The Coconino weekly sun., 1896-07-02
OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY.

The Inspiring Effect of Its Obseryance Upon the Minds of tho Young.
 The Fourth of July stands to-day as it has stood some hundred and twenty years. the nations chief holiday. We sing of cur flag: Ut made and preserves us nation." The same might be said and sung of this gay anniversary.
 It is . significant and inspiring fact that the day is so hugely enjoyed by the young. One uracquainted with its cx' act import might be led to suppose it was some great holiday especially appointed for the delectation of the youth of the lard. Inherent in their rollicking hearts seems to turk and live the impression that the day with its racket and din vas created for the boys and girls of the country-rather more particularly for the boys. Yes. it is in- spiriting to see them; inscribed on every manly little crest seem to glare the words: "Verily. we are the people." and woe betide the mistaken stranger who might on this suspicious dawn cs say to take the spirit of independence out of them. It makes the tears start very often, it must be confessed, in older eyes, when the smart little company in knickerbockers and paper feathers goes racketing by. the latent patriotism, dis cernible in the very tramp of the juven- lie heels. and the awful blare of the re- sponsive tin horn. The inevitable out nf IT x~ Il T and the question flashes: will the boy later on be on the right side in the tumult of life? It has been told that q father was once forcibly reminded of the strength of his influence with his son. when on seating himself at hotel table the waiter inquired of the lad what he would have to drink: What ever my father has," was the swift re- sponse. The unquestioning faith and assurance of safety in following his parents example might well give rise to caution and prudence on the parents part.
 "My father says so," is what forms the grand ultimatum of proof or conviction in the loyal hearts of most of our boys: and so. what father says" should be guarded with exceeding care. It is true everything goes toward feeding and add ing to the natural enthusiasm awakened by our Independence day. The flag floating from the schoolhouse; the ob- servances and orations of Memorial day: the firecrackers. cannon and fire. works of the Fourth of July. Recently, also. in some of our public schools the Declaration of Independence has been repeated in concert by the scholars un- til its -time-honored paragraphs are in- effaceably placed in the retentive mem- ories. And the marching high-schooI battalions are highly suggestive of the spirit of the times. This spirit of pa- triotism and independence is as irre- pressible as the waves that beat along the shore. It comes from way beyond any teaching the child has directly re- ceived concerning such matters, and is as spontaneous and natural as the breath he draws. It is as undeniably and evidently God-given instinct as is love of the little innocent heart for those who are it's nearest and its dear est.
 Instincts in human beings need train- ing. and even spontaneous impulses gre to be nodded and guided by those looked up to as examples. In the excite ment of a rather fierce debate bearing on political matters two gentlemen were awhile ago checked by the presence of a little lad whose interest in the discus sion caused him to throw in word or two on his own account. The dis putants suddenly paused. laughed Q lit- tie at the anxious concern of the listen ing boy, and straightway proceeded to discuss matters in less heated terms. It would be an excellently good thing if many properly inclined men could so shape their conversation on absorbing topics as to render it entirely fit for the ears of their attentive children. He serves his country most worthily who lives purely and uprightly. and who by both precept and example leads those committed to his care into paths of rec. titude and right. Living and teaching thus, the true man and patriot estal,- fishes for himself and for his children basis of real independence enabling them to recognize, to love and to defend the right. It has been men of stamp who have helped to upbuild our glorious republic.
 He serves his country best Who lives pure life. and doeth righteous
 deed,
 And walks straight paths. however others
 stray,
 And leaves his sons as uttermost beuuest A stainless record which all men may read:
 This Is better way"
 Christian Work.
 Pine Knot is the highest piece in Kentucky, 1,42s feet.