Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-07-10
Tammany Celebrates Independence Day
LETTERS FROM PRESIDENT CLEVE
LAND AND SENATOR DAVID B. HILL.

LETTERS FROM PRESIDENT CLEVE-
LAND AND SENATOR DAVID B. HILL.
In New York city July 4th, indie
dendence Day, was celebrated by Tam
many Society in a manner common
surate with former celebrations since
the founding OF the Columbian Order,
119 years ago. There was no diminu-
ton in the enthusiasm manifested by
those present, although the audience
was smaller than in previous years.
Ex-Governor James E. Campbell, of
Ohio. and Ex-Governor Thomas NJ.
Waller, of Connecticut, were, in Tam.
many parlance, the long takers
while well-known men from all parts
of the country delivered "short talks y
One feature Of the celebration was the
reading of letters from President
| Cleveland, Senator Hill, Ex-Governor
Flower, Frederick r. Coudert and
other distinguished democrats
MIR. CLEvEuAND's LETTER.
President Cieyelapd's letter is as fol-
lows =
| GRAY GABLES, June %, 1S95.-Hon.
Frederick Smyth, Grand Sachem.-
| Dear Sir: l regret that | cannot accept
| the invitation / have received from
the Tammany Society to participate in
it's celebration of the one hundred and
nineteenth anniversary of American
independence.
The patriotism and devotion of those
who fought for our liberties and es-
tabllshed our free government ought
always be held in grateful remem-
brance, and neither lapse of years nor
! changed conditions should ever detract
from the zest and enthusiasm of their
commemorative. The thought must
not escape us, however, that while
every anniversary of American indie
pendence reminds us of the stern sacri-
| fees of the fathers of the republic, and
which ON such occasions we find
abundant cause for rejoicing in the
splendor of their achievements, We
should not fail to. be seriously impress
ed by a proper apprehension of the
duties and responsibilities we have in
herited as their successors and lega-
tees.
1t was their lot to endure the rigors
and hardships of q discouraging war in
order that a government by the people
might be established. We cannot
without wicked vecreancy, disregard
! the lessons taught by their sufferings,
nor can we, without disgrace, neglect
the duty of preserving and maintain
ing in their integrity and strength the
free institutions born of their heroism
Their work was done through priva.
| ton and in the midst of doubt and
gloom. Our duty can be well per
formed if we are simply honest, intelli.
gent and patriotic They found theii
danger on battle-hel5s and in the I'm
certain issue Of an armed contest. Oui
danger is found IN the recklessness OF
selfshness and in insidious appeals to
popular passion and thoughtlessness
Nothing but the same patriotic stead
fastness and adherence to principle
which led to their success will, now
shield our government from disaster
and preserve our national glory and
prosperity.
l earnestly hope that the celebra sion
contemplated by your organization
will stimulate those who are within its
influence to do valiant deeds IN the
political field, and amid present per
pleXities to teach by example and dec
laration the potency of adherence to
sound and consistent principles and
the safety OF a reliance On the honor
and patriotism OF our countrymen
when impending danger arouses them
to activity.
Yours very truly,
GROyER CE,EVEEAND