The Washington critic., 1886-02-27
WASHINGTON. FEB. 81, 1886.
1883 1889.

ftn Vi MulNn, l'cvs w uSuihStOu Dc-
came the first President of the United
States under the Constitution. In the
glowing language of the historian,
LOSING:
"That was the crowning act of the
Revolution - then was Constitutional
Republicanism pure, vigorous and
abiding, first inaugurated upon earth"
What event more worthy than this
the true natal day of the Republic--of
joyous and united commcmoration by
the people of the United States2
Glorious indeed as was the Declara-
tion of 1ndcpcndence-that immortal
protest against the tyranny of King
craft-morc glorious still, the adoption
by the States of one permanent and
common bond of union. The Declara-
lion significd to the world lofty and
heroic purpose; the Constitution typi-
fies the success of mighty struggle
which set the colonies free and ended
in evolving from the Confederation
which followed the model Govern
iucnt of the worlds history,
The wonderful extension of our ma
tional domain; its progress in all the
arts and sciences; many times multi
piled population, attest the wise and
wholesome efficacy of the principles by
which the Constitution is vitalized.
Thirty-eight States have entered its
fold. Eight vast Territories are wait
ing without, eager to share in the bcne.
fits of an organic law which the origi
nal thirteen commonwealth accepted
only as an experiment. Its strength
and endurance are shown in the strain
that was put upon ii by tremendous
civil war;
Nor has the influence of American
institutions resting on the basis Of the
Constitution been limited to tho United
States 1t has been felt throughout
the world and given an impetus to pop
,llar liberty, without which old dcspot-
isms had known no disturbance of their
security. 1t has made Republic of
France. 1t is upturning English
feudalism. II is working out Ireland
salvation. 1t has given an organized
democracy to Germany. Its monitions
fall ominously upon the ear of the Czar.
1t has republicanized the greater part
of the Western Hemisphere.
What grandcr anniversary in Ameri-
can history than the Centennial of
Constitutional Brotherhood of States,
SO resplendent in its own political tri-
nmphs, so illustrious as an example
and inspiration to all lovers of liberty,
and so far-reaching in its bcne6cent re-
suits TO the world. Well may the
people come together in such a year to
celebrate their first political century
with an exposition of the moral and
material progress they have made un-
der the first charter of their political
liberties.
Forty or more rich and populous
States distinct as the billows, yet one
as the sea" each a sovereign nation In
itself-laying the tribute of their en-
lightened energy and industrial prog
rcss at the foot of the mighty monu-
ment which symbolizes the fame of
their first President, were the sublimest
spectacle the world had ever looked
on.
1t is to promote the opportunities for
such a,spectacle that the present Expo
sition movement has been inauguratel
and to the support of which the aid of
the Congress of the United States, of
the legislatures Of the several States
and of the intelligence of the country
is now invoked.
With prompt and liberal action on
the part of the Government the cele-
bration in $3.50 is entirely practicable.
Thus will the foundation of the Expo
sition he permanently laid and the way
opened to an assured and suitable com
memoration of the anniversary of the
discovery of America three years later
The first great event to be provided fol
is in honor of the Constitution. Tha
done, there need be no fears for th,
future.
TO this end TIE CRITIC would sug
gest that Congress appoint at once I
joint select committee of the tive
Houses TO take the whole subject int
consideration, cooperating with tn
committee of citizens yet to be ap
pointed, and make report as to tn
practicability and plans of the projec
at as early day as possible. 1t shoul
certainly be done at the present session
and be followed by such n preliminar.
appropriation as may be found ex
pedicnt and necessary. Ample tim
will then be afforded for the erection
Of suitable buildings and the perfection
OF needful details, to admit of the gran,
commemorative Inauguration in 1889
REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM WALTEI
PHELPS is very prominently spoken o
as the Republican candidate for Gov
crnor Of New Jersey. Mr.. Phelps woul
make good State executive. Althoug
he parts his hair in the middle an
wears bangs. he is an able and eloquer
gentleman, capable of rising aboy
party measures. His excellent speeche
I'm the Fitz John Porter case show hir
10 be magnanimous non partisan.
CoNTEMPoRANEoUs with the step
that are being taken TO reconstruct tn
American Navy is o movement in Ne'
York in favor of Secretary Whitne
for the next United States Senator fror
that State.al The Graphic says it's
"good idea" and that Mr.. Whitney
name would bca potent one to inscrib