New Britain herald., 1926-06-28
INDEPENDENCE WEEK AND
 TFFERSON'S MEMORY

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 Seldom has there been the cele- bration of week" for which there has been greater justification than that of Independence Week, beginning today. It is being ob- served throughout the country as a tribute to the signing of the Declaration Of Independence, and will have its climax next Monday when July 4 will be celebrated a day late because of it's arrival on Sunday this year.
 The opening day of the celebra- ton is being devoted 10 a special observance in honor of Thomas Jefferson, it being the 150th anm- versary of the day on which he presented the Declaration of Inde- nendence to the Continental Con- sress. Jefferson lived half a cen- tury more, dying on July 1, 1926, so that the present Independence Week begins and ends with the memory of Jefferson to the fore front.
 Jefferson regarded his writing of the Declaration Of Independence as the greatest act of his life, an esti- mate meriting universal agree ment. Yet when he wrote an in scription to be placed above hia grave at Monticello he included references 10 the writing Of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom. and the fact he was father of the University of Fir- ginia." The judgment Of posterity has added fourth claim to fame, the purchase Of the Louisiana ter ritory from France.
 Although most Of Alexander Hamilton's views are reflected in the American form of government the spirit of Jefferson has given 1t life. Governments derive their strength from the consent of the governed. was his cardinal maxim; a point that needs additional em- nbasis in thcse days of dictator ships and sumptuary laws. Almost alone among the early continental leaders. Jefferson had an abiding faith in the common good sense of the people. and they in turn re- garded him as the idol of the American democracy.
 The Virginian was also great president, and during his admins tratlons the Union made greater expansive steps than at any time before or since. One need only to refer to the Louisiana purchase in 1893. the Lewis and Clark eXpedi- lion to the Pacific northwest in the same year. the war against the Barbary states over pirating Of American vessels. and the aquatic innovation or ;hc age, the first trip of Fulton's Clermonl 10 estimate the progress made during the Jcf- ferson administrations. In addition. one new atate, Ohio, was admitted to the Union.
 The supposition that Jefferson was solely inclined toward literary and political pursuits is erroneous, Jefferson's private life was one O. diversified interests. Always fond of hunting and outdoor sports, he likewise found thorouehbred horses necessary 10 his happiness, He sang and danced we'll and as a youth had quite a reputation as violinist. His studious procivities centered in mathematics. literature and politics. and he had what is termed 10 this day a good work ing knowledge" Of Latin, Greek and French later adding bit Of Spanish and Italian to his accom- pIishmonts. Youths Of today can do no better than attempt to be as vcI-rouuded in the pursuit Of knowledge and accomplishments as Jefferson. And at a time when inc sesauiccntennial Of his big achieve ment is here, and soon the cen'on- nia1 of his death. careful study of his biography will avail much.