St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1896-07-04
OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY.

Anna did not argue the question.
CHARLES AioREAU HARGER.
OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY.
The Inspiring Eject of Its Observance
/ 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: 1T made and preserves
and sung of this gay anniversary.
1t is a significant and inspiring fact
that the day is so hugely enjoyed by the
young. One unaequainted with its ea
act import might be led to suppose
it was some great holiday especially
appointed for the delectation of the
youth of the land. Inherent in their
rollicking hearts seems to lurk and live
the impression that the day with its
racket and din was created for the boys
and girls Of the eountry-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: .sVerily, we are the people!"
and woe betide the mistaken stranger
who might On this auspicious 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
Enickerbockers and paper feathers goes
racl1eting 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. I'he 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? 1t 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 we'll 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. tits true
everything goes toward feeding and add
ingto the natural enthusiasm awakened
by our urIndependence day. The flag
floating from the schooIhouse; the OBJ
seryances and orations of Memorial
day; the frecraclers, cannon and fire.
works of the Fourth of July. Recently,
also, in some of our public schools tie
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 men-
oTies. 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. It comes from way beyond
any teaching the child has directly. re-
ceived concerning such matters, and is
alEAl ltStL III al UliC
breath he draws. It is as undeniably
and evidently a God-given instinct as Is
love of the little innocent heart for
those who are its nearest and its dear
est. sss
Instincts in human beings need train.
ing, and even spontaneous impulses
are to be nodded and guided by those
looked up to as examples. In the excite
nlent 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 lit
tie at the anxious concern of the listen
ing boy, and straghtWay proceeded to
discuss matters in less heated terms.
It would be an exceIlently good thing
il 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 upright1y, 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 estai,-
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
"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 1ltterrlost bequest
A stainless record which all men may read:
This is better way. =
Christian Work.
Pine Knot is the highest place 10
las feet.