The Ordway new era., 1908-07-03

sembled, and the actor during and aft
er the reading was cheered again and
again.
Forest esteemed the Declaration Of
Independence as the best single piece
of composition In existence. valuing II
even above his beloved Shakespeare.
Two years after the first Fourth OF
July. there occurred n celebration in
Independence square that had spe-
cial Significance. The advance OF the
British. and their occupation of Phil
adelphia during the winter of 1III-
IT'S. had forced congress to leave the
Quaker city and go to York.
After the evacuation congress re-
turned July and grand celebration
of the recurrence of the PRONUNCIATION
OF the declaration was held. in which
nearly the entire population of Phila.
delphia Joined. Chevalier Conrad Al
eXander Gerard of France. the first
minister ever accredited to the United
States from any power, was an inter
ested spectator.
During the centennial in Philadel-
phia there was naturally a notable
demonstration. and no less n person
than Don Pedro. emperor of Brazil.
sat among those who cheered the SEN
timents that had sounded the downfall
of monarchy in this. country, and were
finally to take his throne from the
ruler of Brazil.
In later years. another representa-
tive of foreign country was the cen
trail figure at Independence square.
WI Ting Fang. Chinese minister.
spoke there with fine eloquence, and
made one of the best speeches cred
tied to him in his many felicitous utter
ances in this country.
The anomaly that he was the envoy
of one of the most absolute of mon.
arches did not prevent the celestial
from painting in most graphic phrase
what the venerable building stood for.
During his first administration.
Grover Cleveland. president Of the
United States, came to Philadelphia
one Fourth of July and. standing on a
platform raised on the square. ap.
pealed to the young manhood of Amer.
lea that the great lessons of 1776 be
not ignored.
Samuel ]. Randall, Judge Kelley,
Gen. Grant. Lewis Cassidy have also
figured prominently in Fourth of July
celebrations there.
During the administration of Mayor
Warwick. himself an orator of genuine
gifts. every year was made the oc.
casion of notable demonstrations to
which were invited. men of national
fame.
Under the direction of the governor
Of Pennsylvania a work of incalculable
interest hns been finished at Valley
Forge park by the state.
Valley Forge has a close relation.
ship with Independence day, and the
old camp site has proved Mecca on
July to thousands of Americans who
come from all over the union to pay
tribute to the fathers of the United
Stares who suffered and died on this
historic spot. Practically the entire
site has been reserved. A chapel
has been erected on the spot where
Washington was discovered at prayer.
At the moment Valley Forge park
comprises about 175 acres. 1t is
properly policed and cared for by
workmen. whose duty 1t is to keep the
roads and the entire park in perfect
order.
Public interest haE kept pace with
the work. On Memorial day 1900 per
sons registered at the headquarters,
and this is probably not one.fourth of
those who were in the park.
Anywhere from 5000 to 10000 Amer
leans will fittingly celebrate July 4.
1908. by going over the ground, on
which their heroic forefathers uuder-
went the sufferings that made aade.
pendence possible. a az