The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-05-03

"Three cheers for Liberty Bell and the free
dom it proclaimedl" So said the people of
Ravenna in patriotic unison, last Thursday
forenoon, as they beheld the sacred relic of
American independence pass through the place.
The exact route to be followed in taxing Lib
erty Bell to the Columbian Exposition was not
known in Rayenna in time for any elaborate or
formal demonstration. But when there was no
longer any doubt that Ravenna lay in the
Journey of the Nations heirloom" no organ
ICED effort was necessary TO insure the highest
tribute that could be paid to the priceless treas
ure of the Republic. Each individual took up
on himself to go and see the bell and to well
come its advent into the town. Ravenna had
but one mind acted upon Instantly when the
welcome announcement was made, which was
grandly demonstrated the next forenoon when
the train rolled into town. 1t arrived here over
the C. & P. at 1880 o'clock a. m. The depot
grounds and adjacent available space were filled
and packed with an eager multitude. embracing
almost every inhabitant of the town, including
the teachers and pupils of the public schools,
who were present en- masse. Had there been
/
to have the train stop here. and a formal pro-
gram arranged. But the time for preparation
was not sufficient, and the people did the bes
they could under the circumstances, which, after
all, was as high tribute as could have beer
made to the Peoples Palladium.
The train did not stop, but the speed wa:
greatly lessened-enough to afford the people {
good view of the bell. Those fortunate enough
to be on the east side of the track saw yer,
plainly the crack in the bell, said to have beel
made in 1895, when being tolled during the OBJ
sequies of Chief Justice Marshall. The trail
consisted of fiat car inclosed by a polishe'
metal railing attached to I3 metal posts cappe'
with Nickel representing the 13 original States
on which the bell hung suspended from frame
work, thus exposing it free TO the view OF ever
spectator and four Pullman coaches, containin
Mayor Stuart, of Philadelphia, and his distin
guished party in charge of the hell.
As soon as the train reached the multitude,
: guard of a half dozen uniformed officers emerg
ed from one of the Pullmans on to the fiat.
is not proposed that the old bell shall suffer froi
the relic hunters greed, or that harm shall com
to 1t in any way possible of prevention. Chez
after cheer rang out in hearty volume as Il
sacred treasure slowly passed in view OF tt
people. 1t was one of those grand occasion
. of deep sentiment in which the minds OF Il
: people are touched with the inexpressible fee
ings of associative patriotism. in beholding IL
first medium of libertys proclamation. II
lessons of patriotism and deeper love OF pc
: pies independent sovereignty were strongly in
J pressed upon those present. particularly up'
the younger minds. We do well to embra
l. every such opportunity of not only Strengthen
$ ing and revivifying our own patriotism, but
intoxicating in the hearts of the rising generate
supreme love and affectionate solicitude
the heritage of our forefathers of which we a
common sharers and benefciaries.
"Old Glory" and Liberty Bell are
!, equal endearment to the American people.