The Syracuse Journal, Volume 20, Number 9, Syracuse, Kosciusko County, 30 June 1927 — Page 2

America's 56 Immortals Th ~ ■

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By ELMO SCOTT WATSON a ULRICA'S 56 Immortals—who are they?

They were the men whose autographs are shown above, but yon don’t necessarily have to be a collector of autographs to be Interested in them. If you are a real American to whom Independence day means something more than a holiday from your everyday Job or enjoying the opportunity of engaging in an annual noise-making orgy, so dear to th b'mrt of Young America, you should be Interested in t< and what they stand for. They repres ♦ a certain handwriting activity which took place 151 years ago and which, it is safe to assert.

changed the whole course of human history. For these are the autographs of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence and those signers are America's 56 Immortals, whose deed we commemorate on the Fourth of July. Considering the Importance of what they did. It Is a bit strange that we Americans know so little about these signers. Os course, the nnmes of tome of them are familiar. From our school histories we know John Hancock, who put down his name In such a "bold handwriting that even King George the Third could read It without his spectacles,” and who has given us the br-word of “put your John Hancock on that” as a synonym for "sign on the dotted line.” From our school histories, too. we know Thomas Jefferson, the “Author of the Declaration of Independence.” whose original draft of It. bearing also the corrections In the handwriting of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Is one of our most precious national heirlooms. We know the names of some of the others who were prominently connected with Revolutionary events and with the founding of the new nation—Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine. Richard Henry I>ee. Robert Morris, Philip Livingston. Francis Lightfoot Lee, Elbridge Gerry, Roger Sherman and Charles Carroll of Carrollton. We also know Button Gwinnett, but not for the same reason. His rise to fame has been a more modern development and has come about because his signature is one of the greatest rarities known to autograph collectors. Two years ago Button Gwinnett, dead these 150 years, won a place In the newspaper headlines because a New York collector had paid $22,500 for his autograph. Ijist November another specimen of his signature was sold for $28,500, and this fact was widely heralded as the highest price ever paid for an autograph. Then in March. 1927. a new record was established when “the only known example of a letter with a Button Gwinnett signature attached" sold for $51,000. The fact that the signatures of five other signers of the Declaration of Independence also appeared on this letter may have had something to do with the high price, but the principal reason was the appearance thereon of the handwritnlg of this Continental congress delegate from Georgia who was kilted In a duel a year after he had placed his signature on America’s Magna Charts. And this man whose autograph Is worth a fortune today, because It Is the Wrest of all of those of the signers, once saw his property sold to satisfy an indebtedness of *l.s4*'! So Button Gwinnett’s name at the present time Is probably the best known of all the signers. even If many of the others had longer and more distinguished careers. Rut take out the dozen or more named above and consider the remaining forty. Not only do few of us know their names, but what do we know about the men themselves? More than a hundred years ago a historian set to work to preserve for future generations some nf the - facts about these men. It Is this book. Sanderson's “Biography of the Signers , of-the Declaration of Independence.” published In Philadelphia in nine vol* umes from 1820 to 1827. which gives us most of our knowledge of them. Here are some of the facts about them: Os the 5* slgnere of the Declaration of Independence, nine were bom ta Maesachueetta. eivht In Virginia; five In Maryiand. four in Connecticut, four tn New Jersey, four in Pennsylvania, four in South Carolina, three in New York, three in Delaware, two In Rhode Inland, one tn Maine, three in Ireland, two in England, two tn Scotland and one in Wales Twenty-one were attorneys, ten merchants, four physicians, three farmers, one clergyman, one printer, sixteen were men of fortune. Eight were graduates of Harvard college, four of Yale, three of New Jersey, two of Philadelphia, two of William and M.try. three of Cambridge, England; two of Edinburgh. and one of St. Omers. At the time of their deaths, five were over ninety years of age. seven between eighty and ninety, eleven between seventy and eighty, twelve between sixty and seventy, eleven between fifty and sixty, seven between forty and fifty; ohe died at the age of twenty-seven and the age of two is uncertain. At the time of the signing of the Declaration, the average of the members was forty-four years. They lived to the average age of more than eixty-five years and ten months The youngest member was Edward Rutledge of Sopth Carolina, who was in his twenty-seventh year. He lived to the age of fifty-one The next youngest member was Thomas Lynch of the same state, who was also In hla twenty-seventh year. He was cast away at sea in the fall of 177*. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member. He was in his seventy-first year when he signed the Declaration. He died in 17*« and survived sixteen of his younger brethren. Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island, the next oldest member, eras bora ta I'o7 and died tn 17*3. Charles Carroll attained the greatest age. dying la his ninety-sixth year. Wiliam Ellery of Rhode Island died In hie ninety-first year. Two of the signers, both of whom later became President, died on the same day exactly fifty years later, July ♦. Iff*. They were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams Interesting as thews statistics may be to some persons—at least they were considered of sufficient moment for some industrious compiler to dig out those facte—they do little more than hint at the real “human Interest” that lie* in the careers and characters of these men and that "tremendous event" with which their names are associated. The years that have passed since they signed the Declaration of Independence have thrown such a haze of romance around them and their deed that it is difficult for ns to see this event in a clear light. We look at Trumbull’s painting and see an act In the dramatic pageantry of History Making. But who were these bewigged. white-stockinged patriots shown In that picture? Not diplomats, nor plenlpotentlarie* nor such men of high degree as the world was then accustomed to think of as being associated with history-making events. Instead they were “twenty-one attorneys, ten merchants, four physicians, three farmers, one clergyman, one printer" and only "sixteen men of fortune.” Thus the majority of them were men who worked for their living at some occupation «r profession—surely an appropriate group to lay the foundations for a democracy tn which “all men are created equal”! Such were America's Immortals. Perhaps they realized that they were actors in a mighty pageant-drama, but It is doubtful if they regarded it as we are accustomed to think of it. We think of them as coming forward, to take their places in the picture, posing tot- a moment tn the historic acene and then stepping forth to receive the plaudits of the world. But how different must It have been for them I What misgivings must have troubled them as they took the decisive step. Remember that the sentiment for

Statesman Drew Ire of Ohio Legislature

One Ohio legislature adopted a rew 0.-'lon declarfhg a. former President of the United States guilty of a treasonable act It la true the succeeding leactedert it, but II Mood ob the journal ft* two years. The Forty-second legislature waa the body that adopted tt and John Quincy .Adams was the accused man. Be was then a member of the house of representatives. repreeenting Masaaete-

setts In congress. and had laid before the house the petition of a constituent asking that the unton of states be dissolved. The resolution adopted tn Ohio declared that in aiding to give publicity and Importance to the tree* sonable propoeltlen, Mr. Adams ted merited tan—re and that the legislature of Ohio “should stamp his course and conduct la the matter with its indignant disapprobation.’ Soon

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Independence was not y*k unanimous throughout the colonies. Remember that they still felt a certain loyalty to the mother country, even though the people they represented had suffered from the stupidities of the king of that country. They realized that membership In the Continental congress was a position of peril as well as a position of honor. During November of the previous year 87 members of congress. 50 of whom later signed the Declaration, bad signed the famous oath of secrecy which read: Resolved, that every member of this Congress considers himself under the ties of virtue, honor and love of his country not to divulge directly or Indirectly any matter or thing agitated or debated In Congress; nor any matter or thing determined in Congress which a majority of the Congress shall order to be kept secret and that if any member shall violate this agreement he shall ba expelled from this Congress and deemed an enemy to the liberties.of America asd liable to be treated as such and,that every member signify his assent to this agreement by signing the same. This indicates that they realized fully the seriousness of the business. But what was even more serious was taking the final step of severing all ties with England and declaring for independence. They were rebels against what by tradition and training had always been recognised as the properly constituted authorities. If the revolt failed. If the conflict, which had already been precipitated and which this declaration of independence necessitated seeing the thing through to the end. went against the patriot cause there was for them the promise of the treatment which history has usually dealt her unsuccessful rebels—lmprisonment and perhaps the rope. Even if the revolt succeeded there was no certainty that the Jealous and discordant colonies could come together under any stable form of government. So they were taking a fearful resimnsibillty upon themselves, these attorneys and merchants, these farmers, a clergyman and a printer. As for the “men of fortune” they had even .more to lose In material wealth, tn social position and tn civic post of trust than did the others if the rebellion failed. ’ For that reason, more honor to them because they did what they did! So it Is well to remember America’s Immortals on Independence day this year and to pay their memories the respect due them. Despite a modern tendency to examine critically the events of the past with the evident ) effort on the part of some historians to “show up” national heroes and prove that they were something less in historic stature than we have been thinking, and despite the fact that it has become a foshion to question the motives of the Fathers of the Republic, the estimate of one historian (George E. Ellis in Windsor’s “Narrative and Critical History of America") may still be accepted as an adequate characterization of the signers: “We have become accustomed to associate with the term congress the idea of a legally constituted organic body, with defined powers author!tatively assigned to it, the exercise of which is binding on its constituents. Our Continental congresses were of quite another son, and had no authority save what might be granted to the wisdom and practicability of the measures they advised. Most certain it is that only a very small minority of the people of the colonies were concerned in calling the early congresses. As certain, also. Is It that a very large preponderance of the people of all classes were then strongly opposed to any violent measures, to sundering ties of allegiance, or to seeking anything beyond a peaceful redress of grievances. On the whole, while It must be admitted that congress was generally In advance of its constituency. It knew how to temporize and to give Intervals of pause In steadily working on to It* ultimate declaration. •Natural leaders’ always start forth to such a cause, and they learn their •kill by practice. . . . “When we consider the distractions of the times, the overthrow *1 all previous authority, the presence and threats of anarchy the lack ol unanimity and the number and virulence of discordant interests, and. above all. that congress had only advisory, hardly instructive, powers, we can easily pardon excesses and errors, and heartily yield our admiration to the noble qualities and virtue* of those who proved their claim to leadership When we read the original papers and the full biographies of these men. we are impressed by the balance and force of their Judgment, their power o! expressing reasons and convictions, their calm self-mastery and the ferret of their purpose.”

after the next legislature met. a resolution to rescind the action was passed The rescinding resolution declared that the censure had been basrf on erroneous information and was “calculated to cast undue reproach on the character of a statesman and patriot.”—Detroit News. Happy Finding One day the tutor of a marquise de Renville, while playing tennis at Saumur. missed making his point but found the priceless last Second Decade

THE SYRACUSE JOURNAL

of Ury when a fragment of paper war blown across his radket The celebrated “Nizam’s Diamond” made its first appearance in the hands of a destitute child In India.—Market for Exchange. Mutt Bt Borne Some one has defined a baby as “a crying evil that you only aggravate by putting down Boston Transcript Constancy is the complement of ah the other human virtues.—Mazzini.

FAVOR SMART STYLED GINGHAMS; LACE IN THE MILLINERY PICTURE

AND now it is cotton fabric from sheer to sturdy weaves which nark the pathway to chie. If you would be smartly attired don a gingoatn or a printed sateen or a linen . >r a pique frock, for the next bridge oarty or country club day-time event. If It is an evening affair, wear a flowered or pastel organdy. To be sure, there's nothing new tn the idea of organdy for summer wear, however, it is tremendously important this season and designers are enthusiastically endorsing it for bridesmaids’ costumes, as well as for dancing and dining. When it comes to the adaptation of gingham and such for wear

IV ' ! k •■ wßfcjn I .lIL mBMEk- j .. -A jH I 11 I; I W MIMHMMGWIHHBmi A Smart Styled Gingham.

st sports and afternoon events, there's the thrill of real novelty tn that. This new enthusiasm of the mode goes so far as to create tailored frocks of gingham for smart street wear. The idea tA unique and opens up a vast field of interpretation for wash goods in a “different" way. The model in the picture is of basket-weave gingham. combining threads of beige and brown. Many gingham sports frocks favor two-piece stylings, which Include belted jumpers pose< over plaited skirts. Sometimes a jacket of plain wash] weave accompknies the blouse-and-skirt ensemblej Gay-print cottons are very popular, too. Many of them, especially printed sateens, can scarcely be distinguished

T yimni - J-: t ' ■ Rk - *' \ Group of New Hats,

from silk. Small patterns vie with showy modernistic effects. The tiny rolorful floral* remind one of the handtome “cravat” silks . which are in vogue. Recently some attention ha* been given to white sateen printed in handsome large flowers or conventional designs. The very essence of style is expressed in a two-piece dress of sateen showing a large leaf design printed in black on a white background. Such a frock should be a temptation to the woman who makes her own Hoches, to add another dress to her summer wardrobe. With a white or scarlet kid belt and black-and-white footwear. It spells chic in capital let-

Bridesns&id** Frocka The most charr-;ng and youthful frocks for the bridesmaid are of taffeta tulle of faille In lovely flower colorings, and made in th* bouffant styles only possible for an age under twenty-five Standup Collar* A flattering collar for the sports coat has the turned op line in bac' possibly with a band of for to act tas setting for the face.

ters. The hat should be either a large black milan or one of the extremely new bi "-of-brim white felt shapes, which is banded with black velvet ribbon. With the arrival of summer comes the conviction that lace is a very smart millinery item. Now that lace or lace-trimmed hats have entered the picture, creative genius is being led into fields of adventure, with a result that recent collections are Including exquisite lace models. Among latest Paris arrivals black lace-covered widebrimmed shapes compete with cunningly designed lace toques. An Agues

model uses black Spanish lace for a petite skull-cap. posing a pink rose at one side, which is partly veiled by the lace. Contrasting this is a graceful shade-hat whose drooping brim and low round crown are entirely of lace. A maize-colored crepe facing with a black velvet ribbon band and bow complete this model. A pretty fashion Is that of stretching lace so smoothly oYer straw or fabric, at first glance it appears as it the scrolls and florals were stenciled with dye or Ink upon their background. To complement the white-and-black costumes now so modish, milliners are designing large hats of white straw or leghorn, these plastered with black lace. * The effectiveness of this

mode is aptly illustrated by each of fthe large bats pictured in this group. Frills of lace, about the face finish many a dainty summer toque or bonnet shape. One sees many cunning hats which are lace-frilled like the two youthful little models in this ‘ picture. • Very effective toques of black lace over white satin are being shown in shops which are the first to display the newer things. In these a becoming drop-side trim is attained with a soft bow of the lace. There are also many beige lace hats, also those in various browns. JULIA BOTTOMLEY. <©. !»»?. by Werturo Nvvvpupvr Unlou.)

Short Coats Only for Sports If you are wondering whether or not to get a three-quarter length coat, remember that this style I* for sports wear exclusively, and is not smart for other occasions. They are in tweeds and soft woolens. Lingeno Styles Dancettes, consisting of bandeau and panties, and the new singlettes of glove ffilk are popular forms of undtesi

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Bat-Like Airplane Speedy In an effort to produce an airplane along the lines of a bird, a Parisian Inventor has turned out one that resembles a bat. It has large winglike planes, and even the propellers are of fantastic- construction. Latest designed Bleriot engines supply the power, and vertical fuel tanks surround the row cabin from which the pilot steers the craft The war has made table linen very valuable. The use of Russ Bleaching Blue will add to its wearing quailtie* Use it and see. All grocers.—Adv. Studied J nd er an Expert Hercules had Just cleaned out the Augean stables. “But how,” asked his amased companions, “did you ever manage such a task?” “Pshaw, It's nothing.” returned the hero lightjhr. “You ought to come and see my wife cleaning house."

Grind Feed for Money Own the fe«d business with this mw kind of food mill. Every community is bow* or soon will be demanding feed ground quickly in large quantities and very fine. Medium grinding, done by many kinds of mills, is no longer in demand. This is the latest form of feed grinder. It combines the cutting action of the attrition mill with the hammering action of the hammer mill ® Thi» mill will grind WO lbs. of ear corn, oats, rye. barley, alfalfa, or anything grindable to any I fineness, with 25% to 50% less power than any other type of grinder. This saving in power alone makes these mills money makers all over the country. They ■will give you a better profit grinding Seed than any other business b which you can engage on the same amount of capital. There should bo one In your community. Send for free booklet “THE STORY OF A WONDgRFUL FEED MILL" which telia you about this mill and ths opportunity of makinc money ia tho all-year feed business. Complete equipments in capacities from 2,500 to 25,000 per hour, costing from $750 and up. Many mills pay for themselvss m a few months. > Angto-AnMrtean Min Cn. 1 —Kmiil”r — OwmiOsmiEp An Inussal Opportunity for a Few girls ot good Christian character between the ages ot I» and J 5 to enter a first-claaa huepital as student nurses Must be physically fit and furnish satisfactory references. Maintenance and financial remuneration during training. Must have 1 year high school or equivalent. Address Superintendent of Nurses. 427 E «Otb St. Chicago. 111. Washington Park Hospital For lodlgaatlost, Dyopopsl*. «<®- Rtllsvss OlotraM aftor Hurried Mmlo or Overeating. • gontlo laumthro, It keep* tho dlgMtivo tract working normally. 30c A 90c. At all Druggist*. 6. C. GRtIH, Inc. WOODBURY, H. J. IgheneM— win roduoo * inflamed, swollen tendons. Kgamnuts or muscles. Stops tholsmsnsss and pain from a sphnt. ride bcm er bona spavin. No blister, no hair gone, and horse can be need. |U» st dragrista, or postpaid. Daaezibe your case for modal ihstrootioos. InforostfoghoMdmk «£rm Fran a nee horse owner: “tread Absorbine cn n y-arßny paeer with strained tom on. r v. to lover lemon eat; Sough for *una,coaMa*t takaaatop. Oi eat stuff" CARBONr- . ',■=» W. N. U.. FORT WAYNE, NO. 28-1827.