Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-07-04
Friday, July 4. 1924.
INDEPENDENCE DAY

II doesn't Beem too optimistic 10
assume that two years from today
this country will be celebrating the
ono hundred and httieth anniversary
OF It's great adventure. II truly was
n great adventure to declare our in
dependence OF Great Britain. 1t was
not that country's custom to bid tho
colonial members OF the family either
God speed or good radiance. Any
suggestions OF independence were
traitorous and 1t was then the FASH
ion 10 hang traitors. There was
much OF truth in Franklln's observa-
ton TO the slgners Of the Declaration
Of Independence. that II they didn't
hang together they would hang sep
arately.
Whether such celebration VIII
bring the present generation into
better comprehension OF the ideals
with which tho foundations OF the
country were established. is a matter
OF opinion. Naturally the effect will
depend somewhat on the manner OF
celebration, the features on which
stress may be laid. II Is somewhat
otsa novelty for consideration,
group OF men under the shadow or
the moose declaring themselves FREQ
and independent. And as a people
we are fond OF novelty. They did no,
do this In the fear OF the direct pri-
marles, apprehension lest they might
not be returned another time to make
another declaration in event the first
failed.
Not saints. those old torefathers.
not above playing moro or less OF
politics on occasion. but this does
not appear 10 have been one OF the
occasions. We have gone far in ma
terlal development since that day.
but as 10 the fundamental principles
OF government they OF that time were
we'll grounded. The best minds gave
much thought TO such matters. And
they had the courage OF their convic-
lions. Then as now there were lot
OF people. who didn't Ike 20 be dis
commodsd. There seems to have
been numerous persons. very warlike
at FIRST. who as tho war dragged on
year after year got cold feet and
went home TO warm them. Had not
France come to our assistance II Is
extremely doubtful whether that
great adventure would have proved
successful.
nut Il was successful That very
important fact is worthy OF a cele-
hratIon nj least once year, and
never should he permitted to pass en-
tlrely out OF the mind OF anyone who
would ia conscious OF the real sisni-
rcance Of that word. American. The
traditions OF the Fourth OF July are
among the countrys priceless pos
sessions. II might he we'll when we
think Of this anniversary not to re-
gard Il lightly. though no one expects
the exuberance. which finds outlet
in celebration. which may have
walked non -ceiebrants early this
morning. TO give much heed to the
serious aspect OF the occasion.
Here would seem to he an oppor-
tunity for the elders 10 help out.
This might we'll begin with their un-
dertaking to become better acquaint-
de with those important fundamen-
tails of government which the strong
men Of l4S years ago deemed so i'm
portant they risked their necks and
their possessions to put them into
practice. How many OF us really
know much about. except in gem
eral way. the conditions which led
UP to the Fourth of July. Really they
make interesting reading. We might
like to review them. A New York
hotel that gave out as souvenirs dur
ing the convention copies OF the Con-
stltution found the demand among
the delegates exceeded the supply. 1t
IL very essential these days to be-
come we'll acquainted with the Con-
stitution. To do this one first must
obtain a good understanding OF the
meaning Of the Fourth of July.