Medford mail tribune., April 27, 1958, Image 40

pW
Mal ku.w1., - - . rTjsrfr P
America's Lost Birthday
by William F. McDermott
0.
'ne birthday for America or three? I vote for the
latter. Let's list them:
July 4, the first birthday, when the idea of
sovereignty for the colonies was ratified in the Declara
tion of Independence.
September 17, the second birthday, when the pattern
for a united nation was set forth in the Constitution.
April 30, the third birthday, when George Washington
was inaugurated first President, and the newly estab
lished Government began to operate.
Many believe the third to be the real birthday of our
nation, because everything before was preliminary to its
actual functioning. Some call it our "lost" birthday be
cause few people remember it.
The anniversary might well be called "National Day,"
and fluttering flags, parades, and general jubilation be
made part of its observance next Wednesday. That
April 30 in 1789 169 years ago saw such festivities.
Was not the great Revolutionary hero and idol, George
Washington, taking office as first President of the United
States of America?
March 4 had been set as the official inauguration date,
but impassable roads and primitive methods of proce
dure first delayed the scheduled November election
until January, then the assembling and counting of
ballots. April arrived before the tabulation was com
plete. Washington was notified of his election on April
14. Then began his journey to New York.
Acclaiming crowds greeted him as he made his tri
umphal journey; girls in white strewed his pathway
through Trenton, N. J., with flowers. High officials-elect
of the new Government escorted him from Elizabeth
town, N. J., to New York.
April 30 was named the great day. The setting was
Federal Hall in Wall Street no skyscrapers then to
When was our nation really born?
Many people say it was April 30, the day
Washington was inaugurated President in 1789.
throw deep shadows across it. The inauguration took
place on the balcony, while cheering throngs lined the
streets and watched from nearby buildings.
A hush settled over the scene as the brief ceremonies
proceeded with deep solemnity and Washington, with
bared head, was sworn into office. Then cannons at the
Battery boomed salutes and the crowds broke out in
applause. The new President proceeded to the Senate
and gave his immortal inauguration address.
It was truly a great day in history not only for
America, but for the world, for then in actuality began
the unique and impressive American "way of life." All
that had gone before was, in a sense, preparation for this
dramatic moment
Yet this real birthday was soon forgotten but to be
revived with great gusto on its centennial. April 30,
1889, was heralded as the "100th anniversary of the in
auguration of the United States of America," and its
observance was truly national.
New York made a big occasion of it, spotlighting the
fact that it was the scene of the Government's birth.
Chicago .hailed the day with much festivity, issuing a
proclamation naming April 30 as "National Day," affirm
ing that it was of greater importance to America than
Independence Day, and urging that it be as universally
and enthusiastically observed. It callecTthe launching of
the new Government "a momentous and far-reaching
event, the most important in the history of modern
times," and said it "formally ushered the United States
into the family of nations."
But history repeated itself. For a second time "Na
tional Day" disappeared from public recognition.
Yet it could be reclaimed again. Surely it deserves
recognition and appreciation every year. It is the true
birthday of the United States as a nation, and though it
is our "lost" birthday now, it could be "found" again if
the people demanded it!
Relieve the
pressure pain of
Sore Muscles
If your muscles are stiff and sore
from overexercise, here's fast relief.
. Doctors will generally tell you
that pain from overexertion maybe
largely caused by pressure. For fast
relief rub on Absorbine Jr. You'll
feel a welcome coolness when you
first put it on . . . and as you rub it
in, comforting warmth.
Why Absorbine Jr. gives fast relief:
special medicinal ingredients in
Absorbine Jr. go to work to dilate
peripheral blood vessel walls making
local blood flow speed up. This coun
ters painful pressure. That's why
you feel relief so quickly! Get
Absorbine Jr. today.
I : r
L bOM HMttkttpiaf J
W. F. Young, Inc.
Springfield, Mm.
Absorbine Ji
Plagued Day And
Night with Bladder
Discomfort?
Unwise eating or drinking may be
source of mild, but annoying bladder irri
tations making you feel restless, tense,
and uncomfortable. And if restless nights,
with nagging backache, headache or mus
cular aches and pains due to over-exertion,
strain or emotional upset, are adding to
your misery don't wait try Doan's Pills.
Doan's Pills act 8 ways for speedy re
lief. 1 They have a soothing effect on
bladder irritations. 2 A fast pain-relieving
action on nagging backache, head
aches, muscular aches and pains. 8 A
wonderfully mild diuretic action thru the
kidneys, tending to increase the output of
the 16 miles of kidney tubes. So, get the
same happy relief millions have enjoyed
for over 60 years. New, large economy
sixe saves money. Get Doan's Pills today I
J S fMVMt J
NEW SPRAY HELPS
CLEAR ALL 10
NASAL-SIHUS AREAS
dogged by summer cold or allergy.
f 3 You breathe easy, fast !
This new development, Super Anahist
Nasal Spray, Contains Thonzide that
melts away mucus. Decongestants to
shrink swollen membranes open all 10
nasal-sinus areas. Plus an antibiotic to kill
dangerous germs. Breathe easy, fast, with
Super Anahist Antibiotic Nasal Spray.
FamllV
O !. AHAHItT CO., IHO.
Weekly. April 27. 1958