New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-07-04
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.

looks, from Maine to California, from
the waters Of the Cult to the waters Of
lakes, on the one hundredth anniversary
of the existence of . mighty nation, upon
powerful republic set in the heart of the
New World. Born of holy desires, and
defended at the cradle OF liberty with
the blood of patriots, the young nation
has thrived and waxed strong. There is
no more powerful government in the Old
World; there is no better government
under the sun. Among nations We lead
in progress and civilization. 1t is some
thing to be abe to say to-day, 81 am an
American" 1t is something for the natu-
ralized citizen, welcomed to our shores,
to be able to say, "America is my
home" We could wish this day to
forget that Americans ever fought to dis
solve this Union; but while we remember
and honor those who created this govern
ment, those who took their lives in their
hands and sealed the compact, which was
vow to make government that should
be a republic worthy of men who loved
liberty, we must also gratefully remember
those noble men, now living and now
dead, who struggled to perpetuate this
Union of States. The Union came
through the war of the rebellion stronger
in itself. It is no longer an experiment;
it is q fixed fact. We can not be driven
from our principles and our position by
foreign foe; we can not be divided by in
ternal quarrels. Those who witness the
one-hundredth anniversary of Americas
independence, see her at peace with all
the world, with peace within her bor-
ders. Considering our country first,
as the thoughts which should be up
permost in the minds OF all men,
the squabbles for place and power go
for nothing. To-day we are all Amer
leans; and we have invited all the world
to visit US. The two political parties,
which must exist to promote free discus
sion of men and measures, and which are
necessary to bring out the best rulers,
have lately met in convention. One
says, "The United States of America is
nation, not league" the other says,
"We do here reafirm our faith in the per-
manency of the federal Union" These are
little fourth Of July planks, and it will be
hard if a man can not stand up to-day and
indorse the nationalism and patriotism Of
both.
1t is . good sign that 80 much has been
done toward appropriately celebrating the
fourth of July in New Orleans, and in
many other places in this State. The South
is being watched with eager eyes, with
love and with fear. It is expected of her
that she will be more patriotic than as if
she had never folded or strayed away
from the old flag. When the prodigal
son of the parable returned from his
voluntary alienation. he had had enough
of husks and independence without corn;
he was humble, and willing to be SER
want where he had been a son. No father
in the world could withstand the pream.
BILE to that young mans prayer. "Father,
I have sinned," were the words heard
through sobs and tears. There was evil
dence of heart in that sentence, and it
removed his disabilities of brotherhood,
and restored him to sonship Immediately.
It was scarcely to be wondered at that the
brother who had eaten fatted calf all
through the family rebellion was scarcely
thought of at the reunion, SO great was
the joy in the reunited household.
The South has regained her rightful
place in the Union, her representatives
are in the national councils, and it is fair
and duty that she should do some Of the
cheering for the old flag, and give the
rebellion q rest. In this centennial year
the American eagle should fairly scream
in the Pelican State. The growing popu-
lation needs lessons of patriotism and de-
votion to a common country. To thrive
and progress as it should, the city of New
Orleans needs to be thoroughly Ameri-
canized Try to select an intelligent jury
here, and there are hundreds Of mer-
chants, of wealth and long residence,
who will unblushingly plead that they
are not citizens of the United States
They have grown rich here, and they
constantly grumble about bad govern
ment. Individually they are not worth
a tinker's malediction, SO far as
being useful in making good government
is concerned. This is an excellent year
in which to become bona fide citizen of
the United States. In New Orleans to-
day we shall see crowds of men marching
together under the old flag We shall hear
the orator of the day, who has served his
country and his God, in the tented field
and by the holy altar, utter eloquent words
Of patriotism; We shall hear artillery talk of
liberty in thunder tones, and listen to the
glad laughter of ringing bells. Let this
day 60 FIR the country's good, and mark
an era Of better feeling here. Let it be
shown that We are proud of our country;
that it must live a nation forever, and
that it is worth living for, dying for when
it needs defenders.