The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1914-06-27
ALI SHARE IN GLORY

OF the fifty-six men who signed the
Declaration of Independence, but a
scant dozen attained Immortality
Thomas jefferson, John Hancock,
Richard Henry Lee, John Adams, Ben
jamin Franklin and few others. But
what about Josiah Bartlett, Thomas
Mexican, Charles Carroll, Robert Nor
ris, George Taylor, Edward Rtuledge,
John Hart, Francis Lewis, Button
Gwinnett and score of others?
Fifty of these fifty-siX men were
present during the discussion and
adoption of the Declaration, and, as
delegates to the continental congress,
were essential factors in its ultimate
ratification. The other six, elected
members of congress later, neverthe-
less took part in the general move
ment by signifying themselves in
favor of it, and were allowed to sign.
Thomas jefferson, as the author of the
Declaration, attained lasting fame,
as did John Hancock, president of the
continental congress
All Bravely Did Their Share
But of the men who stand outside of
that ring of immortality much can be
were generals, the others were at the
same time essential to the Declara-
ton. They as much as the others,
affixed their names to what was at
that time an extremely dangerous
document. They, as we'll as the others
burned their bridges behind them and
took their stand firmly upon their con-
viction. 1t required the signatures of
recognized delegates from each of the
Is States to make the Declaration of
Independence complete.
If the veil of 1873 years could be lift
ed and those days lived over again, it
would be interesting to see with what
emotions those men among men took
the stand for independence. 1t would
be inspiring to hear the tone in which
each gave his answer when called upon
to vote for or against the ratification
of that which was to give this coun-
try its freedom. But it would have
been even more dramatic to have how
cred near the desk on which the De-
claration lay and watched each man
as he came forward ana affixed his
signature, lasting testimonial to the
world, and Great Britain, especially,
of the courage for and faith in the
new country these men were creating.
The precise hour of the day of the
adoption of the Declaration of hide
pendence is not determinable from
records. 1t is known, however, that
Congress entered upon direct consid-
Grafton of the question on the first OF
July, 1916, by voting to resolve itself
into a committee of the whole to con-
slider the resolution introduced by
Richard Henry Lee, and to refer the
draft of the Declaration to this COM
mittee. 1t was Richard Henry Lees
resolution that ran: THAT these Unit
ed Colonies are, and of right ought to
be, free and Independent states"
Adopting the Resolution.
Benjamin Harrison of Virginia, was
chosen chairman of the committee.
After a discussion lasting the entire
day the resolution was adopted. The
committee then resumed its standing
as a congress, and President Hancock
received Mr.. Harrison's report. 1t was
then voted to postpone action on the
resolution until the following day. This
course of procedure was carried out,
and so the second of July is the real
Independence day. The resolution
adopted, congress again resolved it
self into committee of the whole "to
consider draft of a Declaration OF In
dependence. or the form OF announc-
ing the fact to the world" The con-
sideration continued throughout the
third and fourth, it being on the even
ing of the latter day that the commit
tee arose. President Hancock reSum-
ed the chair, and Chairman Harrison
reported that the drat. had been
agreed upon. 1t was then adopted by
congress.
The draft was ordered on the 10Th
OF July to be engrosseu, anG on Aug
uSt , the engrossed copy was signed
by 80 members George Wytne sign
ed about August 27, Richard Henry
Lee, Elbridge Gerry and Oliver VOL
colt in September, Matthew Thornton
the following November, ana Thomas
Mexican even later, probably in 1871.
Such is the account of the signing as
recognized in an official history of the
Declaration, despite the fact that. IN
recording the happening of the Fourth
of July, Jefferson himself said: "The
Declaration was reported by the COM
mittee. agreed to by the house. and
signed by every member present eX-
cept Mr.. Dickinson" The journal Civ
ing the record of the congress states
that it was Signed by order and in
behalf of Congress, John Hancock,
president, Attest Charles Thomson,
secretary"
FIRST Celebration.
The first celebration of the event
was Thursday, July s, l776, in the
state house grounds. Philadelphia,
where every eye could gaze upon the
bell that proclaimed liberty through
out the world The Declaration itself
was read to a large gathering of peo-
pie by John Nixon. The kings arms
were taken down in the courtroom in
the state house, and in the evening
there were bonfires and great demon
STATIONS of JOY.
Panama Canal Opening May Spread