The Daily Phoenix

Fourth of July.

Mr. Editor: It is with much pleasure that a majority of this community have witnessed your praiseworthy efforts in behalf of their desire to celebrate Saturday as the Fourth of July. Many good reasons could be given for this preference, but a few will probably suffice.

The 4th of July falls on the day set apart as a day of rest by Divine authority, and we are, therefore, compelled to choose Saturday or Monday. It must be plain to the minds of all that if a choice should be made of Monday, the Sabbath would indeed be made a day of bustle and confusion in preparation for the coming holiday, and the thoughts of old and young would be centred on their various plans for celebrating the "glorious anniversary" of American independence, instead of the Divine instruction that they are accustomed to receive on that holy day. For this reason, above all, should we observe Saturday, and keep Sunday as directed by Heaven.

We should manage to prevent our jollities from intruding upon our sacred duties.

Another excellent reason for this preference is the inconvenience that the followers of nearly every branch of business must be subjected to in the event of choosing Monday. Marketing must be done, dainties, toys, &c., must be purchased, and many things will be wanted that will not keep long in this hot weather. In short, every conceivable plan of celebration must or will be entered into; and if all branches of business are conducted on Saturday, the mechanics (the vast majority of our citizens,) clerks, and others, not having had the time to make their preparations, would, indeed, have a dull Fourth.

It is hoped and believed, Mr. Editor, the understanding has become general that the citizens of Columbia intend to celebrate Saturday. The teachers of the Marion Street Methodist Sunday School, appreciating the circumstances of this case, have wisely determined to set apart Saturday for their annual Sunday school celebration, which has hitherto been observed on the Fourth of July. The printers, I am pleased to see by your remarks on the subject, intend to have their Fourth on Saturday. The colored citizens, also, have decided to have their procession and celebration on the same day. I do not know that the military have fixed upon either day, but it is supposed they will choose Saturday. I think that if our honorable Mayor and Aldermen would publish their programme of bell-ringing, &c., for Saturday, it would put an end to all doubt on the subject, and each and every one, with a hearty good-will, would prepare for the same day. By all means let us have Saturday for the frolic, and Sunday for the day of rest. Reader, I hope you are in favor of Saturday.

I AM.