The Washington herald., 1908-04-02

jefferson Democrats and other men be-
neving in the political creed as enunci-
ated by Thomas Jefferson will to-day
observe the anniversary Of the birth Of
the author Of the Declaration OF lnde-
pendence.
Jefferson was born at ShadwelI. Va, on
April ?. l7+3.
A vacancy in the delegation OF Vir-
ginia TO the Continental Congress at
Philadelphia, in June. r.75 made it pos
sible for Thomas Jefferson to become
member. He took his seat on June p.
IN the year that followed, he was an
earnest, dilgent and useful member.
His work showed chiefly. however. in
committees. He took no active part IN
debate.
Man without Enemies.
This circumstance turned out to his adj
vantage hen came the choice Of the
member who should draw up the Deelara-
ton OF. Independence. Thomas. jefferson
was without enemies in the Congress. No
opposition was offered 10 his appointment
as chairman OF the committee 10 whom
the draft Of the great document was re-
ferred
The Virginia delegates had made choice
Of Richard Henry Lee to move the reso-
luuons Of which the nrst was IN the
memorable words:
THAT these colonies are, and of right
ought 70 be, free and independent States:
that they are absolved from all allegiance
to the British crown: and that all poliu-
cal connection between them and the
State OF Great Britain is, and ought 10
be totally dissolved"
The resolutions were introduced on
June Z, John Adams, q Massachusetts,,
seconding them On June 10 Congress
resolved that committee be appointed 20
prepare a declaration In conformity with
the above resolution. The committee con-
sisted of Thomas Jefferson. John Adams
Benjamin Franklin. Roger Sherman, and
Robert K Livingston.
Richard Henry Lee, who would natu-
rally have been the chairman. was called
away by the illness Of his wife. His
colleague. Jefferson. was urged by his as
sOciaies 10 make the draft.
jefferson was fitted by natural talent
and by training for such task Of compo-
sltion. II Is important 10 know also that
he was chosen largely on the ground
that he. above all men. was free from
the chickering's ard heartburniugs that de-
bates and cabals had developed IN the
Congress.
Jefferson prepared the draft in MS room
IN Philadelphia on an improvised writing
desk of his own design The document
was taken up on July > and debated that
day and the next and until a late hour
on July T.
A number Of verbal changes were made
and whole passages were omitted. One
passage for example, in which George
slave trade. was stricken out But no
made.
jefferson himself took absolutely no
part IN the debate. John Adams. whom
jefferson called the Colossus OF that de
bate. bore the burden Of argument. Il
appeared at one time as II there would
be no end 70 the discussion.
GIorIed in Accomplishment.
Jefferson afterward always referred
more or less humorously 70 what al the
time must have been a serious and solenn
scene. He explained that the weather
was warm, and that the meeting was held
in q room near a stable whence a host
OF hungry flies swarmed. annoying the
delegates so seriously that haste was
made 10 dispose 0f and sign the declara-
ton.
Many jokes were passed before the
document was Out Of the hands Of the
delegates These We're reported by JEFF
ferson in later years with much gusto.
But what re seriously thought OF his
great wo-K was indicated by the inscrip-
ton. prepared by his own hand. which
was engraved on his tombstone in which
ere ignored the facts that he was gov
%
United States
Here was buried Thomas jefferson.
author of the Declaration Of American
Independence. of the Statute OF Virginia
for Religious Freedom. and Father of the
University Of Virginia"
Jefferson died at Monticello. Va, July
4, 1876.