Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-07-01
Tho Spirit Renew.

Inv bCpAAlt ACIcWs
As our people making preparations
for celebration the natal day of
American Independence, a few sus-
gestions as to the spirit in which
these exercises should be conducted
may not be deemed in appropriate.
Let us inquire. what is the object
subservsd by the grand assembling
OF the masses, the firing of cannon,
the display of bunting, the civic
parade, the martial music, the read
ing and defamation, aud the games
and diversions which follow? sit
to afford an opportunity for brief
respite from the busy turmoil Of life,
a season of recreation in which the
dropping spirits may be infused with
new vigor, or a social reunion for
bringing together those who though
separated by span are practically as
far apart as though oceans roll be-
tween? This is probably about all
the benefit derived by many people
from the annual celebration of our
national holiday. The pageantry
and show is enjoyed for it's novelty,
just as the parade of the baud wagon
OF a circus arouses the people to the
liveliest exhibitions of Interest, while
the noble utterances of the grand
old Declaration of Independence
and the patriotic Grafton which fol-
low are tolerated with a fair mani
festation of patience, only as an I'M
voidable part of the programme, to
DO followed by something more pal
atable and amusing afterwards. We
do not know as this desire to be
amused, should be censured, nor
that it is not commendable spirit
to exhibit when many people are
assembled for season of rejoicing;
but it is plain to the most casual OBJ
server that the object which gave
sanction to this annual custom is to
q great degree lost from the neces-
sarily stereotyped manner in which
nearly all such celebrations are
managed.
There should be more effort made
to arouse the mind to a considera-
ton of the great struggle which gave
us our liberties. The principles in
volved should ever be impressed
upon the mind of the citizen, that
he may exercise his right of sover.
eighty with full understanding oil
the grave responsibility committed
to his care. This heritage is con-
tinually menaced with danger
There are bad men in Republics as
we'll as in kingdoms and empires
men who would strike down thu
government itself, if a possible way
were opened whereby its downfall
would result in success to themselves
and their followers. This spirit ha'
been manifested on many OCCASION
since the formation of the Govern
ment, although it but once assumed
the form of overt treason. Ever.
effort made to subvert the sovereign
will of the people, constitutional.
expressed, or to impede or proven
fair expression through the ballot
is q direct stab at our republican
form of government. Every act o
corruption Of those entrusted will
power which is discovered and no
followed by a speedy and adequate
punishment, weakens popular conf
dence and impairs the stability o
FREQ institutions.
This should be the lesson of tn
hour. It should teach US to be les
partisan and more patriotic. W.
should stand by the right, let
place us where it may. We shoule
"Hew to the line, let the chips fall
where they will"
The noble example, the grand ut
terances, the heroic deeds, OF tn
Fathers of the Republic, if faithful
ly portrayed, so as to produce a last
ing impression upon the heart, woul'
do more to purify party polite
than any other agency which coul'
be brought to bear.
When this stream is purified VI
have nothing to fear. Its water
have become turgid from the slim
and ooze Of corruption, and publ
sentiment has become debased.
Let US hope that tho celebration
next week, all over the land, vii
serve, in some degree at least, b
contemplation of a better sge, t
restore popular sentiment to it
pristine purity.
Ma. w. F. Crosby, of this place
shipped by the outgoing San Fran
cisco steamer upwards of 6O,OO
pounds OF wool from this and ad
Joining counties. This, and othe
shipments to follow, 10 consigne'
to the extensive wool-dealers Q
Christy g. Wise, GOT Front Street