The Daily Alaska empire., 1928-07-03
THE SPIRIT OF THE FOURTH.

The observance tomorrow for the one hundred and ffty-frst time of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in Juneau and In other Alaskan communities probably will resemble more nearly the early observances, the anniyer- saries immediately following the formation of the republic than in any other section Of the United States. This naturally would follow from the pioneer state of development. There IS less of formality, pomp and ceremony and more of the oldtime atmosphere of rejoicing than is generally found in the older settled communities In our observance of the occasion still all of one family which is a fine thing for any community and particularly for frontier country
 We are not unmndful of the early day trials and trbulations of the founders of the republic and their triumphs. Some of the material handeaps they encountered were not far different from many we have to confront and solve. That the early day Americans solved their problems lends faith that we, too following in the paths blazed by them, will eventually find the proper solution to ours So while we celebrate their victories, and in observance of the anniversary of our countrys natal day express cur faith in the nations ultimate destiny, also give voice to the faith have in our own Territory's great future of the sister hood of States that make up the worlds great est republic.
 In this year of 1928 with national campaign looming near. shall certainly hear and read much of the fundamental principles that are the bedrock upon which the nation founded and has grown to stature of unparalleled great ness. There great many students of his tory who have become convinced very close to the bcrderland if in fact not already across the boundary, of governmental system that is far removed from the ideals had in mind by the founding fathers.
 Certainly have delegated unusual amount of authority in the Federal Government With each new function given it has come an organization to carry it out There has been multiplication of bureaus until the average cit zen has lost all conception of their number Coincident with this development there has been weakening of the State governments Instead O. central government just strong enough to linl the individual States together, have who's authority and activities extend into every in dustry, trade, profession and walk of life. Witt this has come loss of individual initiative, submerson of individual independence and free dom each of which was very largely the sourc of the countrys material and spiritual greatness
 These are some of the subjects we can expec to hear discussed in the next lew months is not a sign of lack of patriotism if W shall consider them seriously. Rather to refus to do so, to blindly accept the present statu unquestionably would merely be a sign of nar rowness which should not be confused with pa triotism. The founding fathers buded wisely the events of the past century and a half ar evidence of that. If are to continue in thei footsteps, it only be done by intelligent following wise leadership Blind acceptance ( any leadership must lead sooner or later disaster, and eventual loss of that indivdus and personal liberty that strong enough '76 to lead the colonists to revolt from the mothe country and set up government of their ow dedicated to the inalienable rights of ''life ubert and the pursuit of happiness