Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
Words for, the Centennial.

The Congressional Record of Jan.
Goth, contains the following remarks
made by our representative in Congress,
Hon. L. B. Caswell, Tuesday the 25th
ult., on the bill making an appropria-
ton for the Centennial celebration of
American Independence
. Mr.. Chairman, so much discussion
has already been had upon this meas
ure that do not feel justified in de-
tanning the House but a moment, |
intend to vote for this appropriation,
and it is but right that I give my rea-
sons for it. This, sir, is a question
which affects the nation both at home
and abroad. It's credit, its honor, its
opportunity is nowssat stake. So are
the interests OF every American citi-
zen. We have lived .one hundred
years. We have been tried in war
and in peace, and found, | trust, equal
to the emergency. There is wanting
only the grand reception which awaits
US at the Centennial That occasion
will not be for few, for any chosen
number. 1t will be for all the world.
We have invited the nations of the
earth to visit US and examine our fab
RIGS and products and bring with them
whatever they may think will success
fully compete with ours This we do
in the interests of labor, skill and in
dustry; we do it in the interests of
trade and commerce, and to invite i'm
migration to this country. But we
are told at the threshold that Congress
has not the constitutional power to
make the appropriation, that we are
not permitted to put our house in or
der for the invited guests, and give
shelter to the wares which they may
bring with them. Why. sir, this
strained construction of the Constitu-
ton would extinguish half the life and
glory of the Republic. It would par
alyze and cut off the greater arteries
Of commerce and destroy our useful
ness. H aF n
| do not, sir, believe in any such
construction. Why need we con-
stitution if it is but an obstruction in
the great path Of intelligent progress?
That constitution is the best which is
the broadcast in the interests of labor
and enterprise, meeting all the plans
OF the people. And what greater and
nobler enterprise can there be than
that of celebrating the events which
gave us life? What could better re-
Yive the love Of our country, again
united; what better kindle anew the
patriotism and cement the great IN
terests Of society Ny State, sir, is
remote from the place Of this exhibi-
ton; it is equally remote from the spot
where the fires of our liberty were
first kindled; but We are none the less
patriotic, and love that liberty none
the less, nor are we Indifferent as to
the good name and the honor of our
country which is so much involved in
this celebration. We are sensible of
this fact, that, though thousand of
miles apart, achievements since we
have lived have made US near neigh
bors, and we can talk together as one
family.
| We should not be wanting in hospi-
tally to those whom We have invited;
We should not hesitate to add what
ever money may be necessary to COM
plete this the cap.stone OF the column
which in history will mark the CEN
tenniai year Of our great and good
country.
Now. sir, that is all I have to say.
support this bill because believe it
is right. 30 sl ssil latlf ~ Is