The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-07-02
THE THOUGHTFUL FOURTH

Another Fourth of July finds a
greater country, a more prosperous
one, a country more closely knit to-
gether with common hopes, common
aspirations and common pride than it
has been i'm several generations. The
day will be celebrated far and near
with a growing sense of the signifi-
canoe of the observation. Time has
indicated the declaration of indepen-
dence as a sober prophecy of great
destinies as we'll as a fine example
of national spirit. The one hundred
and twenty-nine years which have
passed since Jefferson wrote the glow
ing words of freedom have served to
give them a meaning deeper than
mere enthusiasm. In the quiet of
the nations heart, the day has come
to take on the more abiding, the
more reverent thought which clings to
that which is felt to be a part of the
less of a festival, more of a religious
observation. The day is one for thank
fulness and for contemplation rather
IN for the noisy expression of q
lstful spirit in which it was once
nceived when the people were
unger.
We believe that the present genera
on has seen the change grow each
ear more markedly in the direction
( more serious conception of the
lay and it's meaning. Time was when
it was sufficient to explode cannon, to
light the heavens with fireworks,
when the time was an excuse for a
heart-free, head-strong, happy and
not little bit foolish holiday. 1t was
the time when sensible men gave
themselves up to glittering generali-
ties. A day of heat and sunshine
and orattory measured by strength CT
lung and vehemence of peroration. We
had. not forgotten the British Lion.
Almost it seemed that the red coats
had lust been dr.. Il, out Of York
town; that even then they were
charging va'nly AGAINST the ccstGn-
l.ale breastwerk Of OIL Hickory at
New Orleans. We felt personal re-
esntment at the story of Lexington,
and went wild at the thought of
Moore's Creek. The truth is. that
continent that the nation was, it was
insular in thought. 1t was thrown back
as it were upon the recourse of self
glorification. Fourth of July meant
largely an annual recurrence of hand
shaking with ourselves because VIC
had licked, the British.
But with the larger growth that
day passed as it must 1t was no
longer possible TO glory alone in the
pest. 1t commenced to occur to the
Fourth of July Spirit that the day
meant taking hold for the future
as well as a jollification over the
victories gone into history. That which
lies ahtsd does not lend itself to
enthusiasm except in children's minds
Responsibilities do not express them
selves III fire works. The work has
just Eeeun. The duty and the obliga-
ton growing from the words of Jeffer-
s,.Is are ever on the increase. That
was 4 paper which did more than
make ii nation of might. 1t changed
tie Io..cies of world. 1t has cost
blooc N many wars. 1t has lighted
new fires i'm millions of hearts. 1t has
changed the tenor of patriotism, has
gibrihed self-assertion i'm men. 1t has
shaken thrones and destroyed them.
1t has nelved humanity, long depend
ent on oligarchy and for centuries un-
thanking and afraid. to turn and use
its strength. 1t has struck at the old
established order of history. until
it has changed the principle. There
fore, proud and wondering and lit
tie abashed at its own development,