Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-07-05
OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY.
The Inspiring Effect of It's Observancs
 Upon the Minds of the Young.

The Inspiring Effect of It's Observance
 Upon the Minds of the Young.
 The Fourth of July stands to-day a3 it has stood some hundred and twenty years, the nations chief holiday. We sing of our flag: "It made and preserves us nation" The same might be said and sung of this gay anniversary.
 It is a significant and inspiring fact that the day is so hugely enjoyed by the young. One unacquainted with it's eM act import might be led to suppose it was some great holiday especially appointed for the delectation of ths youth of the land. Inherent in theil rollicl1ing hearts seems to turk and live the impression that the day with it's racket and din was 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 tha words: "Verily, we are the peoplelh and woe betide the mistaken stranger who might on this suspicious dawn es. say to take the spirit of independence cut of them. It makes the tears start very often, it must be confessed, in older eyes, when the smart little company in knickerbocllers and paper feathers goes racketing by, the latent patriotism dis cernible in the very tramp of the juyen- fife heels, and the awful blare of the re- sponsive tin horn. The inevitable out come of it all occurs to the older mind, and the question flashes: will the boy later on be on the right side in the tumult of life? It has been told that a 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- seryances and orations of Memorial day; the frecrackers. 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 it's time-honored paragraphs are in- effaceably placed in the retentive mem ories. And the marching high-school battalions are highly suggestive of the spirit of the times. This spirit of pa- triotism and independence is 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. It is as undeniabiy and evidently a God-given instinct as is love of the little innocent heart for those who are its nearest and it's 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 q 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 mSn Ind patriot estab- fishes for himsels 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 bequest A stainless record which all men may read:
 This Is better way"
 Christian Work.
 Pine Knot is the highest place IT