Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1892-10-27

LalioG, anu Win
them the people are gathering around
the school house.
Men are recognizing today the most
impressive anniversary since Rome cele-
brated her thousandth year-the 400th
anniversary Of the stepping of herli-
sphere into the worlds life; four com
pleted centuries of a new social order;
the celebration of liberty and enlighten-
ment organized into civilization.
And while during these hours the
federal government of these United
States strikes the keynote of this great
American day that gives honor to the
common American institution which
unites ALL we assemble here that we
too, ma. exalt the free school that en-
bodies the American principle of uni
versal enlightenment and equality, the
Rost characteristic product of the four
centuries Of American life.
Four hundred years ago this morning
the Pintas gun broke the silence and
announced the discovery of this hemi-
sphere.
1t was a virgin world. Human life
hitherto upon it had been without sig
Gihcance. In the Old World for thou
sands Of years civilized men had been
trying experiments in social order
They had been found wanting But
here was an untouched soil that lay
ready for new experiment in civiliza-
ton All things were ready. New
forces had come to light full Of over
turning power in the Old World. In
the New World they were to work to-
gether with mighty harmony.
1t was for Columbus. propelled by this
fresh life. to reveal the land where these
new forces were to be given space for de-
veloplnent, and where the awaited trial
Of the new civilization was to be made.
Today we reach our most memorable
milestone. We look backward and we
look forward
Backward we see the first mastering
of modern ideas; their long conflict with
Old World theories. which were also
transported hither. We see stalwart
men and brave women one moment on
the shore. then disappearing in dim for
ests. We hear the ak. We see the
fame of burning cabins and hear the cry
Of the savage. We see the never ceasing
wagon trains always toiling westward.
We behold log cabins becoming villages,
then cities We watch the growth Of
institutions out Of little beginnings-
schools becoming an educational system;
meeting houses leading into organic
Christianity; town meetings growing to
political movements; county discussions
developing federal governments.
We see hardy men with intense con-
victions graphing, struggling. often
amid battle smoke, and some idea char
actsristic Of the New World always
xiumphing. We see settlements knit
ting together into nation with single
ness Of purpose We note the birth Of
the modern system Of industry and COM
merce and its striking forth into IN
dreamed Of wealth, making the millions
members ono Of another as sentiment
could never bind. And under 1t all, and
through it all. we fasten on certain
principles ever operating and regnant-
the leadership Of manhood; equal rights
for every soul: universal enlightenment
a. the source of progress. These last
are the principles that have shaped
America: these principles are the true
Americanism
We look forward We are conscious
we are IN a period of transition. Ideas
in education. in political economy, IN
social science are undergoing revisions.
There Is large uncertainty about the
ontcome. But faith In the underlying
nrinciplee Of Amer1cau1sm and IN 0oo'f