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Show j The Fourth Of July (I TV H 0NDAY next wI11 l3e tlie anniversary of I 1 V 1 tlie day from which dates an epoch only I exceeded in its far-spreading benign ef- . fects, by the coming of the Messiah. In the sluggish days of continued peace, men are liable ' to grow thoughtless of their duties, their obliga tions, and to grow indifferent about events which I give direction to the world and change the des- jt tiny of nations. f The creation of our Republic on the lines it was created on, has rid parallel among the achievements of any body of men that ever lived. It was truly a right about face for the nations and a forward march for civilization. It was re versing the methods of the ages; it sounded the death-knell of kings, the domination of priests, and j. the placing of the rule of the world in the hands of the men who raise the bread and fight the . battles of the world. Its full significance is not I yet acknowledged, but the light of the flag is , spreading; its effect is beginning to be seen in lands which never knew what freedom meant i in constitutions for China and Persia and in the beginning of freedom for Turkey. For us, in a sovereign state, in that Union which the fathers established, the anniversary of that natal day of our nation should never be permitted to pass without having distinct honors paid it. There should be marching and music; the most ac-i ac-i complished orators should be called out to re hearse the work of the fathers and to sound their praises; there should be anthems of praise chanted in all our churches; everything possible should be invoked to awaken the patriotism of the children, chil-dren, for patriotism is the solvent of a nation. y In the excess of wealth and in the rush for more wealth, men have in many places ceased to celebrate the day, save in boisterous outings J and modern games, in which not a thought is in- l jected of the sacredness of the day because of the fathers' work, which culminated on that I day of which this is the anniversary. ' Columbus found our new world, the fathers I t consecrated it to freedom and self-government for enlightened men. |