The Prescott daily news., 1908-07-03

July III tuc SuduOW
 of the structure which saw the
 birth and signing of the Declara- ton 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 1t 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 chair, 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 the 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 ann bassadors have poured forth their elo- quence 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 1t "A years before to proclaim liberty through out the land"
 The location of the hall leuds itself to purposes of public celebration. There is ample room, both front and back, for the building stands we'll back from the pavement. so that a large company can gather in front. In the rear. the beautiful Indepen- NShSO oquaiC, ehNiO ID DUH hiOi space, and thousands assemble to lis ten to the orations, and hear the Declaration of Independence read.
 This latter is really the distinctive feature of Fourth of July celebrations in Independence square.
 It Is a 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 them first.
 The first reading of the declaration was that by Charles Thomson, the secretary of congress, when he an nounced the completed paper to the men who had framed 1t. 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 JOuu NlAOu, pIOuiucut IucmDcT OL 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.
 Nixon has been described as master elocutionist with voice so clear and distinct that 1t was heard clear to Fifth street, one square distant. He took his place on the balcony, which was then the favorite rostrum of the day. Crowds had assembled to hear him, gathered by the ringing of the liberty bell. It was memorable cele- bratior. and the first in the history of the nation.
 Chief Justice John Marshall spoke in the statehouse yard at one of the celebrations in the early part of his tenure of office, and later Daniel Web- ster delivered notable address there.
 Later, long years after. Edwin For. est, the most noted of American ac- tors, whose love for patriotism and the