Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-07-04
The Centennial Fourth.

The Centennial Fourth.
The American people celebrate to-day
the one hundredth anniversary of the
adoption of the Declaration Of Independ-
ence. The occasion will be observed all
over the country with patriotic ardor, by
the ringing of bells, the roar of cannon.
the blaze of fireworks, and by professions,
eloquent speeches and elaborate displays
of bunting. The grand celebration at
Philadelphia, in the vicinity of Independ-
ence Hall, where the immortal Declare
ton was discussed and adopted, will APP
propriately take the first place in this great
national holiday. There Independence
was born, and there where the cradle of
the infant Republic was rocked is the fittest
place to celebra the nations Centennial.
The resolution in favor of a declaration
OF independence was adopted in Congress
on the second Of July, though the decla-
ration itself was not prepared and signed
until the Fourth. Over the passage the
resolution was the real tug of war in the
Congress. After that opposition ceased,
the only question being as to the form OF
the declaration. John Adams thought
the Second of July. as it marked the pas
sage of the resolution of independence in
Congress. would be the day that would be
celebrated. '.At the end of this great
day." says Bancroft, "the mind of John
Adams heaved like the ocean after storm.
1.-The greatest question:" he wrote. "was
decided which ever was debated in Amer-
ca. and greater, perhaps. never was nor
will be decided among men," After
mentioning the events which had proceed
ed the adoption of the resolution he said:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the
most memorable epocha in the history of
America; to be celebrated by succeeding
generations as the great anniversary fes-
tival. commemorated as the day of deliv-
erance, by solemn acts of devotion to God
Almighty, from one end of the continent
to the other, from this time forward for
evermore."
"You will think me transported with
enthusiasm, but l am not. l am well
aware of the toll and blood and treasure
that it will cost US TO maintain this decla-
ration, and support and defend these
States; yet; through all the gloom. l can
see the rays Of light and glory; that the
end is worth all the means; that pos
terity will triumph in that days transac-
ton, even though We should rue 1t, which
trust in God we shall not"
Applied to the Fourth of July l776, in
stead of the Second, how prophetic were
the words OF the great statesman and
patriot. The day is celebrated as the ma
tons great anniversary festival" and
that 1.-The end" was worth all the means"
that "posterity" has trumphed "in that
days transaction" is amply proved by the
fact that the United States at the close of
the first century of its existence walks
giant among the nations Of the EARTH pro-
claiming to all the blessings of freedom
and independence and the capacity of
mankind for self government. and mani
Testing the ability for greater achievements
in governmental and material progress in
the future than even those wonderful re-
suits which have crowned the first hun
dred years of It's existence. With such
glorious past secured, and such a glorious
future in prospect, Americans have the
amplest cause Tor rejoicing to-day" great
er by far than any other nation ever had
of which the worlds history contains any
record.