Los Angeles daily herald., 1876-05-11
Yesterday.

lOItu uiSIOFlC memories DrlSnG, sudueu
and clouded-bright in the hopes of
coming century, shaded with the
mists of the future, and only clouded
with the memories of the past that
will ere long through the patriotism
of our people pass into graceful and
eternal oblivion. There is something
material in the celebration of the
opening of the Centennial on the spot
where the bell first rang out the peel
that gave notice to the world that Lib
erty was born; and there is something
material as we witness her children
to-day gathering around the shrine
erected by the Fathers, to pay tender
and enduring tribute to the memories
of those who laid the cornerstone of
our political and social edifice.. We
are even now but preparing for the
great and momentous moment of this
celebration. On the Fourth of July,
in the language of one of our ablest
statesmen, "the deed will be done.n
The century will be closed. AS the
wheel of time rolls on, and as we look
into the future let us bury the past,
except as to the fond recollections of
harmony and peace, and let the inspi-
rations of hope prompt us to look to the
future with faith in our coming des-
tiny, and charity for the past errors of
our national career. From adversity
we have hewn out national existence
and prominence; born in tribulation
we have breasted the storm of every
evil that men or nations can ever be
called upon to encounter, and under
the blessing of God we stand at the
beginning of new century still
united, still working, still hopeful, still
confident that our labors will in the end
demonstrate the fact that Republic
anism is not a failure. The develop
ments of intellect, the advancement
of art, science, commerce and polite
al economy have been such under our
system that we proudly exhibit them,
and the world itself feels honored in
paying tribute to our achievements.
While we rejoice over this accom-
plishment, let us look back as well as
to the future, and see if we have been
true to the traditions of the past. We
will not raise the veil that should be
closed, but simply suggest the thought
that we may sometimes profit in the
future from the resurrections of the
events gone by. Fond memories will
ever be cherished, and happy recollec-
tions will ever be held sacred as
promptings for the future. AS to-day
the American idea stands before the
world materialized in colossal pro-
portions to be scrutinized by all ma
tions, let us appreciate the position
we occupy before the world, and be
sure that we are worthy in the future
of the homage paid us to-day. With
increasing intensity the responsibility
comes upon us, and as the centuries
roll on the greater our burden be-
| comes. At the outset of the new cen.
tury let us show to the world that we
are still true to the traditional theo-
ries and that in our practices as a peo-
pie we have not wandered from the
faith of the fathers. Americas chast-
est poet has sought the MUSES. and
thus he honors the day. WHITTIER's
thoughts are ever pure, and his ideas
are inspired by the genius of poesy.
Thus he speaks on the Centennial
opening:
Our fathers God, from out whose hand
The centuries fall like grains of sand,
We meet to-day, united, free,
And loyal to our land and Thee,
To thank Thee for the era done,
And trust Thee for the opening one.
Here where OF old, by Thy design,
The fathers spake that word of Thine,
Whose echo is the glad refrain,
| Offended bolt and falling chain,
To grace our festal time from all
The zones Of earth, our guests we call.
Be with us while the New World greets
| The Old Word, thronging all It's streets,
dwelling all the triumphs won,
Or by art or TOLL beneath the sun,
And unto the common good Ordain
The rivalship of hand and brain.
Thou who hast here in concord furled
The war flags of gathered world,
Beneath our western skies fulfill
The OrieDts mission of good will,
| And freighted with Loves golden fleece,
| Send back the Argonauts OF Peace.
For art and labor met in truce,
For beauty, made the bride of use,
We thank thee, while withal we crave
The austere virtues, strong to save,
The honor, proof to place or gold,
The manhood, never bought nor sold.
O!make Thou US, through centuries long,
In peace secure, in justice strong;
Around our gift OF Freedom draw
| The safeguard of thy righteous law,
And, cast in some divner mould