Kansas agitator (Garnett, Kan.), July 25, 1902
THE FOURTH AT PAINE’S GRAVE
Capt. Geo. W. Loyd sends us a copy of the New Rochelle, N. Y., Daily News, containing a report of the Paine celebration at that place, July 4th. We quote a portion as follows:
Lone Elm, Kas., June 28, 1902.
Capt. Loyd, New Rochelle, N. Y.
My Dear Sir:
Having seen in the Kansas Agitator, from time to time, short letters from you, I went to the Agitator office a few days since to ask the editor of you. The editor, Champe, is an old friend of mine and a good man and an honest one. He showed me the card last written; also the gavel you sent to be used at the state convention. He had it labeled in this way:
“From the Grave of Thomas Paine, by Capt. Loyd.”
It was this souvenir from the grave of one of the world’s greatest men that prompted me to write to you.
The man who said, “The world is my country; to do good is my religion,” and who wrote his “Crises” in the days that tried men’s souls,” deserves a place in history along with the greatest men of the 18th century, and especially ought his memory to be reverenced by those who know the meaning of the terms “Liberty” and “Equality.”
Some of my ancestors died for Ireland’s cause, and others have since shed their blood for the principles for which Thomas Paine labored.
We reverence the name of Paine, and the time will come when his grave will be a Mecca—a shrine—to which men will make pilgrimages that they may be inspired with a love of humanity—that love which prompted Paine to devote his life to the common good of all. I would like some reminder—some of stick or flower or leaf—something that has enjoyed the hallowed atmosphere near Paine’s grave, and I am strong in the belief that you will do me the kindness to send me some such memento. With wishes for your health and happiness,
I am very sincerely yours,
SAMS. IRWIN.
At the close of the reading, a meeting was held, and officers elected: Wilson McDonald, chairman, and Mrs. Stephen C. Parker, secretary.
After discussing the matter, the following was offered by Captain Loyd, and signed by the several persons whose names are attached:
The undersigned, of New Rochelle, N. Y., send you complete set of reminders from the grave of Thomas Paine, a paper weight, gavel, cane, knife and fork rest, and napkin holder. Mrs. Stephen C. Parker, Miss Matilda A. Lunz, Miss Florence A. McCloskey, Miss Beatrice Parker, Miss Amanda P. McCloskey, Miss Sadie Parker, Standly Schienck, Mr. T. Duffield, G. W. Corwin, William Traphagen, Walter H. Stripple, Capt. Geo. W. Loyd.
The pictures of the National Liberal officers of the party were in a frame made from a Paine hickory tree, and was received with much satisfaction.
Captain Loyd sang Dempster’s “Death of Warren,” at the celebration, which was heartily received.
A letter from J. B. Elliot, of Philadelphia, secretary of the Paine Memorial Association, was received too late to be read at the meeting.