Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-04-17
Es.~e.
OHIO CENTENNIAL.
Great Progress of the First Born Of
"OriginaI Thirteen.o

"Originai Thirteen"
For more than decade of years the
intelligent and progressive people OF
the state have been looking forward
to the day when the Tooth anniver-
sary of the statehood Of Ohio would
be here. From the day that she be-
came the first born of the Original
Thirteen" the inhabitants have real
ized that splendid destiny was as
signed her. When part of the North
west Territory sne bore a conspicuous
position to the organized common
wealths which bounded her on the
east and southeast. Over her plains
and through her valleys roamed the
red man. master of all his eye sur
veyed. and in natural possession OF all
points of the compass. The chiefs of
the respective tribes claimed the earth
and it's. belongings. They loved the
free life to which they had been born.
Civilization had no charms for them.
They rejected all oyertures to become
a part OF organized society. and resist
ed every attempt to restrict the liberty
to which their triballcustoms had edu-
Gated them. The advent of the white
man. for any purpose whatever was
nn intrusion--a stealthy infringement
Of rights for the preservation of which
they we're ready to die, or to slaughter
the intruder. Every emigrant to the
Northwest Territory recognized the
fact that In quitting his home he did
GO with the probabilities largely
against his ever returning. These
pioneers were descendants of men and
women who had breasted similar dam
gers when two centuries previous they
quit the comforts OF civilized life TO
make ahodes on the shores of New
England or Maryland or Virginia.
The early settlers OF Ohio were more
than argonauts. They came not on a
mere voyage Of discovery to gather
riches. and return to their homes, sup
piled with wealth to insure against
territory to become part of IL, bring
ing their wives and children, intent
on tanning the wilderness of human
savage and fierce beast. and II needs
be find final resting place in the mar.
row house wherein is taken athe long,
long sleep" They thought; not of
earthly honors. they recognized the
necessity for hardship and sacrifice
they were ready to endure fa}l things,
even unto death. but they were re-
solved to conquer. That determina-
tion prompted all their acts--ftted
them for all endurance. Those of us
who live today. but who have not been
made familiar with the deeds OF the
pioneers of Ohio. as our fathers and
mothers heard them from the lips of
those who were part of history, are
unable to form complete conception
Of the yaor. patience. labor and virtL,
of those who laid the foundation of.
the state now called Ohio.
As we have observed, thousands and
thousands of our people have been
looking forward these recent years for
o Centennial Exhibition to commem-
crate the hundredth year as an inte-
gral part of the onion CT the United
States II Is most commendable
pride which prompts this hope and
expectation 1t is not merely pride of
citizenship which ia felt, but pride in
the unparalleled growth of the state
pride in the mighty developments of
productions, pride In the educational
advancement OF our people, pride in
the ripening OF immense charities,
which beg in vain for comparison
among her sister states-pride in the
comprehensive systems of travel.
pride in every essential necessary for
the people TO enjoy the heaven-born
gifts which liberty assures. those whom
It fosters and makes patient under ad-
versity and generous under prosperity.