Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-05-18
A NOTABLE CEREMONY.

Among the interesting incidents con-
nected with tho opening of the Centennial
Exhibition at Philadelphia was the return
to the Old Hall in which it was adopted
and signed of the original Declaration of
Independence The National Administra-
ton decided to allow it to be placed in
that sacred place during the continuance
of the great exhibition.
Secretary Chandler paid a fitting COM
pliment to a gentleman of high personal
and patriotic character when he designated
Mr.. Alonzo Bell, Chief Clerk of the De-
partment of the Interior. to convey the
immortal document to its birthplace and
temporary place of deposits. The munici-
pal authorities of Philadelphia showed
their appreciation of the circumstances by
receiving the document and its bearer with
all due honors. Mr.. Bell, in fulfilling his
duty. made with great fitness the follow.
ing appropriate speech
"On behalf of the government of the
United States, and under the special in
structions of the Secretary of Interior |
have the high honor of returning to the
city and hall which gave it birth the or
iginal Declaration of Independence. Its
advent was amid strife and revolution. |
bring it back to-day amid evidence of uni
versal peace. would that the signers of
this sacred document were here to receive
it. that they might behold the completion
of the work they inagurated. But they
cannot be with us. They have long since
answered the summons that we in time
must answer. Even their signatures have
almost faded from sight. and the parch-
ment itself is beginning to crumble under
the touch of a century.
But let us be thankful and rejoice to day
that the spirit of freedom which found ex-
preston in this document still lives and
finds reflection in the hearts of the Ameri-
can people.
To this holy spot--for deem it hallowed
ground on which | stand-tens of thous-
ands from every quarter Of the globe will
come to kneel at this shrine OF nations
liberty, and to render homage. not only to
those who laid the foundations stones oil
the temple, but also to those whose faces
we still remember, who laid down their
lives in defense of the completed struct.
ure.
Let us be thankful that the republic sill
lives that this document, which has come
back to you, has not been dishonored, but
returns like an aged parent to look upon
the glory of his children, and to breathe
out a prayer and blessing for those who
have proven worthy of his benedictiun.
Let us thank God for this Centennial
year so full of promise and hope; for the
administration of justice under just
President; for the peace we enjoy at home
and abroad; for the signs of prosperity
dawning; for the rekindling of loyalty
and patriotism; for the blessings of good
government and the presence of civil and
religious liberty. Let us be devOutly
thankful for this Centennial year.
And now, gentlemen, in obedience to
my instructions l transfer to your guar
dianship this precious document. Permit
me to express the hope that relic that has
been projected by the love and veneration
of the American people for a hundred years
will suffer no injury under your charge.
but will be returned at the close of the
Centennial season in as good condition as
you now receive it.
The Declaration was then placed in
safe constructed both to exhibit and pre-
serve It, the key Of which is in possession
OF the interior Department. The old Hall !