The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-07-08
THE DAY WE CELEBRATED.

The first century of the Great Republic
has become thing Of the past. The story
of its struggles and victories, its progress
and achievements, have passed into history,
while, as a nation, we have crossed the inn
palpable line that divides the Centennial
eras of its existence. y grateful people
have, throughout the length and breadth
of the land, attested, by every manner of
demonstration, their appreciation of their
country's greatness, and have shown how
geneial was the zeal and fervor of the Cen
tennial anniversary of our national birth
day. OratOry, poetry, music and song,
heightened in their impressive effects by
the appliances and magniticence of decora-
tive display, have all contributed their
choicest productions, as offerings worthy
so rare an occasion. Although the observ-
ance of the day was perhaps never before
SO general, and although city We'd with
city in their richest decorations, while the
greatest local interest had been born of the
patriotism of the hour, in every town and
village, yet all eyes turned instinctively
towards Philadelphia as the chief center
of attraction in her great national exposi-
ton and industrial congress. The celebra-
ton there derived additional interest from
the ever present fact that in that city was
first promulgated the immortal instrument
that declared the independence of a new
nation. The further interesting fact that
Philadelphia subsequently became the seat
of the National Government, and is rich in
Revolutionary monuments, at which we'll
cherished shrines thousands receive fresh
inspiration of patriotism and love of coun-
try, invests that city with an historic
charm possessed by no other metropolis of
the country. The demonstration witness
ed there, on Tuesday, was worthy the city
and nation. The Grafton, delivered by Mr..
Evarts, was grand production, ranking
chiefest among the intellectual contribu-
tions of the first Centennial era of the
American Republic. Reviewing, with the
close reasoning of the philosopher, the
past and future of the Republic, he stirred,
by his eloquence, the deepest feelings of
the immense audience assembled under the
shadow of Independence Hall. Among his
auditors were men distinguished in all pro-
fessions and pursuits, and representing
every quarter of the globe. Dom Pedro
II, Emperor of Brazil, with his suite;
Prince Oscar, of Sweden; Sir Edward
Thornton; Gen. Saigo, of Japan; Count
Rochambeau, Col. Audenreid, Gen. Sher-
man, Gen. Sheridan, Gov. Rutherford B.
Hayes, Richard Henry Lee, President Ferry
and the Governors of the States formed a
small portion of the distinguished audience
there assembled. The national ode, recited
from memory by the gifted Bayard Taylor,
was interrupted by storms of applause,
showing how deeply he was touching the
popular heart, who, when he he had con-
cluded, received a genuine grafton.
The most impressive episode of the pro-
ceedingS, however, occurred when the an
nouncement was made of the reading OF
the Declaration of Independence by the
grandson of one of its signers, whose name
he bore, Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia.
At the name Of Lee thunders of applause
| burst from the multitude. After silence
was restored, the uncomfortable enthusi-
asm of the audience again broke forth
when the original Declaration, encased in
its plain mahogany frames were handed
him, all seemed infected with the irrepres
sible impulse to applaud. Sages, soldiers,
statesmen and divi9es all joined in the
grand acclaim, and royalty itself joined in
homage to this assertion of the rights OF
man, as none shouted louder than Dom
| Pedro himself
In describing the audience, an eye-wt,
ness writes: As the moment for the exer'
cises to begin approached, the scene was
one of the most impressive ever Witnessed
An army awes, because upon the march,
in camp, or in battle, it moves at the dicta
tion of single will. But here was some
thing greater than such an army, for il
was great host commanding itself. II
was a myriad of human impulses and pas
sions condensed for the moment into one
patriotism. To recall the past of the Re
public, to take as it were from within the
plain, gray walls of Independence Hall,
the glorious memories of hundred years
ago, and scatter them broadcast over the
land to bear good seed in increased devo.
| ton to liberty and order, was the mission
in fufillment of which they stood under
the broiling rays of the Summer sun. This
upon this human sea which now overlooked
the square. 1t spoke, too, with emphasis
Of the prosperity of the Republic, of the
incentives to industry, and the rich rewards
to labor, given by liberty. 1t spoke, too
in eloquent terms of the regard it cherished
for sacred things, if not for the Christian
foundation of the nation, for it listened
with reverence to a prayer it could not hear
1t was well to pause moment to revere a
part which could produce such a scene
! before proceeding with the Centennial
Scarcely less enthusiastic was the observ-
ance of the anniversary in New York and
| other metropolitan centers, while through
out the country at large went up heart felt
thanks to the Divine power that hath SC
made and preserved US nation.
| THE BOILED CROW EATERS. The nom.
ination of Gov Tilden was spoken of to day
| nv lpaljno Democrats ooSt actnpicb