The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1882-07-06
From the Frsie Presse, July 81
The Fourth of July.

For many years the 18th of July has been
celebrated in specific circles only-as a festi-
val of the people. and as it ought to be, on the
commemorative day of independence of
great republic there is nothing left. Before
the war it was different there was not a
place in Texas where the fourth Of July was
not celebrated, and that world renowned doc
ument of Thomas Jefferson, the declaration of
independence, which gained its celebrity
IN the last century, was read, and heard.
Along with this there were festivities in which
all took part. After the war things changed
The south had drawn the sword to destroy
union that was founded by Washington and
his compatriots: it had drawn the stars and
stripes into the mire and walked rough-shod
over the fundamental rules of liberty and
equality, and put up its existence for
the PerPetuation of slavery into the
scales. No wonder that the declaration
of independendence sounded to the south
like the avenging sentence of retribution from
a Furnishing Judge, while with few it re-
kindled the old animosities against the north
ern states, and with few it created feeling
OF regret and repentance, they would not take
part in the celebration of the 4th because they
did not feel themselves home any more in the
newly re established union.
In the first years Immediately after the war
the day was celebrated by the Union people
here in conjunction with the military at this
post in magnificent style.
AT that time all who had kept their pliphted
faith to the Union even in its darkest days and
most dangerous situations stood close togeth-
er; they formed the great majority of this city.
Gradually, however, demagogues who had
evoked the evil spirits of rebellion, and on
whose conscience rests the death of many q
brave Union man, began to show their infiu-
ence; thousands of formerly faithful Union
men left the ranks and flag in and under which
they had been freed from the very worst of
slavery, that is, the predominating rule of
the old 'Slave Barons," and Joined the very
party that had tried hard to destroy them.
They had learned nothing =
Thus it came that the 4th became a dav
of indifference to the back-sliding turn-coats.
Since toen we only celebrate the day in pri-
vate circles. Here the frenen honor the
great day, there it is the Irish land league:
a general celebration is not though, of, least
of all our officials and great politicians, thew
have other things to attend to.
AS remarked previously. some years past
the military here took part in connection with
the citizens in celebrating this day, however.
1t lasted only as long as the commanding off
Ger assisted the republican administration.
When General Ord took command of the post
of San Antonio this ceased, as a democrat he
done what they did; now the military are local
" divided from the citizens and they keep the
day in their own way.
Outside of San Antonio it is in German SET
Elements where the whole people ioin as
unit, where Joy and merriment are the order
of the day. We Germans know above all
nations how to appreciate the blessings of a
free republic, because we have felt the press
ure of semi-despotic monarchy.
For us the fourth of July is still a grand
''gala day." as it should be for all nations and
people who aim after true development and
freedom. independence Day. was the
birthday of our republic. the declaration OF
independence led to the French revolution and
this in return has made its influence through
out Europe, Therefore all should honor the
4th July