New Hampshire Statesman

MISCELLANEOUS.
From the Nantucket Inquirer.

FOURTH OF JULY.

We have no disposition to undervalue an orderly and decent commemoration of the day on which took place the act of casting from our nation's neck the yoke of thraldom. We are fearful however that these celebrations are becoming rather bacchanalian; and that amidst the festivities which they call forth, there is not always that serious and patriotic remembrance of the occasion which is calculated to perpetuate its blessings. When half a dozen glasses of Madeira have comfortably been ingurgitated, a man's brain most commonly begins to be a little misty; insomuch that the year 1776 is very rarely perceptible through so foggy a medium. Of this we may judge from the usual series of toasts. At first it is "the day we celebrate"—anon come the "heroes of the revolution"—and the "statesmen of the present age," drank up in very modest libations. But soon as the liquor has attained its level, and commences flowing up hill, the guests, laving in its copious flood, likewise begin to grow valorous and pugnacious. Then we hear of bravery, and chivalry, and conquests, and blood, and thunder! The "army and the navy," bayonets, gunpowder and all, are gulp'd down together—and "our enemies," perchance, are at the next moment vomited forth in utter ignominy! Finally the more rebellious passions become prostrate, the uproar sinks beneath the table, and the last effort subsides into a sentiment in honor of "the fair sex."

The newspapers from all quarters are crowned with insignificant details of these junkettings—as though it were popular debauchery, and not national virtue, on which we must rely for the maintenance of our Independence. Some of the papers are literally crammed with odes, and prayers, and orations, and processions, and toasts. About 100 of the latter we counted in a single paper, among which our eye glanced accidentally upon this: "Republicans and Federalists: May they unite in one general cause, in support of Government, Religion, and Laws." This is probably an improvement upon the Boston Tobacconists' sign-board, whereon were delineated an Indian with a pipe, a Frenchman with a snuff-box, and a Sailor with a quid of pigtail—having this elegant motto:

These three unite in one cause.
One smokes, one snuffs and t'other chaws.