The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-07-04

NOHtlHuc0 - -NI.aSsY
ing in Old Christ church. almost the
same hour Of the meeting in Inde-
pendence hall few blocks away.
where the country's fathers were
drafting the declaration OF independ-
ence. The meeting in Christ church
was called to DISCUSS an amendment TO
the prayer book!
Worn Of the signing OF the Declare
ton, sounded forth by the liberty peiis
was echoed by the chimes in the church
tower and the assembly in the church
passed a resolution amending the pray
ers for the king Of England, 30 that the
people might pray for the officials OF
tho new republic. The old prayer book
with the alterations in the handwriting
Of Bishop White was used at the COM
memoration service today. Three
fourths Of the signers OF the Declare
ton Of Independence wore churchmen
and many of them attended Christ
church during the days they were meet
ing.
The First city troop of Philadelphia.
which today acted as an escort for
President Wilson, was intimately con-
nected with revolutionary history. 1t
was organized in 1774 and IL the old
est organization in the United states
that has maintained a continuous, ac-
tive military existence and taken part
in every war in which volunteer cav
airy has served.
Tho original troop standard pre-
sented by Captain Markoe in ITS,
and now preserved in the armory. is
said to be the earliest example Of the
lean banner, and is acknowledged
by flag historians to possess the best
claim to having been the inspiration
for our national flag. At Summit Hill,
Pa, near which town anthracite was
first discovered, g. soldiers monument
-
teers killed in the civil war. was today
unveiled with elaborate ceremonies.
At Williamsport a. flag was raised on
top of Bald Eagle mountain to mark
the centenary of the writing of THE
Star-Spangled Banner
Sits in Hanc0ck's Chair.
President Wilson arrived here at
1880 o'clock to attend the big ma
tional independence day celebration
arranged by Philadelphia to commem-
orate the one hundred and thirty
eighth anniversary of the signing OF
the declaration Of Independence. The
trip from Washington was uneventful.
President Wilson was greeted by q
shrill chorus Of factory whistles as he
entered the square in front Of historic
independence hall. In attendance
were members Of congress and gov
errors or Representatives of the gov
ernors of the original thirteen states.
and delegates from nearly every patri-
otto organisation Of the country. The
president occupied q chair used by
John Hancock and before him was the
table on which the declaration of in
dependence was signed. A pitcher
once used by George Washington was
on the speakers table. Lines of sail
ors, marines and soldiers occupied the
space in front Of the platform, and
beyond them stretched a huge crowd
drawn from many parts OF the nation.
On the presidents arrival at the
Broad street station he was welcomed
by a delegation Of citizens and by the
First city troop Of Philadelphia, which
acted as his guard Of honor during the
drive to Independence square, q mile
distant. Driving on Broad and Chest
nut streets, closely surrounded by his
escort and by city police and secret
service men, Mr.. Wilson was enthu-
siastica1ly cheered by large holiday
crowds.
The Presidents Address.
Advocating the undermining Of the
declaration OF Independence by apply
ing its principles to the business. the
politics, ana the foreign policies of
America, President Wilson thrilled a
huge crowd assembled in Indepen-
dence square within few feet OF
| where the original declaration was
signed.
The president touched on Mexico.
| the Panama tolls repeal controversy.
his antitrust program, business condt-