Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THE SUN, NEWBERRY, S. C„ FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1940 If Caesar Rodney Had Not Made His Heroic Ride, Americans Might Not Now Be Celebrating the Fourth of July! *r •^P i£r' ■d+~**Q**r' y JnleJ ^ ^ZT*&-***"+ Q^ji**?******}* * <&***£& /^cSTZts** +>iejQ£^***7fcy ~ /£'t/X+~*' u+ed; /fa ***/&•'>***■ <£*** £//,}+*&. ***?> ■ /f*£e+, t fri j£r?rt—* — —D 90*^2 The only surviving letter, dated July 4, 1776, written by any signer of the Declaration of Independence and referring to th&t document. It is Caesar Rodney’s and it refers only briefly to his heroic ride. By ELMO SCOTT WATSON (Beleased by Western Newspaper Union.) T HANKS to the poets, the story of the rides of Paul Revere and Gen. Phil Sheridan are an imperish able part of American tradi tion. But, so far, no bard has sung of the heroic ride of Caesar Rodney—at least, none has given us a poem about it so familiar as those of Henry W. Longfellow and Thomas Buchanan Read. Yet here is truly an epic theme — the story of how death rode in the saddle with this heroic horseman and how history might have been changed if he had failed in his mission. The events leading up to Caesar Rodney’s ride were these: On June 7, 1776, a resolution introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia in the Continental con gress, declaring that “these Unit ed Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independ ent States,” was accepted in a committee of the whole by repre sentatives of seven of the colo nies—a bare majority of one. If this revolutionary step of sever ing the ties which bound the col onies to the Mother Country was to be taken successfully, there must be greater unanimity among them. So the leaders in the move for independence set about to win over those who hesitated to take such a radical step. Jonathan D. Sargent hurried across the Delaware river into New Jersey where delegates were being chosen and succeeded in securing the election of men pledged to independence. A few days later the Maryland conven tion, which had previously been opposed to the idea of declaring for independence, reversed its po sition and adopted resolutions in structing its delegates to vote for the Lee resolution. Next South Carolina was won over, as was Pennsylvania, although its dele gation was split on the issue. The delegates from New York, though personally in favor of independ ence, could not vote for it until receiving approval from the con vention in their colony, though it was certain that such approval would be forthcoming. A Divided Delegation. There now remained only the vote of Delaware to make the decision of the Thirteen Colonies unanimous. She had three dele gates to the congress—Thomas McKean, George Read and Cae sar Rodney. McKean was one of the most outspoken advocates of independence but Read, influ enced by John Dickinson of Penn sylvania, was opposed to declar ing for freedom at this time. This left the deciding vote in the Del aware delegation to Rodney, who was also speaker of the Dela ware assembly and had returned to Dover to preside over it. On July 1 the Lee resolution came up for discussion and all during that day and far into the next the momentous decision was the subject of a hot debate. Late in the afternoon of July 2 it was put to a vote. Eleven of the col onies, by the votes of the ma jority of their delegates, cast their ballots in favor of independ ence. The votes of two—New York and Delaware—were not re corded. If such a decisive step were to be taken, it must be unani mous, else the results might be disastrous. Meanwhile a com mittee headed by Thomas Jeffer son was drafting a Declaration of Independence, and Thomas McKean was making an impor tant decision. He knew that Rod ney was also in favor of inde pendence and if he were brought to Philadelphia he could break the deadlock in the vote of the Delaware delegation. At his own expense he hired a messenger and sent him speeding to Dover to explain the situation to Rodney and urge him to come to Philadelphia at once. It was nearly midnight of July 1 when the messenger started for Dover 80 miles away and he did not arrive there until 24 hours later. Rodney was at his home a few miles further on, so it was not until the early morning hours of July 3 that he was aroused from sleep and given McKean’s mes sage. At daybreak, mounted on the strongest horse in his stable, Rodney was on his way to Phila delphia. For years Rodney had suffered with a cancer on his face. Be fore the opening of the Revolu tion he had been urged to go to England in search of relief from the dread disease, but his sense of duty to his colony in the trou bled times ahead kept him in America. In a letter to his sis ter he described his case as “tru ly dangerous, and what will be die event God only knows; I still live in hopes and still retain my usual spirits.” Rodney’s Modest Story. So it took courage of the high est kind for him to set out upon the hasty 80-mile trip to Phila delphia, because the exertions of such a journey might easily cause his death. Apparently he never thought of that—his only thought was that his presence was need ed in the Continental Congress where a momentous decision was about to be made. In the letter (reproduced above) which he wrote after completing his jour ney, he makes little mention of the hardships of that journey. It says: Philad.a July the 4th. 1776 Sir: In have inclosed you a summons di rected to the Sheriff to (Call) Summon the Members for our County to meet in Assembly at Newcastle on the 22d. day of this Instant which I hope you will have put into his hands as soon as possi ble after it comes to Yours—I arrived in Congress tho Detained by Thunder and Rain; time endugh to give my Voice in the matter of Independence—It is now determined by the Thirteen United Col onies without even one dissenting Col ony—We have now got through with the whole of the Declaration, and ordered it to be printed so that you will soon have the pleasure of seeing it—Hand-bills of it will be printed, and sent to the Armies, Cities, County Towns etc. to be published or rather proclaimed in form.—Don’t neglect to attend closely and carefully to my Harvest and You’ll oblige Yours— CAESAR RODNEY Being “detained by Thunder and Rain" was probably the least of his difficulties, for we know by contemporary accounts that the weather was extremely hot and the necessity for haste must have taken a heavy toll of the energies of both man and beast. Where Rodney stopped for the rest and food that was absolutely necessary for both is unknown but since he did not arrive in Philadelphia until the morning of July 4, it is evident that he must have paused somewhere along the way for a brief breathing spell for his horse and a few mo ments of relaxation from the sad dle for himself. Meanwhile Jefferson, John Ad ams and Benjamin Franklin had drafted the Declaration of Inde pendence and the final vote on it was set for the morning of July 4. It is not difficult to imagine the anxiety of McKean as the hour for the congress to assemble drew near. Would Rodney ar rive in time to support him in casting Delaware’s vote for inde pendence? He hoped that he would but he could not be sure. According to one account, Mc Kean was striding up and down the brick walk outside Independ ence hall after the other members of the congress had filed in when he saw a horseman speeding along the dusty street toward him. A moment later this rider drew up in front of the hall and, as he swung wearily down from the saddle, McKean recognized the dust-covered, grimy-faced man as Caesar Rodney. There was a brief handclasp, then the two men entered the hall, Rodney still “booted and spurred and travel-stained.” A few minutes later the roll call on the adoption of the Declara tion of Independence began. It started with New Hampshire, the most northerly of the colonies, and proceeded through Massa chusetts, Rhode Island, Connecti cut, (New York was passed for the time being, although her dele gates were favorable) to Penn sylvania. The Crucial Vote. So far the vote of these colo nies has been for adoption of the Declaration. The Pennsylvania delegation is divided but by a vote of three to two her voice speaks for independence. Then comes the crucial vote of Dela ware. As was expected McKean votes in favor of adoption of the Dec laration and Read votes against. When Rodney’s name is called, some of the delegates turn in sur prise—it is the first intimation they have of his return. They know how important his vote is, so they hang on his words. Those words made such an indelible im pression upon some of them, among them McKean, that they remembered them for years aft erwards. He said: “As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of independence, my own judgment concurs with them, I vote for in dependence.” So Caesar Rodney cast the de ciding vote for Delaware and Delaware’s vote was an all-im portant one. The rest was a fore- i gone conclusion. Delegates from the remainder of the colonies also voted for the charter of liberty and thus the Declaration of In dependence was adopted. So Cae sar Rodney’s heroic ride had not been in vain. Had he not made it, July 4 might not have been the important date that it is—in the history of the United States and of the whole world! But his fame does not rest en tirely upon this one act. Eleven years earlier he had been a mem ber of the Stamp Act congress which met in New York to pro test against the acts of parlia ment which were to lead eventu ally to the Revolution. Rodney was among those who urged the appointment of George Washington as commander-in chief of the Continental amy and he became one of Washington’s most valued friends. He entered the war as a brigadier-general of the Delaware militia, was with Washington at the Battle of Tren ton and despite the ravages of cancer, served throughout the Revolution. He came out of the war a major-general and lived to see the country win the free dom for which he had cast his historic vote. He died at Poplar Grove, Delaware, June 29, 1784. Farm | Topics |1 COW’S ‘FUTURE’ IS PRICE GUIDE — Animal’s Age and Productiv ity Are Important Items. By DR. GEORGE TAYLOR (Extension Deirymxn, New Jersey Collegi Ot Agriculture. Rutgers University.) When buying cows, farmers should consider not only the pur chase price but also the age of the animal and the anticipated future period of usefulness. From the standpoint of maximum milk production, the dairy cow reaches maturity at about five years of age. From this point on, age exerts little influence on the amount of milk produced until the animal reaches 10 to 12 years of age. How ever, many cows develop udder and breeding troubles before 10 years of age, which terminates their period of usefulness. The market price of grade dairy cattle is usually the highest at three to four years of age. At this age the heifer has completed one or two lactation periods, thus making it possible to ascertain her general dairy qualities. At three years, the cow has the best part of her pro ductive period of usefulness ahead. After eight years, her market value begins to decline even though she may be at her best in milk produc tion. On the average, in grade herds in the United States, a cow is milked between five and six years. The replacement rate in this country is considerably higher than in many European countries. Cows in Dan ish dairies, for example, complete approximately seven lactations com pared to five for herds in the United States. As a basis for a decision as to when a cow is no longer profitable, milk production records as well as breeding records should be kept. Inferior producers and diseased ani mals should be disposed Of regard less of age. High producing cows that continue to be regular breeders should be kept in the herd until they are at least 10 to 12 years old. Inexpensive Confection Being Made From Whey “Wheyfers” are an inexpensive new chocolate-covered confection to satisfy America’s sweet tooth re cently developed by the bureau of dairy industry. Wheyfers are a light, brittle, porous candy made from the whey, which is a waste product in the manufacture of Cheddar or Swiss cheese. The new candy is not cooked but is dried hard and crisp. Its unusual light porous quality is the result of whipping air into sweetened condensed whey. To make the new candy, sweet pastuerized whey and sugar are evaporated together under vacuum to a thick smooth consistency, and then whipped until light and fluffy. Chopped nuts and cooked cereal to take away any salty whey taste are added. Then the mixture is rolled out in a thin layer and dried. Cut in small wafers the candy is dipped in chocolate to keep it from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky, or crystallizing. Sweetened condensed whey, the chief ingredient of this new candy, is cheap and simple to prepare, keeps well, and is easy and con venient to use. It is excellent for making chocolate fudge, caramels, taffy, and various mixtures for the center of chocolates. U. S. Farm Families Are Really ‘Well Fed’ Farm families are the best fed population group in the country. This statement was made by Dr. Louis Stanley, chief of the bureau of home economics in the depart ment of agriculture, Washington, D. C. On the other hand, according to the most recent report, village families are the poorest fed, with city families falling between the two. The difference lies, it seems in the amount of “protective” foods eaten. Farm families consume an average of about 60 per cent more milk, 15 per cent more butter, and 25 per cent more leafy, green and yellow vegetables than small city families, a diet rich in protein, vita min A, iron and calcium. Most farm families owe their ex cellent diets to home production of generous quantities of protective foods. Every household should learn' what foods and how much of each is required to furnish a fully ade quate diet, decide what to buy, what to raise, and what to can and store for out-of-season consumption. Tying Fleeces Binder twine may be food for hanging up seed corn or pinch-hit ting for shoe laces but, use of sisal and heavy jute is a splendid way to get a discount on wool prices when used to tie up shorn fleeces. These twines shed loose fibers into the wool and go through the manufacturing processes as defects in the finished product. Being of vegetable ori gin, sisal and jute fibers do not take dyes in the same degree as wool, causiivf trouble in colored fabrics. Household Neuis A ‘SAFE AND SANE’ PARTY (See Recipes Below) Why not plan a party for the Fourth of July, to keep the young sters in the family happy and out of mischief? It might be a party on the porch or in the yard—or a picnic in the country, if you prefer it. Make it a family affair, or invite a youth ful guest or two to keep your own children company. Whatever type of party you plan, make it a festive affair—with gay table decorations (if refreshments are being served at home), very special “Party foods” and patri otic party favors, too. Gaily colored paper table cloths and napkins are a must, and they do save work! And be sure to provide balloons and snap crackers, or noisemakers of another kind. Plan definite entertainment, with an active game or two to permit the children to use up excess energy, and a “pencil and paper” or guess ing game to play when a little rest is in order. Pencil and paper games such as these two might be used— and you’ll find that adults as well as young people enjoy them. Jumbled Names. Prepare for each player a typed or mimeographed copy of the fol lowing list of scrambled letters each of which, when unscrambled, spells the name of a famous American. To get an idea of what the game is like, why not try your own luck with the list before looking at the answers? ’ Lyemkicn Nartg Connill Sajonck Gerpnhis Gotninhaws Karnnilf Smada Sejrefofn Swebret How did you do? Here are the an swers: McKinley, Grant, Lincoln, Jackson, Pershing, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson and Webster. Menu for July Fourth Party. Tomato Aspic Salad Assorted Sandwiches • Potato Chips Ice Cream Fire Crackers Pinwheel Cookies Beverage Parfait glasses full of Peppermint Stick ice cream, camouflaged in red paper cylinders to look like giant firecrackers, are amusing for a Fourth of July dessert. Top the ice cream with a cherry, with the stem left on to form the fire cracker wick. And serve Pinwheel Cookies to complete the “fireworks dessert.” Chocolate Pinwheels. ik cup shortening % cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2 cups cake flour 1 teaspoon baking powder y 4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ounce chocolate (melted) 1 teaspoon cinnamon Cream shortening thoroughly and add sugar slowly. Add egg and beat well. Mix and sift all dry in gredients and add, together with the milk and the vanilla. Divide dough into 2 parts. To one part add the melted chocolate. To the other add the cinnamon. Roll each part one- eighth inch thick. Place the choco late dough on the cinnamon dough and roll us like a jelly roll. Wrap in wax paper and chill for several hours. Cut in thin slices and bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet in a moderate oven (350 degrees) for 8 to 10 minutes. Potato Chips. 4 medium sized potatoes 2 to 3 pounds fat Salt Pare and cut potatoes into very thin slices. -Allow sliced potatoes to stand in ice water until firm (about 1 hour). Heat fat to 375 degrees. Blot potatoes dry with a clean towel and place potato slices in French fry basket. Immerse basket in hot fat by handle. Keep potatoes moving constantly so that the slices do not stick together. Remove basket and drain potatoes on brown paper. Sprinkle with salt. Tomato Aspic. 4 cups canned tomatoes % teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1 bay leaf % cup celery (chopped) 1 tablespoon onion (chopped) 4 whole cloves 2 tablespoons gelatin Vi cup water Vi teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Combine the tomatoes, salt, pep per, bay leaf, celery, onion and ‘cloves. Cook gently for 10 minutes and strain. Soak gelatin in cold wa ter and add to the hot tomato mix-, ture, together with Worcestershire^ sauce, stirring well. Pour into ring mold and chill until set. Unmold on large plate, garnish with lettuce or watercress and fill center with cabbage salad. Magic Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. 1% cups (1 can) sweetened con densed milk 2 cups thin cream or evaporated milk 1 cup cold water % cup crushed peppermint stick candy Blend sweetened condensed milk, thin cream, and water. Freeze in 2-quart freezer using a mixture of 3 parts ice to 1 part rock salt. Remove dasher. Add crushed pep permint stick can dy. Pack in ice and salt for 1 hour or more aft er freezing. Makes 1V4 quarts. Special Peanut Butter Sandwich Filling. (Makes 1 cup filling) 1 ripe banana 1 cup peanut butter Yg cup dates, cut fine 1 teaspoon lemon juice Mash banana with a fork and thor oughly blend in remaining ingredi ents. Ice Cream Cone Clowns. Place a ball of ice cream on a butter cookie, and with raisins or tiny gumdrops make eyes, nose and mouth in the ice cream. Place a cone jauntily on top of the ice cream. Add a ruff of whipped cream around the clown’s neck. Brown Bread Sandwiches. I loaf brown bread 1 3-ounce package cream cheese 2 tablespoons butter Slice brown bread very thin. Mis. cream cheese and butter together thoroughly. Spread brown bread slices generously with the cheese mixture. Send for Your Copy Now! Feeding Father is a pretty im portant part of a homemaker’s re sponsibility. When it comes right down to cases, most of us plan meals to please the rnan of the family— and it isn’t always easy to give father his favorite foods and pro vide a wholesome, well-balanced meal in the bargain. In her cook book, “Feeding Fa ther,” Eleanor Howe gives you the menus and recipes that father likes best. This practical booklet of test ed recipes and menus is only 10 cents. To get your copy now, send 10 cents in coin to “Feeding Fa ther,” care of Eleanor Howe, 919 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 111. (Released by Western Newspaper Union.) Refrigerator Packing When storing foods in the refrig erator, always take them out of their delivery wrapping paper. If you want to keep them covered, however, rewrap them in waxed paper. Corner Cupboards Many a dining room can be im proved in looks and made more use ful by building in comer cupboards. They Stay Green Cook peas and green beans uncov ered if you want them to retain their color. Crochet Gift Doilies In Pineapple Design Pattern 2243 'TpHESE doilies in pineapple de. -*■ sign, such fun to crochet in string, are ideal as gifts. The 15 by 36 inch doily does for center- piece or scarf, the small ones for place mats. Pattern 2243 contains directions for making doilies; il lustrations of them and stitches; materials required. Send order to: Sewing Circle Needlecraft Dept. 82 Eighth Ave. New York Enclose IS cents in coins for Pat tern No Name Address Why Lucky Horseshoes There’s an amusing old legend behind this superstition of horse shoes being lucky. The story goes that the devil once asked St. Dun- stan, who was noted for his skill in shoeing horses, to shoe his hoof. Dunstan, recognizing his visitor, tied him up tightly, and caused the devil so much pain in the shoe ing process that he yelled for mercy. At last Dunstan agreed to re lease him on condition that he would never again enter any place where a horseshoe was displayed. Hence the old custom of nailing horseshoes up over the doors at houses, stables, etc. 0R TIRED FEET) PENETROll Wealth Possesses Men The lust of avarice has so totally seized upon mankind that their wealth seems rather to possess them, than they possess their wealth.—Pliny. For Only 10/Now Less than a dose Dr. Hitchcocks LAXATIVE POWDER Do and Forget He who receives a good turn should never forget it; he who does one should never remember it.—Charron. OUTSTANDING BLADE VALUK 7 for 10 Cents CUPVUS CO.. ST. LOUIS. MO. Dangerous Insincerity Of all the evil spirits abroad at this hour in the world, insincerity is the most dangerous.—Froude. ZOO* IN THE SHADE BUT COMFORT IN YOUR SHOFS WITH FAMOUS MEXICAN HEAT POWDER. Fear and Hate Whom men fear, they hate, and whom they hate, they wish dead. —Ennius. Bmuis 'CessedKetie/L RHEUM ATISM lumbago TEACHING A CHILD VALUE OF PENNIES A child of a wise mother will be taught from early childhood to be come a regular reader of the adver tisements. In that way better perhaps than in any other can the child be taught the great value of pennies and the permanent benefit which comes from making every penny count.