Evening star., 1951-07-04
Jefferson's Last Legacy to the People
By .Edword Boykin


ferson put it, made their bold and
doubtful election between submission
and the sword On July 4. 1776, the
Continental Congress. representing
million Americans. made declaration
to the world which severed the United
States from Great Britain.
This declaration was far more than
the simple political act of loosing Amer
lea from the imperial apron strings-far
more than piece OF parchment en-
crossed with lofty phrases, arguments
against tyranny and Sc signatures. it
would be well II dictators everywhere
not excluding Joseph Stain and his
minions--were to read It and reflect on
it. For, to quote Jefferson again, "The
flames kindled on the Fourth Of July,
1776, have spread over too much Of the
globe to be extinguished by the feeble
engines OF despotism."
Time was when Independence Day in
America was celebrated not only by
parades. booming of cannon. ringing Of
bells and patriotic oratory, but by sober,
sincere reading Of the Declaration OF
Independence to large assemblages and
by fathers to their children. It was q
day dedicated In all its hours to the
memory Of those great moments In Phila-
delphia when this free Nation was an
nounced to the world
Such time was July 4, 1926, the 50th
anniversary Of the adoption OF this great
charter of freedom.
In that year. with the approach of
Independence Day, the citizens Of WASH
ington felt that the anniversary deserved
a more elaborate celebration than here
tofore. Accordingly. a citizens COM
mittee was formed. The chairman was
him fell the task Of making arrange
ments for the golden anniversary Of
independence.
At that time, three of the 56 signers
of the Declaration Of Independence still
were living: John Adams, Charles Car
roll Of Carrollton and Thomas Jefferson.
To these three venerable patriots. Mayor
Weightman sent invitations to visit the
Capital City and participate in the 50th
anniversary festivities as guests Of the
people Of Washington.
The invitation found John Adams at
his home at Quincy, Mass, fading fast
under the burden Of 90 years. Those
about him knew that his sands were
running out It could be only few days
at best.
Charles Carroll Of Carrollton-he who
alone put his address on the Declara-
tion-was still vigorous at 30. But he
had accepted q similar invitation from
the City of New York.
Mayor Weightman's invitation reached
Monticello on June 1s. It found Jeffer-
son worn down with age. infirmity and
pain =. my faculties so much impaired
as to prepare me to meet with welcome
the hour when we shall reassemble 80"
Slowly, Jefferson read the invitation.
>"Sir:
GAS chairman of q Committee ap-
pointed by the citizens OF washington
to make arrangements for celebrating
the fiftieth anniversary Of American
independence in a manner worthy OF
the metropolis OF the Nation, am
directed to invite you. as one OF the
sirners of the ever-memorable Declara-
ton of the 4th of July, l776, TO honor
the city with your presence on the oc-
casion.
gyou, that on receiving your acceptance
of this invitation. special deputation
will be sent to accompany you from
your residence to this city and BACK
again to your home.
with sentiments Of the highest re-
spect and esteem,
st have the honor to be
"Your most obedient servant,
'R. G. Weightman,
Mayor of Washington and Chairman
of the Committee Of Arrangements"
jefferson laid the invitation on his
desk amid his unanswered letters. He
would 20 II he could, but how could he.
when scarcely able to walk from one
room to another?
He waited six days before replying to
Mayor Weightman. On June "a. he sat
down at his desk and took up his gull.
He began writing:
"To Mr.. Weightman:
Respected Sir:
saThe kind invitation I received from
YOU, on the part Of the citizens OF the
City of washington, to be present with
them at their celebration OF the 50tn
anniversary Of American independence
as one Of the surviving signers OF an IN
strument pregnant with our own and the
fate of the world, is most nattermg tc
myself. and heightened by the honorable
accompaniment proposed for the COM
fort of such journey. It adds sensibly
to the sufferings Of sickness. to be de-
prived by it Of q personal participation ir
the rejoicing OF that day. But acquies-
cence is a duty, under circumstances moi
placed among those we are permitted to
control.
"I should, indeed. with peculiar delight
have met and exchanged there con-
gratulations personally with the small
band, the remnant of that host o.
worthies, who joined with us on that
day, in the bold and doubtful election
we were to make for our country, be-
tween submission or the sword: and u
have enjoyed with them the consolator,
fact that our fellow citizens, after hall