The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-07-09

and We are looking around for national
flower. National songs and flag have
we, but national characteristics have we
none. The twanging down easter differs
as much from the wild and woolly west
erner as the Frenchman does from the
Russian. The creole of Louisiana is as
easily distinguished in an assembly of
Wisconsin woodsmen as the Italian Is
among Norsenen.
And yet, there is nothing more certain
than that nation can not exist without
a distinct and harmonious nationally;
nothing more historically true than that
the strongest nations have ever been the
resultant of the migrations of different
nationalties. With the fall of Rome there
poured into Europe multitude of people
and out of the conflict of ideas, theories
and tendencies they brought with them,
evolved the strong and powerful nations
of Europe. With the Norman conquest
began the intermingling and assimilation
of the Dane, the Saxon. and the Norman,
resulting in the conquerlng current of
modern England. And here, in our own
land with representatives of the best
tribes of the great Aryan race, what splen-
did opportunity have we for the develop
ment of the most powerful national type
the world has ever seen.
Pointing to these historical facts, to
these existing conditions, patriotism
seems to beckon to each and all to aid In
developing and establishing national
character that shall contain the love of
liberty of the English, the love of home
of the German, the wit of the Irish the
conservatism of the Scandinavian. the
fiery enthusiasm of the Slav and all the
other national characteristics that shall
unite and combine and give us the honest
energetic, generous, loyal American citi-
zen.
Historically considered, to-day is the
celebration of well known and impor-
tant event. In this connection it may
be interesting to listen to voice from the
past, from one of the fathers of our land,
those men gifted with rarest wisdom
and foresight. I read from a letter writ
ten by John Adams to his wife on the day
after the declaration of independence was
adopted: yesterday the greatest ques-
ton was decided which was ever debated
in America, and a greater perhaps, never
was nor will be decided amcIs men. The
day is past. 1t will be the most memoir
able epoch in the history of America. L
am apt to believe that it will be celebrat-
ed by succeeding generations as the great
university festival. 1t ought to be
solemnized with pomp and parade, with
shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires,
and Examinations, from one end of this
continent to the other, from this time for
ward, forevermore." Then let us cele-
brate in the good old fashioned way, as
the fathers willed it. Let loud mouthed
cannons boom and Chinese crackers crack
Let song cheer the soul and Emusic swell
the breeze" And let the day close in a
fiery glow of "the red, white and blue
During the afternoon the people be-
took themselves to such points as afford
ed them enjoyment suited TO their tastes.
The Rankin Guards had varied and ex-
tensive programme at Washington Park
the base ball management had large
share of the patronage and comparative
ly small number attended the races.
At s o'clock the crowd set in the direc-
ton of Main street to witness the display
of fireworks. Everything of a projectile
nature was quite'successful, the bombs be-
ing particularly fine. The set pieces were
hardly a success as the wind was contrary
and the smoke was driven in front of the
pieces thus obscuring them. The expert
who managed the display explained that
the set pieces should DO viewed at dis
lance not greater than 200 feet He also
pronounced the selection made by thecon-
mittee on fire works, fine and fully equal
to any display by cities the size OF Mani
towoc. The writer read a letter received
by Mr.. Fechter from the firm which
manufactured the goods, stating that the
retail price of the pieces sent was ,2O0.
The sum paid for them was, OF course,
much less than this.
All the visitors were highly pleased
with their entertainment and all spoke in
the highest terms of the hospitable and
friendly manner in which they were re-
ceived. The celebration following in the
line of the increased prosperity of the city,
has created very favorable impression
outside and has placed us in terms of
amity, with surrounding cities. 1t has
besides shown that we are neither dead
or sleeping but alert to improve every OPP
portunitp to advertise the city.
One noticeable feature of the celebra-
ton was the good order which was main
tanned In a crowd so large it was natur
al to expect there would be some distur-
bance. But there was not even quarrel
of words reported and there were very
few cases of drunkenness. The city has
earned reputation for sobriety and good
order which cannot fail to rebound to its
advantage.