The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1920-06-27
SUN0ty, JUNE 27, 1920
PROCLAMATION!

The patriotic en- tions of the American
people find their n ost ardent expression on
our natal day, the Fourth of July In that
immortal hour our forefather dedicated their
lives and fortunes TO the principles of free
government. Then it was that we threw off
the shackles of alien domination and invested
our beloved country in the stainless robes of
liberty. 1t is fitting that we commemorate
with unrestrained JOY and thanksgiving the
supreme valor and wisdom of our first patriots
in that great struggle TO emancipate us from
the tyranny of arrogance and oppression. 1t
IS glorious heritage, and it is now for us to
guard and preserve it in unabated splendor
to bless future generations. And the duty is
q present one, for the forces of diSntegration
are at work. There is spirit of 1isloyalty
to our institutions abroad in the la. q, Men
in high places, with false and refractory pride
proclaim their opposition to and independence
Of constituted leadership and authority APP
peal is made to unite, in hope of numbers, the
elements of discomfort and maefaction, and
under one guse or another, with specous plead
ings and excuses on their lips, the most insid
ious doctrines are being disseminated Those
who would obstruct our pathway either in
peace or in war, no matter how guileless their
T.. i, ,ces are the enemies of true progress
~ are to be watched with the constant eye
of patriotism. 1t is time for solemn pause,
time to turn back to the early pages of our
history and there at the fountain of our bless
ings to renew and reanimate our love of coun-
try and its institutions.
For many years this great day was cee-
brated in prayer and thanksgiving. The Dec
laration of Independence was the noble text
in church and rostrum. Young and old as
sembled from far and near to hear the story
OF their emancipation, and with JOY and graft
tude in their hearts pledged anew their fidel-
ity to our flag. In the spirit of these observ-
ances there was no place for the noise and dis
traction of fireworks and explosives, and hap
PLY this unseemly innovation of more recent
years is now passing out. There is a convc-
tion that the time is ripe for return to the
inspiring methods of the past Let our themes
be woven around the glory of our il stitutions.
We are resolved, also, that our children shall
be spared the cruel injuries that always attend
these celebrations with high explosives. The
manned and disfigured children of othe- years
make sad appeal to US to protect the little ones
Of today.
With these thoughts in mind, l earnestly
urge public officials in all our towns and cities
to prohibit by proclamation or otherwise the
sale or use of fireworks and explosives on the
approaching Fourth of July. | am informed
by the fire marshal that not single serious
accident marred the celebration last year. The
cooperation of our people with their officials
brought about this happy result, and sincerely
trust that there will be the same united effort
this year to ward off injury and disaster.
In witness whereof | have hereunto set
my hand and caused to be affixed the great seal
of the state OF Oklahoma, this 11th day of
June, 1920
J. 3. A. ROBERTSON
The Governor of the State of oklahoma.
(sEAL)
Attest: JOE S. MORRIS
Secretary of State.