Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 March 1889 — ONE HUNDRED YEARS. [ARTICLE]

ONE HUNDRED YEARS.

Tlie Centennial Celebration, April 30, 1880 —A Red-Letter Day In Our Nation’s History. Preparations are being made throughout tho country for tho forthcoming centennial celebration of tho adoption of our National Constitution. The committee on general observance of the day in the Nortliwoat has issued the following : The purpose of this forthcoming celebration is to commemorate the adoption of our National Constitution, of which tho 30th of April, 1880, will be the one hundredth anniversary. Now York and Chicago—the one the commercial metropolis of the East, the other of the West—have adopted measures for the proper observance of the memorable day. In Chicago it is proposed that" those shall be a suspension of business, an assembling of citizens in all the churches, at as early an hour as nine o'clock, for religious services of thanksgiving and praise to God, after the manner of our forefathers, to he followed by tlie gathering together in all of the public schools of their 'hundred thousand or more scholars for appropriate exercises, addresses, and national iiiuhlc, and for presentation to all tho pupils of medulH as souvenirs of the patriotic occasion. Later in tho day the adult citizens are to assemble in tho largest halls to listen to distinguished orators, and finally the exhibition in the evening of fireworks, to conclude the patriotic programme. The title of “The Committee oil General Observance of tho Day Throughout the Northwest" indicates its purpose, and tills committee is charged with the duty of publishing a brief outline of the proposed celebration, not to dictate to other committees any special form, or order of celebration, but to propose an interchange of views, to receive as well us to give suggestions, if desired. It were needless to multiply words in extending a cordial and fraternal invitation to our fellow-country-men to appropriately celebrate this rodletter day in our nation’s history; to join, not in boastfulness, but in devout thankfulness to the ruler of nations, for the prescience of our forefathers in devising that Constitution, which for a hundred years has challenged tho ovor increasing admiration of mankind, and also for blessing the new-born nation with its first President-in the jiersou of Washington, now the world’s acceptod type of the dignity and probity of the loftiest manhood and most exalted patriotism. Not alone in cities, but also in the hamlet and on the farm, let us raise our Hags and our voices in honor of the priceless heritage of our Constitution and our Washington. And above all lot our children, tho young to whose charge the destiny of the nation is soon to be confided, Ire imbued with the inteusest love of country, and their loyalty to its proud memories and beloved institutions be so enshrined in their hearts as to insure the perpetuity of the republic. Thomas B. Bbvan, Chairman. Chicago, March 16, 188’J.