The Washington times., 1903-07-05


Minnesota Make Long
Talks = The Declaration
Is Read
NEW YORK, July Through the
doors OF the Tammany Wiswam in East
Fourteenth Street, wide open TO the dis
ciples OF Jeffersonian Democracy who
believe the proper way to celebrate the
glorious Fourth is to hear the Declara-
tion OF Independence read and listen TO
oratorical outpourings OF Jeffersonian
principles. throngs of the faithful
crowded today for the Tammany So
cietys celebration of the 127th ami
versary of Independence Day.
Everyone was In good humor. The
preliminary arrangements seemed to as
sure an oratorical treat and genuine
Democratic love feast For the first
time in ten years Grover Cleveland had
done the society the honor of writing it
an Independence Day letter. w j.
Bryan and ex-senator Hill had acknowl-
edged their invitations with interesting
contributions to the political spread
And Senator Joseph Bailey of Texas
and former Senator Charles f. Towne
two of the foremost exponents Of the
free silver Democracy. had been cap
tured as the orators of the day. The
only occasion of regret was that Judge
Alton B. Parker, just now the most in
oF fal
had sent only a formal reply to his in
vitation.
Opened With Music.
With a medley Of national airs by
Bayne's Sixty-ninth Regiment Band the
exercises were formally opened at 10
O'Clock Chief Sachem Judge James
O'Gorman. Sachems Charles f. Murphy.
Randolph Guggenheimer, Patrick Kee-
nan. Louis F. Haffen and Asa Bird Car
diner and a number of prominent Demo-
Gratis, members of the society and in
vited guests occupied the stage.
In his opening address Grand Sachem
O'Gorman referred to the unique posi-
independence Day. For one hundred
and fourteen years" he said. "our
brothers have saluted the dawn OF each
recurring anniversary OF this day with 4
renewal of their pledge Of loyalty and
devotion TO the constitution and the
flag"
After patriotic song by the Tam
many Glee Club. Col. Franklin Bartlett
read the Declaration OF Independence.
Then followed the reading of a number
Of interesting letters from distinguished
invited guests and absent members Of
the society. The announcement by Sec
retsry Thomas F. Smith OF letter from
Grover CleevlaDd was greeted with pro-
longed applause. Mr.. Cleveland's letter
was as follows.
Mr.. Cleveland's Letter.
James a. O'Gorman. esq, Grand Sa-
chem Tammany Society:
Dear Sir-It is impossible for me 70
accept the courteous invitation of the
Tammany Society to participate in its
celebration of the one hundred and
twenty seventh anniversary OF American
independence.
Il hope the time will never come when
there will be an abatement in the zeal
and enthusiasm Of this days celebration
II seems to me. however. that beneath
these there should be more sober sem
timent. growing out OF the fact that In
the birth of our institutions the civilized
world was promised an example Of mans
government. where stability and
beneheence were TO be guaranteed By the
patriotism of virtuous people and by
their unselhsh devotion to the public
good.
Our celebration OF this birthday
should lead TO such examination az
Will make known TO US how nearly we Of
the present generation have kept the
faith of the fathers OF the Republic. II.
upon such an examination, we find our
selves justified. IL will only be through
q consciousness that We have done our
duty In the promotion OF good govern.
ment. and in this way have aided In the
Accomplishment or our country's mis-
sion.
THE Tammany Society, as a political
organization, Of vast influence, cannot
escape the responsibility which its power
and its glorious traditions create: as In
the past. IL should continue to advocate
the rights Of the people; and as It cele-
brates Independence Day again. It
should renew It's determination TO serve
the people we'll, by contributing all It's
power and influence TO the cause OF
good government
yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND"
The Bryan Letter.
rssWilliam Jennings Bryan wrote:
1T is especially important that we
commemorate the day at this time when