Evening star., 1936-09-06

WlQe CtlcUldllUI VI tllC 4oOVA
" anniversary of the formation
4 of the Constitution has beer
arranged-but the plans are develop
ing daily with amazing ramiflcations
One year ago august %, 1855 the ses-
quicentennial was projected by act of
Congress; one year hence (September
II, 1880 the festivities start, on the
anniversary of the signing Of the Con-
stitution; they continue, day and night,
all over this broad land, across all seas,
in foreign climes, on every continent
for 20 months; they close on April 80,
1899, the anniversary of the inaugura-
ton of President Washington, with the
opening of world exposition.
While every show feature that ap-
peals to all peoples is recruited for this
commemoration radio, pageantry,
motion pictures, odes and anthems,
posters, medals. parades. carnivals,
contests of all sorts, fireworks, flags
flying and bands playing, oratory, spe-
cial stamp issues, grand balls and ban
quets-the main objective is soul stir
ring rather than spectacular.
The celebration Is to commemorate
one of the crowning achievements of
the human race-eStablishment by a
free people of government of their
own choosing, to govern them with
their own consent and to safeguard
their liberties. 1t aims to make every
citizen intelligently alert in exercising
his share of the sovereign power which
created and now maintains the Con-
stitution.
So, the Sesquicentennial Commits
sion-headed by President Roosevelt
and with Representative Sol Bloom as
director general-aims to make this
celebration the occasion for instilling
into the minds and hearts Of every cit
izen, young and old, an individual
realization of his relation to the Con-
stitution-how it is the fortress of his
liberty, the stronghold behind which
he can take refuge against oppression.
The drive is to bring home to every
citizen the knowledge that the Consti-
tuition is the spirit of America, the flow
ering of freedom in free land. Amer
lean citizens are to be impressed with
the fact that the Constitution is their
law, made by them and alterable only
by them-the sublime emanation of
their will, binding upon Presidents,
Congress, courts and States; holding
these authorities by irresistible power
within their respective spheres and
commanding them to respect and pro-
tect the rights of every human being
under the American flag.
Inculcation of knowledge respecting
the Constitution in the oncoming gen.
Grafton of citizens, the commission
feels, cannot fail to yield fruitful and
lasting results, besides constituting a
most appropriate method of rendering
homage to the generation that created
the National Charter.
EVERY State, city, town, every or
ganization and institution every
home and individual in the Nation is
being urged to participate.
The Sesquicentennial Commission
includes the Vice President and Speak
er of the House. Senator Ashurst of
Arizona is vice chairman and the other
Senators are Robinson, Arkansas: Van
Nuys, Indiana; Borah, Idaho, and Nc
Nary, Oregon. House members are
Bloom, New York; Mclaughlin, Ne
braska; Dorsey and Darrow, Pennsyl-
vania, and Taber, New York. Presi-
dental commissioners are c. O'Connor
Goolrick, Virginia; Daniel ]. Tobin,
Indiana; William Hirst, Missouri;
Maurice E. Harrison, California, and
Harry A. Garfield, Massachusetts.
The President Is to address the
American people over Nationwide
radio hook-up on the significance of
the commemorative celebration--this
Is provided for by the joint resolution
creating the commission. All branches
Of the Government service win be rep
resented. Governors, mayors and all
public officials have been asked to CO.
operate and most of the States have
already organized official commits
Sions.
The diplomatic corps will be in
vited. as guests of the Government, to
participate in the ceremonies. All
American embassies, legations and
consulates throughout the world will
be directed to display their flags con-
spicuously and to hold appropriate
ceremonies.
A special program is being ar
ranged for celebration on Septem-
Der II, 1887, by the Army and the
Navy. At every military post, at
every naval station, at all garrisons
throughout the States and Territories,
on every American warship in port or
on the high seas, fitting tribute viii
be paid to the Constitution.
The main event Of the opening day