament, one Of very urgent occupation,
which I am not at liberty to put aside;
but I earnestly hope, and cannot doubt.
that the celebration will be worthy the
occasion. In q retrospective view Of the
eventful period, my countrymen can now
contemplate its incidents with impartiali-
ty. 1 do not think they should severely
blame their ancestors. whose struggle to
maintain the unity of the British empire
is one that think must, after the late
great war of the north and south, be
viewed in America with some sympathy
and indulgence. We can hardly be ex.
pected to rate very highly the motives Of
the other powers who threw their weight
into the other scale, and who so sensibly
contributed towards accelerating, if not
indeed towards determining the issue Of
the war; yet for one con most truly
say that whatever the motives and how
ever painful the process, they, while
seeking to do an injury, conferred upon
us great benefit, by releasing US from
efforts the continuation Of which would
have been an unmixed evil. As regards
the fathers of the American constitution
themselves, believe we can and do now
contemplate their great qualities and
achievements with an admiration as pure
as that of the American citizens
themselves. and can rejoice no less heart.
lily. In the wisdom Of Providence they
were made the instruments of purpose
most beneficial to the world. The cir
cumstances under which the United States
began their national existence, and their
unexampled rapidity of advance in wealth
and population, enterprise and power,
have imposed on their people an enor-
nous responsibility. They will be tried
as we shall, at the bar of history, but in
a greater scale; will be compared with
men not only of other countries, but
other times. They cannot escape the liza.
bilities and burdens which their greatness
impose upon them. No one desires more
fervently than I do that they may be en-.
abled to realize the hi CHEST hopes and
anticipations that belong to their great
position in the family of man.
Ihave the honor to be, gentlemen, your
obedient and faithful servant.
W. E. GLADSTONE.
It was now past six o'clock P. ~, and