The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-31
OF LIBERTY BELL
FAMOUS ANNUNCIATOR OF FREEDOM
ON IT'S TRAVELS.
1t Went First to New Orleans, then to
Chicago and Next to Atlanta
Charleston VIII Entertain Ii.
San Francisco Post.

One more journey-the f~ourth-for the old
Liberty Bell. This time to South Carolina
to the Interstate Exposition. 1t is nearly
125 years since that memorable day when
it announced the independence OF the tnir-
teen colonies. and their evolution into free
and independent States.
The promised trip will be the fourth
which the Old bell has made within recent
years. The first time it was subjected TO
the risks incident to travel was when 1t
was sent to New Orleans in 1885; the next
was the trip to Chicago in 1893. and the
third time when it left Philadelphia was in
1895. when it was sent to Atlanta.
There was CONSERVATION when 1t was
announced thai Philadelphia's priceless
relic was to leave home for a trip to New
Orleans, and predictions of its destruction
were made.
An itinerary was published and the town
Of Penn began TO make preparations for
bidding a fond farewell to the old Liberty
Bell. When it was understood that the
journey was a positive thing every effort
was put forth to make the parting as loyal
and patriotic as possible.
The itinerary was eagerly watched and
scanned by the people of the towns through
which the bell would pass on its trip from
Philadelphia TO New Orleans. 1t left the
city on Friday, which was considered a
bad beginning by the superstitious, Jan. %,
1855, at 10 a. m.
The passing of the bell was marked in
the cities and at all the immediate stations
by patriotic observation-disclosures
church bells, booming of cannon, music,
shouting of the people-in short, 1t was
welcomed in true American fashion.
Never will be forgotten by those who &C
companied the bell the groups of farmers
with their wives and children, the miners
and their lamps, the blackened laborers
waiting In silence, hushed Dy an emotion
too strong for expression.
Beauvoir, the home of the ex-President
of the Confederacy, was the last stopping
place on the route. The speech made by
ring delivered during the journey, and
proved how completely the North and
South were one in their love for their coun-
try and their pride in its freedom.
From Beauvoir the bell went directly to
New Orleans, and a great multitude of peo-
pie welcomed its coming.
When ii again reached Philadelphia IL
was welcomed by the entire city and
placed once more in independence Hall,
amid the cheering of the people, the beat
ing of drums and enthusiastic speech
making. 1t was then thought the old bell
would never again leave the city, but the
great Columbian Exposition tempted it
from the quiet reDose of the Quaker town
TO the gayety and hustle of the White
City. 1t left Philadelphia on Tuesday,
April 70, at 10 a. m, and arrived in Chicago
Friday, April Is, 1883, at 8 p. m.
on the 4th of October, 1895, the Liberty
Bell was made 10 visit the Atlanta EXPOSE
ton. On the preceding day it had been
taken down from the old yoke of original
white oak beams.
Great crowds focked to the Statehouse
10 get a close view of the relic and a strong
guard had to be placed around it to pro-
tect it from their too demonstrative in
terest.
1t was an operation of twenty minutes to
remove the bell from the Statehouse TO the
truck at the pavement. During the trans
fer the crowd grew until the police had
difficulty in keeping the throng in order.
At last the wagon with Its precious
freight was ready to depart. The mounted
police cleared the way TO Fifth street, and
the City Troop, guarding the bell, fol-
lowed.
For three months the Liberty Bell was a
guest of the South and then ii came back
to Philadelphia. where il was again re-
ceived with great rejoicing and welcomed
as a dear friend.
Many times did the big bell peal forth
old S~tatehouse. 1t was rung first on the
afternoon of Aug. IL, 1853, TO call together
the Assembly. In 1V6 the great bell was
rung for the proclamation of the Declara-
ton of independence.
The bells last tolling was for the death
of John Marshall. on the 9th day of July,
1895. His remains were on the day of this
During the funeral solemnities the bell.
while slowly tolling. without other vio-
lence. parted through its great side, and
was silent thencefOrth forever.