Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1909-1915, 1910-07-22
THE. FOURTH or JULN.S

| %' - ~'1'#SS ~sIhO ~ 6saF "a <
e. 1t would. be interesting to know
Just what thoughts the fathers of the
republic entertained concerning the at
| t1tude future generations would take
In the observance of the anniversary
4 Of the adoption of the declaration of
independence. That some of the sign
ers of that immortal document had
| more profound conception of the
stupendous issues involved than did
others whose names were attached is
quite evident from the reading OF the
| history of the deliberations which cul-
minated in the adoption of the meas
ure which liberated the struggling
colonies from British dominion. OF
all the men who formed the council
that was charged with the responsible
ity of issuing a manifesto that was
to go laundering down the ages, per-
haps none more clearly interpreted
the great Issues involved than did
John Adams. Thomas Jefferson, Benz.
Franklin and the intrepid Patrick Hen
ry were engrossed more in the forma-
ton of a nation than they were con-
cerned as to what future generations
might think of the declaration which
brought the new nation into existence,
but John Adams paused long enough
after attaching his name to the docu-
ment to give kind of a prophetic
forecast to the deliberations of that
day, which was fraught with such
great issues. On the day after signing
the declaration Of independence Mr..
Adams penned these words in letter
to friend:
Yesterday the greatest question
was decided which was ever decided
among men. A resolution was passed
unanimously, That these United
States are, and of right ought to be-,
} free and Independent States
"The day is passed. The 4th of
July, 1776, will be memorable epoch
In the history Of America. I am apt
to believe it will be celebrated by
j succeeding generations as the GREAT
, ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL! It ought
, to be commemorated as the day of de-
liverance, by solemn acts of devotion
to the Almighty God. 1t ought to be
solemnized with pomps, show VS., games,
/ sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illum-
/ nations one end of the contin-
, ent to the other, from this time for.
!, ever! You will think me transported
. with enthusiasm; but am not. I am
3 well aware Of the toll, and blood, and
l treasure, it will cost to maintain this
declaration, and support and defend
these States; yet through all the
gloom, I can see a ray of light and
glory. I can see that the end is worth
more than all the means; and thai
= posterity will triumph, although 20,
/ land I may rue-which hope we shall
not.'' }sss7's'7@ 80 -, -
a And Adams was right. He right,
' interpreted the conduct that was tt
characterize future generations ais the.
r deliberated over the stupendous issues
d involved in that immortal document
d It took six thousand years to make
men capable Of producing such a de
r. claration Of human rights. July 4th
n 1776, is indeed memorable in the his
tory of America. Adams foresaw tn,
long struggle in arms that was tt
follow that act, but. Through all thu
= gloom he saw ray Of glory" and thel
u fearful Of the conflict he saw hope ii
= victory and freedom in triumph. All
g that was a great day for liberty ant
freedom! It gave new hope and new
It courage to the sons of men, inspir
a ed patriotism and developed courage
# A nation cannot be born withou
a tears and agony and a nation canno
be maintained without sacrifice ant