The Monticellonian., 1908-07-02

of the structure which saw the
 birth and signing of the Declara- tion of Independence, the most potent doctrine for freedom in the history of the world, and the nation has not ig- nored the opportunity.
 There are many patriotic Ameri- cans who make it duty on July to journey to Philadelphia a pilgrimage to the shrine of liberty there to raise their voices in thanks and rejoicing for the great deed that was there accomplished.
 Since that day. now distant 131 years. when Charles Thomson, rising in his cha.r, read for the first time the final draft of that momentous docu ment which Thomas Jefferson wrote but which underwent many changes before meeting with the final approval of tho delegates to the continental congress, not an Independence day has been permitted to pass without a proper celebration in the public square back of Independence hall.
 Presidents of the United States, sen ators, representatives, justices of the highest courts, and even foreign am bassadors have poured forth their elo quefee at liberty's cradle The municipal authorities of the city of Philadelphia are careful to see to it that some distinguished man is always on hand as orator of the day
 The pomp of military circumstance has sometimes been called upon to lend prestige to the occasion, and the best musicians of the land have been proud to play patriotic airs in the shadow of the steeple where hung the bell that so singularly fulfilled the pro phetic mission assigned it 24 years before to proclaim liberty through out the land"
 The location of the hall lends itself to purposes of public celebration There is ample room, both front and back, for the building stands well back from the pavement, so that a large company can gather in front. In the rear, the beautiful Indepen- dence square, there is still more space, and thousands assemble to lis
 
 Declaration of Independence read.
 This latter is really the distinctive feature of Fourth of July celebrations in Independence square. The day would not seem properly observed with this omitted.
 It is notable record of which every American may be proud that not Fourth of July has passed since we have been a nation, without the in spired words being uttered again to the air that heard then first.
 The first reading of the declaration was that by Charles Thomson, the secretary of congress. when he an nouneed the completed paper to the men who had framed it. Thomson did not however, read the declaration from the balcony of Independence hall to the people crowded outside to hear for the first time in what terms the colonists should tell King George that his control of the 13 colonies was at an end.
 That privilege was reserved for John Nixon. prominent member of the committee Of safety. In honor of the occasion, delegates to the congress filed out in the July sunshine to listen to the sacred words.
 Later, long years after, Edwin For est, the most noted of American ac- tors. whose love for patriotism and the institutions of his country was deeper even than his regard for the stage, stood on the same spot. and on a Fourth of July morning read the words of Jefferson, as no man has read them before or since A great crowd was present, perhaps the largest ever as-