University Daily Kansan, July 3, 1985
Page 18
July 2 was key day in 1776, prof says
By Carol Stephenson Staff Reporter
Many people will gather tomorrow with their friends and relatives to shoot off fireworks to celebrate the anniversary of the United States' independence from Great Britain. But according to one history professor, they may be celebrating on the wrong day.
W. Stitt Robinson, professor of history, said recently that delegates
Lee's resolution prompted the appointment of a committee of five to draw up the Declaration of Independence. On the committee were
stating ". . .these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be dissolved."
"Historically, July 2 was a more critical date because that's when the votes were taken."
—W. Stitt Robinson
Professor of history
from the Second Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2,1776, but that the document was not approved until July 4.
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams,
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman
and Robert R. Livingston.
Robinson said the document was written mostly by Jefferson, with minor changes suggested by Franklin and Adams.
blame King George III rather than Parliament or the British people.
"Another change was Jefferson had made a statement criticizing the king for continuation of slavery. The statement was eliminated because certain colony merchants were making money in the slave trade."
Robinson said Americans today often thought that on July 4, when the Declaration of Independence was applied, they would sign their names to the document.
Only two people signed the document on July 4, he said. They were John Hancock, who was the president of the United States and Charles Thompson, its secretary.
The document that most often is reproduced was actually signed on August 2, 1776, by the 56 members of the United States Congress. So sad. On that document, Thomson's
name does not appear because he was an appointed secretary, not an elected delegate, he said.
That document also lacked public support, Robinson said. One third of the people were Patriots, one third were Loyalists, who opposed independence from Britain, and one third were neutral, he said.
"Not all were willing to support the revolutionary effort," Robinson said. "Some didn't want to break away from Britain. There were those who fought on the British side and who left the country when the war ended."
The United States was not recognized as independent until after the Revolution War. The Treaty of Paris, signed Sept. 3, 1783, acknowledged its freedom.
Slattery will speak before Jaycees' fireworks show
By The Kansan Staff
The Lawrence Jaycees will present their 31st annual fireworks program at 6:50 p.m. tomorrow at Memorial Stadium.
Tickets are $1.50 in advance at any of the four Rusty's Food Centers in Lawrence; Village Inn Pancake House Restaurant, 821 Iowa St.; or at the Chamber of Commerce, 209 W. Eighth St. at the Children ages 5 and under get in free.
The evening's festivities will begin with a country-western band, "The Texas Gentlemen," led by Britt Hammond.
At 7:50 p.m. the Lawrence Gun-
fighter's Association will put on a short western skit.
The Jaycees will then present awards to two outstanding citizens in Lawrence who have given support to the Jaycees. Rep Jim Slattery, R-Kan, will speak before the fireworks display, which begins at dusk — about 9 p.m.
Last year about 5,000 people attended the display. Richard Henning, chairman of the board of the Lawrence Jaycees, said Sunday. As many as 10,000 are expected to attend this year, he said.
This year's fireworks display will pay tribute to the Statue of Liberty, which will be 100 years old next year. Henning said.
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