Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1931-07-03
Three Unifed States Presidents
Died On July Fourth.

One historic TACT relating TO July Is
seldom remembered in Our usual observance
Of Independence Day. We are informed by
the Division Of Information and PubIica-
tion Of the United States George wash
ington Bicentennial Commission. This is
especially strange because this historic
fact has touching and dramatic meaning.
July 4 is the day on which three Presi-
dents Of the United States died Each of
these three early Presidents played
prominent part in the very formation Of our
government. and each received. as a re-
ward from the people. elevation to their
highest Office. Having performed great
labors in planning the theory Of our gov
eminent, IL fell to their lot to set noble
examples in putting the theory into prae-
teal effect
These three Presidents were John Adams.
Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. In
deed John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
died almost at the sane hour on July 4
1925. After many sharp differences Of
opinion. which had divided them during q
part Of their lives. Adams and Jefferson
became not only reconciIed but closely
attached friends. The correspondence of
their final years is one of the elories Of
American letters. Adams lived TO be
ninety. Jefferson eishty-three Neither
knew how close to death was the other,
and Adams last words. when conscious
that death was near. are said to have
been. Thomas jefferson still lives But
Thomas Jefferson was already dead.
Before their Presidency. both these great
men served as Vice-President, and one of
them as Vice-President while the other was
President. The older man. John Adams,
was Vice-President under George WASH
ineton. All three were closely associated
with Washington during our formative days.
and to one Of them. John Adams. goes the
credit for playing major part in throw
ing George Washington into the arms Of
destiny.
Ii was largely the action Of John Adams
that led the Continental Congress to ap-
point George Washington as COMMANDMENT
chief Of the Revolutionary forces. Before
that time Washington had been an out
standing sectional figure. man Of the
South. In command Of the Continental
forces. he became a man Of the country,
and history knows full well how he played
the part.
James Monroe. younger man. appeared
on the scene Of action after the efeat
political groundwork of founding the nation
had been accomplished. But as young
man he played gallant part on the field
Of battle. as a follower of Washington.
Strange to say. he at first opposed the
Constitution OF the United States. and. as
member Of the Virginia Convention,
elected to act on adoption OF the COnsti-
tuition. he voted against il. Yet be lived
to become the President who enunciated
doctrine that statesmen regard as no less
a settled rule Of American policy than the
Constitution itself. James Monroe died on
July 4. 1881; but the Monroe D ntrine"
in immortal.
The older men, Adams and jefferson,
are forever linked with George Washington
as leaders in the movement that made
America independent. Washington was
distinctively the man OF action. the soldier.
the director Of affairs. and without him the
Revolution might never have moved TO
victory. But just as necessary were the
philosophy Of jefferson in shaping our
principles OF government and the abili-
ties Of Adams in waking and uaining
popular opinion, a labor in which he had
few peers. Both Adams and jefferson
laration of Independence. Both signed the
Declaration. and to one Of them. Thomas
Jefferson. belongs the immortal honor Of
having written that timeless instrument.
In spite OF their passing differences. these
two giants Of intellect and manhood were
partners throughout their lives. In one Of
the greatest achievements for the progress
of humanity. On the very birthday of the
new charter they had brought to mankind,
when the entire nation was celebrating it's
50th anniversary. they died. within few
hours of each other. Had they been al
lowed to select the day Of their passing,
neither could have picked one more to his
liking. or more fitting to the record they
have left on American history.
As Independence Day Is celebrated this
year. the American people should spare
thought or two to this striking historic fact.
In honorine the day as the beginning Of
their Liberties and privileges. they should
also honor the memories OF these three
men who died, full OF years and full Of
honors, on this birthday OF q government