The Van Buren press., 1896-07-04
OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY.


Tho Inspiring Effect of Its Observance
Upon the Minds of the Young.
The Fourth of July stands to-day as
it has stood some hundred and twenty
years, the nations chief holiday. We
sing of our flag: SIT made and preserves
us a nation" The same might be said
and sung of this gay anniversary.
1t is a significant and inspiring fact
that the day is so hugely enjoyed by the
young. One unacquainted with its G.
act import might be led to suppose
it was some great holiday especially
appointed for the dclectation of the
youth of the land. Inherent in theii
rollicking hearts seems to lurk and live
the impression that the day with its
racket and din was created for the boys
ard girls of the country-rather moro
particularly for the boys. Yes, it is in
spiriting to see them; inscribed on every
manly little crest seem to glare tina
words; "Verily, we are the people!f
and woe betide the mistaken stranger
who might on this suspicious dawn es.
say to take the spirit of independence
cut of them. 1t makes the tears start
very often, it must be confessed, in older
eyes, when the smart little company in
kniekerbockers and paper feathers goes
raclteting 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
30 Il Il
and the question-hashes; will the boy
later on be on the right side in the
tumult of life? 1t has been told that
father was once forcibly reminded of
the strength of his influence with his
son, when on seating himself Mt hotel
table the waiter inquired of the lad
what he would have TO drink: "What-
ever my father has" was the swift re-
Spouse. The unquestioning faith and
assurance of safety in following his
parents example might well give rise
TO caution and prudence Oh the parents
part.
MY father says sc" 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. tbs true
everything goes toward feeding and add
ing to the natural enthusiasm awakened
| by our Independence day. The flag
| floating from the schoolhouse; the OBJ
| 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-
i'll its time-honored paragraphs are in
effaceably placed in the retentive mem
cries. And the marching high-school
battalions are highly suggestive of the
spirit of the times. This spirit of pa
triotism and independence ~ as ire
| pressible as the waves that beat along
the shore. 1t 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. 1t is rs undeniably
and evidently n God-givcn instinct as is
| love of the little innocent heart for
| those who are its nearest and its dear
| est
Instincts in human beings need train
ing, and even spontaneous impulses
ere to be nodded and guided by those
looked up to as examples. In the excite
ment of 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 lit
| tie at the anxious concern of the listen
ing boy, and straightway proceeded to
discuss matters in less heated terms.
1t would be an excellently good thing
! il many properly inclined men could so
shape their conversation on absorbing
topics rs 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 estah-
fishes for himself and for his children a
basis of real independence enabling
them TO recognize, to love and TO defend
the right. II has been men of stamp
who have helped to upbuild our glorious
republic.
"ITe serves his country best
| Who lives pure life, and doeth righteous
deed,
And walks straight paths. however others
/ stray,
/ And leaves his sons as uttcrmost bequest
| A stainless record which all men may read
This is a better way"
Christian Work
Pine Knot is the highest place 10
! ERntncLN- 1 ioS fsct