The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1892-09-02
The Peolpe on Columbus Day.

The Peope on Columbus Day.
1t seems settled that the popular
observance of Columbus Day, Oct.
81, is likely to be the most general
of any of the centennials through
which We have passed. There is no
doubt that the American people, as
whole. have become thoroughly
interested in the significance of this
40dh anniversary.
astrong reason for this wide
interest is the public school leader
ship of the national celebration.
AS soon as this school leadership
was proposed, the press of the
country began to commend the idea;
it was received favorably by super
intendents Of education, teachers
and thoughtful citizens generally.
SO it came about that the idea
proved acceptable to everybody.
Then it was further promoted by
the official recognitions it received,
The Natioial Education Associa-
ton adopted it, and appointed all
the state superintendent commit
tee to carry it out; and special
committee With headquarters at the
Youths Companion Office, Boston,
to push the movement and to pre-
pare a uniform official program for
use in everylocality. Commander
in-cheif Palmer, of the Grand Army,
saw the opport unity the plan
offered, and issued general orders
that all the G. A. R. posts in the
country link themselves with the
schools in grand patriotic, unpar-
tisan demonstration on Columbus
Day, assisting the schools to raise
and salute the flag, and escorting
them in the review.
Congress finally recognized the
movement by directing the Presi-
dent to proclaim Oct. 81 a holiday
to be observed by suitable exercises
in the schools The proclamation
recently issued by the President
gave emphatic accent to the school
idea, and recommend that the peo-
pie everywhere make it the centre
of the local observances.
The official program, by making
certain of the days exercise uniform
in all localities, will give the nation
al observance an important unity.
This program is promised for gen
eral publication through the press
the first week in September. Its
leading provisions are as follows:
The schools everywhere are to
assemble at the usual hour on the
morning of Oct. p. A detail of
veterans is expected to arrive soon
after, and all will repair to the yard.
The exercises will begin with read
ing of the proclamation. Then the
flag will be raised by the veterans,
and saluted by all the pupils in a
brief exercise, terminating in the
song my Country, its Of Thee. -
After divine Acknowledgements, the
Song Of Columbus Day, an original
hymn set to the old tune of "Lyons"
will be sung by all. Following,
will be a defamation Of the Adj
dress for Columbus Day, and a read
ing of the Ode for Columbus Day,
both original productions for the
occasion.
Opportunity will then be given
for whatever additional features
local enterprise may provide; and
the morning obserrances will end
with short addresses by citizens, and
national songs.
For the afternoon Public School
Review is suggested; or, if there is
a civic parade, it is urged that the
schools, escorted by the veterans,
be made the prominent feature.
In the mass meeting of citizens,
with which many places will con-
Guide the day, it is proposed that
among the speeches ample recogni-
ton be given to the American sys-
TEN of free, universal education as
a source of American progress and
the hope of the future.
The date, the first Of September,
for the publication of this program
is fortunate, for it falls at the
opening Of the term Of the majority
Of the American schools; and teach
ers and pupils will be in the mood
for an eager and spirited undertake
ing of the celebration.
Oct. 2lst is less than two months
distant, but all of this time may be
used to excellent advantage in pre-
pairing for the celebration. In uR-
dertakings Of this character una
voidable delays are apt to occur.
The schools which begin immedi-
ately on the work which must be
done to make the celebrations a
credit to themselves and their town,
will escape the annoying situations