Year: 1876

RICH AxDsP PooK IN ls7c.


The exhibition If patriotisnsi in WV
mingtou, ousT Friday night was suficienfto
allay all fears that may be entertained BY
any one; that we Do not feel some interest
in the Centennial, although, recent events
certainly have had tendency to create
this impression. Our Centennial Commits
sioners have not received that encourage
ment, which the Importance of the occa-
sion should have evoked from our leading
men. A proposition, made in good faith and
intended to carry out suitable idea, that
of erecting house of Delaware timbers,
as tribute of our people to the great
National event. has been allowed to 60 the
way Of thought only, without action. 1t
may not be a lack of interest, and certainly
cannot be excused upon the ground OF a
scarcity of money. But it seems to be the
result Of an apathy, from which they must
be awakened and reused into spirit and
activity. With the leading men it may
be lack Of interest, and what we mean
by the leading men, are those who have
means and by these means occupy proml-
nence in the community. But with the
bone and sinew, that which inatgurated
the display of Friday night, and carried it
out so successfully, there was reflected
interest, patriotism and true warmth of
American character and spirit in the great
Centennial movement.


1t is with these that we must depend in
great measure for the success Of patriotic
movements. When it had been suggested
that such a purpose as that mentioned be
carried out by the people Of Wilmington,
in regard to the Centennial movement, it
was hardly once thought that in the very
minds and thoughts of those who should
be the proper advocates and supporters,
there would be discovered the apathy
which almost approaches after indifier-
ence. And to reflect further, the shame
of such sluggish action, the hard worked
man of the people, furnishes rebuke by
his enthusiasm and interest. 1t is true
the mite he can furnish is but little, but it
is of as great value to him as an hundred
dollars would be to others who have
neither contributed money or even exhib-
tied an interest in the movement


Upon the workingman considerable ac-
ton depends. His gifts are the inspiration
of love of country. 1t goes quietly upon
its mission and finds no vain advertis-
ing through newspaper columns, as is most
too often the motive of men for liberal Of
ferings. Too much like those who prayed
on the housetops and street corners. 1t is
further noticeable fact, that exhibits the
interests Of the workingmen in the one
hundredth year Of our national indepen-
dence, that it was with them purely on
Friday, the display originated and was
carried out, and by them Wilmington was
made the scene of merry making over one
of the grandest of National events. A,
the same time some of the most fashiona.
able parts of the city were wrapt in the
darkness oftheirown solitude with no evi.
dence of life about them.


Let this work be the work Of rich and
poor alike. 1t is the Centennial of freedom
and independence. The traditions o1
the country unite all in one common
brotherhood of citizenship allied to- the same
principles of freedom and Republic, as We
are told in the national anthem, it is the
land of the free and the home of the
brave. Therefore let all vie with each
other to do what they can; the working mar
giving his mite from his humble wages
and the wealthy in like proportion from
his ample store, and Wilmington and Del
aware's people will have no cause to tingt
with a blush at our recognition Of Ameri


can liberties, or our posterity, one though


of regret over the participation Of tn,
proud little Diamond State in this patriotic
drama Of life, liberty and independence
| the symbols of the American Republic.
THE SCHOOL QUESTION.


A ro,t1o,ooo ,,I So1Iro ,rbo :, h. ~