River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-06-26
THE DAY WE CELEBRATE.
A Brief History Of Independence Dsy-Old
and Modern Mays of Celebrating.

ana Modern ways OF teiebrathE.
The fourth day of July in each and
every year commentaries the most re-
markable event in all the worlds his
tory. 1t gave birth TO the Declaration
of Independence, which, for the first
time in the worlds history, enunciated
the doctrine that all men were created
free and equal and had an inalienable
right to life, liberty and the pursuit OF
happiness
To the Americans of to-day this state
ment is such a matter OF fact that IT is
difficult to realize that it was ever dis
puted.
But it was, by all rulers and a great
many of the ruled. Kings, queens and
the nobility seriously maintained that
one class of people-the vast majority
were expressly created to work for
and support the ruling class-a small
minority-and that the common people
had no rights except those given them
by their rulers.
The Declaration of Independence
brushed aside all these old traditions
and boldly declared that the right to
govern rested on the consent of those
VINO were governed.
"Why, of course il dOesT we say
now. But what a startling declaration
il was then, The idea that the people
hal any right To say who should rule
them, make their laws or levy their
taxes was perfectly monstrous to the
kings and queens. and it is no wonder
King George put price on John Han
cocks head and called him a ''pestilent
rebel"
1t was not only remarkable declara-
ton, but at that time it looked like a
very foolish one.
Thomas jefferson drew mp the Declar-
alton, and during the second and third
days of July it was under debate-iJs
fate and the fate OF the future Nation
trembling in the balance.
In the nick of time came the news of
the arrival of large British armament,
under the brothers Howe at Sandy
Hook.
Now or never" was the cry of those
in favor of the Declaration.
Congress must soon disband, perhaps
never TO meet again, and united and
immediate action was essential. The
patriotic infused their own enthusiasm
into the luke-warm and cautious, and
the great Declaration was signed.
Never was there a more momentous
act. and il was solemn occasion to the
signers Each one knew that by his
signature he had placed his life as we'll
as his estates in jeopardy. They were
traitors beyond the hope of pardon.
From thaS day to this, independence
day has been celebrated. During the
dark days of the revolution there must
have been times when such celebrations
seemed like hollow mockeries-the Ma
ton was so poor and weak, and England
so rich and strong. that the struggle
must have often appeared hopeless
But the patriots persevered until victory
crowned their efforts; and now we can
celebrate the day without regret for
the past or a tremor for the future.
Every boy and girl. as well as adult
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, will
celebrate il, and it does not make much
difference in what manner the celebra-
ton is held.
Fifty years ago there was an almost
uniform celebration. The Declaration
of Independence was read by the local
orator; there was a parade by the
train bands" and fire companies; can
non were fired, and there was always
one or two Revolutionary heroes to
make a speech, or at least sit on the
platform and honor the occasion with
their presence.
But ''times change and men change
with them" Revolutionary heroes are
no more, and the Declaration is sup
posed to be so we'll known that its read
ing is omitted.
This is not as it should be. At least
once a year. that immortal document
should be read in every town and viii
lage in the Union, no matter what the
rest of the celebration may be.
Young America runs to noise. Well,
let there be noise!-as much as possi-
BILE, so long as it is good-natured. Let
every one display the National flag and
be as enthusiastic as they know how.
II is day for enjoyment and self-gratu-
lation. As every French recruit used
to tell himself that in his knapsack he
carried the baton of marshal, so may
every young American congratulate
himself that he is part of the greatest
Nation the sun ever shOne upon, and
celebrate accordingly Valen-
tine, in Golden Days.