The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-07-08

and millions Throughout our great and happy
land, we are privileged to celebrate on this
day; the one hundredth anniversary OF our
National Independence. We acknowledge
with greatfnl hearts thy mercfal band in
leading US up from national infancy 10 the ma
terial displays Of national manhood which we
this day everywhere behold. We thank Thee
that We are the Inhabitants OF so goodly aud
happy land, that we are privileged 10 live
under government which in is fundamental
principles guarantees to all It's people, civil
aud religious liberty, aud which. may TINS he
truly SAID To constitute our land the asylum
of the oppressed of all nations. Aud while
our hearts burn with gratitude and love to
Thee for the innumerable blessings which thou
hast vouchsafed 10 us as people in the past,
for the light of the glorious Gospel OF Thy
son our saviour; for the church, the pinrand
ground Of the truth for the schools OF learn
ing, aud for our present peace and national
greatneSs-we pray Thee In the name oil
Thy son our Lord, whom thou didst exalt to
thine own right hand, and under whose do.
minion thou ddst put all principalities and
powers---who holds the nations ofall the earth
in His hand-who orderest their history, and
controls their destiny for his own glory--to
vouchsafe untous, Thypeople, BLESSINGS in the
future, as Thou dldst in the past. Bless the
fathers and mothers, the sons and daughters
of onr great land with Thy richest bouniieS,
enable us to fondly cherish, and TO profit by,
the noble examples Of Christian virtue, oil true
patriotism, of national integrity, and love of
| liberty which the founders ofour government
have left us. Bless the President OF the
United States, the Governor of this common
wealth, and all who are IN authority over US.
| Undue them with the spirit of wisdom, good.
ness. and truth, and so rule their hearts aud
bless their endeavurs that law and order,
Justice and peace may everywhere prevail.
| Preserve MS from public calamities, from
pestience aud famine, from war and rumors
Of war, and especially from all national SINS
and political corruption. Make MS strong and
great in the fear Of God and in the love of
Righteousness; 50 that being blest of Thee we
may become blessing to all nations, to the
praise of the glory of thy grace through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Smile gracously upon ev-
cry part Of our land, aud preserve MS cvermore
in the enjoyment Of peace and prosperity
Dismiss us now with Thy blessing. Go with
all who are here present, and attend them IN
their peaceful avocations, and in all the rela'
tons Of life with Thy most gracious benedic'
lions, md be Thou pleased TO hear US, as with
one heart and one voice, we pray Thee as
Thou in Thy word hast taught us, saying,
''0ur Father who are in heaven, &c,
Doxology by Choir and audience, and bene-
diction by Rev. DR.. Ward.
The procession reformed and marched into
the city and was dismissed by the Marshal.
AT the intersection Of Main and Centre
streets Messrs. John Faber and J. W. Perkins
erected an arch over Main street. which was
anoneo3aA ,,r,fI, ha ,aftapal aafnrs Chinese
lanterns and number of small flags.
The bells of the Churches rarg n merry
peal in the morning and again in the evening,
The Centennial bell, erected by Messrs. ii.
Schenthall and Frank King, RUG almost in
cessantly through the night of the 3d and also
of the 4th.
Statutes were fired at morning, noon and
night, by detachment OF artillery from Fort
Mclenry, under the charge OF sergeant and
seven men. As the evening salute was being
fired thunderstorm prevailed aud the boom
ing ofthe artillery upon terra firma was an-
swered by the electric batteries OF the skies,
with peal on peal, which seemed to mock the
impotence Of man.
AT night there was grand illumination
throughout the city, which closed the obser.
vances of Centennial Day. As deserving of
especial mention, we name the residences Of
David Shriver, Col. Vim. p. Maulsby. II. l..
Norris, Col VIM. A. McKelip, Edward
Lynch, Theo. l.. Fritehey, Wm. b. Thomas,
Dr. Wells Drug Store, The orendorif Build.
ing had beautiful arch Of gas jets with star
in the centre. A number OF, Chinese lanterns
adorned the entire front in addition to the gas
Jets, the handiwork of p Callaghan 4 Son
The Western Maryland College, from its great
number Of windows, shone respendently, and
seemed very pyramid of light. Fire works
were sent up, during the evening, from various
parts of the city.
Nearly every house was decorated with
flags, steamers or Chinese lanterns, and the
whole city put on gay and festal appearance.
About OF loct the clouds broke away, and
the full.orbed moon hung out her great astral
lamp in the heavens, MS Tito join in the grand
illumination below in honor of our Centennial. !.
At Union Bridge the day was celebrated
by a procession, singing Of National An.
thems, prayer by Rev. Jacob Ii. Christ,
reading of the Declaration Of Independence
by David Rinehart, historical sketch by
Joshua Switzer, Grafton by DIR. Simpson,
an L.