The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-04-14

Charlottesville, Va, April 1S.-Under
the auspices of the National Assoc!at tion
of Democratic Clubs the 153d anniversa-
ry of the birth of Thomas jefferson. the
founder of the Democratic party, was
celebrated to-day ut Monticello, where
the author OF the Declaration of In
dependence lived and died Out en- the
lawn in front of the historic mansion
were gathereda a concourse of theyeoman-
ry OF Albemarle county, many of them
men whose grandfathers had followed
the political fortunes of Jefferson. Ming
ling with them were Democrats who had
come from States as far South as Florida
and Texas, and as far North as Massa
chusctts.
At IL noon the special train from
Washington arrived. bringing distin-
guished party of national Democrats.
Among them We're Vice President Ste
Venson, Postmaster General Wilson. At
torney General Harmon, Secretary Her
bert of the Navy, Senators Jones of
Arkansas. Faulkner of West Virginia,
Pascoe of Florida George Of Mississippi,
Martin OF Kansas. Mitchell of Wisconsin,
White of California. and Roach of North
Dakota; Representatives Sul2er of New
York. Washington of Tennessee. Clardy
Of kentucky. Livingston of Georgia,
Swanson of Virginia, Tucker of Virginia,
Pendleton of Texas, Tyler of Virginia,
Patterson of Tennessee, Williams Of
mississippi, Lawson OF Georgia. Turner
OF Georgia. and Mcguire of California.
y number of the local Democrats of
prominence from Washington, d. c.,
were also of the party, besides ex-Gover-
nor RUSSELL of Massachusetts,. Senator
Daniel of Virginia, and Hon. Chauncey
j.. Black of Pennsylvania, the orators OF
the occasion. and all closely identified
with the National Association of DEM
ocratic Clubs. Lawrence Gardiner. Sec
retary of the organiZa ton, was in charge
OF the party. among whom were many
ladies.
The guests were driven to Monticello
where Vice President Stephnson. the
Senators and the Representatives and
the ladies OF their party were entertained
a a luncheon by MIR. jefferson Levy. a
descendant OF the great Democrat. and
present owner OF the mcsne and man
sion.
The formal proceedings began by an
address by Hon. Chauncey F. Black.
whose enunc!ation of the sentiment of
jefferson. that the primary principle of
the Democracy was absolute acqui-
escence in the decisions of the majority"
was heartily applauded.
He said:
We are here upon this sacred day and
at this sacred spot to honor the memo
Ty OF him whose ashes lie beneath yon-
der tomb-the author of the Declara ton
Of Independence and the founder of the
Democratic party.
y patriot. he reformed the Institutions
Of this noble Commonwealth of Virginia
declared the independence of these
States. and laid upon mperishable foun-
dations the corner stones of republican
institutions in the new world.
y philosopher. he legisated in his writ
ings for all mankind: and wherever
on earth free state exists. or an en-
shaved npnnlp "a hrno IN hot
his name. his words. and his simple
doctrines, demonstrating the right of
men to own and govern themselves, are
among the strongest of prevailing inspi-
rations
OF all merely human beings. of all
those who ever came among the sons Of
men without a commission distinctly
divine, his power as a teacher has been
the widest and most benefcent and has
exercised the profoundest influence upon
the destin!es of the world. He who
moulds perfect state does better than
any other, for. within that State he pro-
vldes opportunity for the perfection OF
oil else appertaining to human life. 1t
comprehends civil liberty, religious llber-
~, personal liberty, the liberty Of each
to labor as he deems best, and to ap-
propriate his own earnings according TO
MS own pleasure. 1t welcomes every
science, encourages every art and adj
Nances every Industry. The hand Of
Thomas Jefferson's reform spared no
abuse. however hoary. no evil institu-
tion' however intrenched. and still reach
es to the farthest quarters Of the world.
pestowing freedom, peace, and plenty
upon the suffering and laboring millions.
who learned, and still learn from his
Imped pen as we'll their strength as
their rights.
He founded a great party, and he
defined, in language which no one has