The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1914-07-03
Random Sketches
Fourth Of July.


birthday anniversary and 1t is to be
hoped it will be observed with that
earnest feeling OF sentiment and pat
riotic reverence which 1t SO richly de-
serves. Much precious blood has been
she'd to gain the bin OF rights involv.
ed in the principles declared in the
immortal declaration of 1776, and 9TH
or precious blood has flowed from
heroic sons OF this great republic in
defense of the principals for which the
great day so universally is recognized
to be perpetuated as the birthday Of
American liberty.
This Is no day for irreverence or
frivolity; rather day for sentiment
and resolves, In memory Of those
whose patriotism and heroic valor
made 1t possible for us, their OF.
spring. their favored children. to en-
Joy the great blessings of this favored
land. These are the kind OF words
that nerved them on the great
struggle that victory to them and in
sured freedom to US:
"Strike-till the last armed foe ex-
pires;
Strike for your alters and your fires;
Strike for the green graves OF your
sires,
God, and your native land"
Let such sentiment, patriotism and
courage guide us in our actions and
associations, tomorrow. Yield to no
persuasion to cast aside that reveren-
tial feeling due the great event Re-
member. this is no day for irrever-
ance or frivolity. AS Christmas Is a
day that should be held and sacredly
observed as the birthday OF Christ,
the day on which the great light OF
salvation burst upon willing souls; so
the Fourth Of July Is a day that
should be held and reverently honor
ed and observed as day for civic
sentiment, day on which the great
glare OF liberty and independence
burst In effulgent glory upon this
great republic and its people.
The Gate City extends sincere greet
ings to its readers with the hope that
the day may be spent by them In
that the events Of the day may deepen
their patriotic sentiment and quicken
their reverence and love for this
proud land Of ours, bought with
holy price and preserved in the she'd
ding OF blood.
First Observance.
The pioneers Of Iowa, even in her
childhood territorial days, had rever-
ence for the day when times were
not half so propitious as now.
We are told that there were about
three hundred inhabitants, old and
young, in Fort Madison, in 1887. and
inspired by the usual patriotism Of
Americans, they celebrated the Fourth
Of July Of that year with an outdoor
public dinner and appropriate
speeches. We can imagine the ear.
nestness and solemnity OF that early
notable event No frivolity marred
the sincere exercises.
Black Hawk, the eminent indian
chief was there as an invited guest,
and to one Of the toasts of the cele-
bration, which Is said to have been
to the swarthy old warrior. he replied
in a neat and sentimental speech from
which are given some striking para
graphs:
brethren, It has pleased the Great
Spirit that am here today. The earth
is our mother. We are now on IL,
with the Great Spirit above us. IT Is
good.
"a few summers ago was fighting
against you. I did wrong, perhaps.
But that is past: 1t is buried. Let It
be forgotten; and hope We are all
friends now.
Rock river was a beautiful coun-
try. and I liked my towns. my corn
fields, and the home of my people.
fought for 1t. 1t Is now yours; keep
It. II will produce you good crops.
81 was once great warrior. I am
now old and poor.
II have looked upon the Missis-
sippi since was child. have
dwelt upon it's banks from my In
fancy. I look upon It now"
Here he paused moment in SEN
timental reflection. casting sad look
upon the Mississippi, the celebration
grounds being close to the river
bank, and then concluded as follows:
'T shake hands with you all, and I
am your friend, hope you are now
INV friends"