Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-07-01

public. The young and the thoughtless
and lively of all ages must needs find
outlet for their enthusiasm in display
OF flags. roll of the drum and much
noise of every kind. But these sound
and-mess-producing ones of this gen.
GRAFTON know, as well as do the quiet
and sedate people, that this is Ma
ton, to be always spelled with big
N. These lively and thoughtless ones
would be first to respond to the call
OF their country for soldiers, and would
fight valiantly beneath the waving
folds Of Old Glory. All could respond
and appreciate, and they bless God for
1t, the meaning of the Fourth of July
the birthday of nation, in fullest lib
erty because Of the people and for the
people.
The fathers who framed the immor-
tai Declaration Of Independence knew
their business; that it was serious and
momentous, possibly fraught with near
death for themselves. I'VE must all
hang together" said one Of the sign
ers. meaning that every member
should sign the document Eyes, hang
together, or separately" quickly re-
sponded the Wit among that body.
They might have their jokes among
themselves, but they well knew that
the great undertaking was the most
momentous of their lives; it proved to
be the grandest of the century. The
French revolution, even, was not near
ly so important in it's results. The
France of to-day has scarcely more
than one-half the population of the
United States, and excels the latter
only in art, music and literature. But
France was great nation 1000 years
before Jefferson wrote the lines of the
Declaration of independence. Our ia
theirs were wise men and they knew
that in this act they were making his
tory, most colossal history. Hence
they were deliberate, earnest and mar
| velously thorough. As piece of liter
AZURE 1t stands forth magnificent
English classic; its sentiment is lofty
and inspiring.
Until this July 4, 1776, the Ameri
cans were body Of revolters against
constituted authority. They were
rebels against their king and traitors
to their country. Had the British been
successful in the conflict the names of
the great leaders of the revolution
would scarcely have been named i'll
history.
The Declaration was read II days
later in New York city, on spot just
/ in front of the present city hall, be-
fore the entire continental army, which
received it with widest enthusiasm;
just as did the people at their homes
all over the country. 1t stopped dis
/ sension, sealed unity and strengthened
| all in a glorified purpose to conquer
or die.
No wonder that American people are
proud of this great work, which con-
verted attainted rebels into dignified
revolutionists. The act promoted adj
miration abroad, just as it excited adj
miration at home. 1t paved the way
for recognition of this country by
France and most effective assistance
from the king of that country. The
original copy, signed by the members
themselves, is preserved with the
greatest care at Washington, being
Justly regarded as one of the most IL
lustrious state documents in all the
world. If Magma Charta gave liberty
to the English people, the Declaration
of independence assured a grand ma
ton to the world, contributed largely
to the overthrow Of the French monar-
chy, and has caused its impress to be
felt in every country. Russia itself not
/ excepted.
| Hail, then. the anniversary, and vel
come. Let it never cease to be com
memorated with appropriate cere
moniais, this august natal day of {
4 great and prosperous people, which !:
altogether free. Were it less esteemed
the fact would foretoken decline o