The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1810-06-20
DECLARATION OF IND, PENDENCE.

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DECLARATION OF IND, PENDENCE.
IL has pleased A mighty Con to grant TO
every Country alike the natural right OF Its
own sovereignly.
These Provinces, planted by Spain, foster
Cd and protected by her power, have, and OF
right ought 10 nave submitted to her guild
ance and direction, during the period of their
infancy, when from imbecility and weakness,
tney were incapable OF their own governments
and pioteciion.
bpt SPAN, deprived of her King by the un-
parallel per6dy of the Empecour OF the
Freech, her European States vanquished by
his trtschery and by his arms, and the an-
cient, lawful, and acknowledged Novernme hi
Of the country destroyed by the ,,ioien, oul-
RACES OF his sanguinary policy, there exists
neither reason, right, or justice, tor continu-
ingour dependence on power that mas no
existence but in memory; policy and soai-
preservation, therefore demand that we should
provide tor our common safety andihe protec-
unof these Provinces,by taking into our own
hand, the Natural soveignty of our coun-
Try.
The period has at length arrived when
these CnIod Provinces possess both the pow
CT anu ,,i> strengtn 10 protect themselves.
With a population of nine millions vi inhabl-
tsnts, with an extent oi iertiic territory SUI
periour TO any Umpire on the globe, md a.
bounding with all the riches that bounteous
nature ever bestowed on the human race, il
would be contrary 10 sound policy, in the
present staie OF the world, TO submit, mi
NE .1kE DEzAkDflALD NJ LOAG-
ER 10 SUbdaLT-zO ZHE DONNA
IIOF or my EUROPE.aN OR RON
EIGN POWEk HHATEYER.
fDr whilst a lawful government existed in
Span, and her legitimate King sat upon her
thpne, we have ever been loyal to his per-
son, ana faithful 70 has yoveInsnsnt, and our
treasures have been the only support OF the
European monarchy and Its allies, whilst we
have been distressed by a war, in which We
had no interest whatever, and our country
drained Of those riches which nature has be.
slowed apon the inhabitants OF America, Gor
their own happiness, support, and defence.
Under these considerations, and TO prevent
the inevitable and rainous consequences of
/. falling chder the yoke Of the Emperour OF
the French, the yrant OF Europe, and the
oppressor Of SPAIN
WE, the Spanish Provinces in America,de.
clare ourselves a FREE, SOVEKEINGN,
AND INDEPENDENT PEOPLE, not ac-
knewledging the DOMINATION Of any
power Oh earth, refusing submission, and de-
nying and repelling the authority OF whatey-
er nation may attempt dominion over us.
This we UNANIMOUSLY engage and pledge our
selves to msintain aEd support, with our
LIVES, our FORTUNES, and our SA-
CRED HONCURS, calling upon every in-
habi,ant in ts Provinces, 10 aid and sui port
n carrying into effect this, our laudable and
ust resolution, and establishing for ourselves
md our posterity, free, equitable, and inde-
)endent kovetnmeDt, that shall secure our
happiness, and ,,ivc us place OF honour and
aspect among the independent nations OF
he earth.
And we do earnestly entreat all foreign ma
hos to &c edge and guarantee our inde-
pendenre, and To favour us with such alliance
and assistance as may enable US 10 defeat the
designs oi the encmies oil our country.
By thus disavowing our dependence on
Spain, we soiemniy appeal to Heaven for the
rcctitude Of our Intentions, and we do pro-
Test before the sacred majesty OF Con HIM
,elf. that I'm all our measures, we have ever
been actuated by motives pure and honoura.
Bile, and that we have no other design in view
than the preservation Of ourselves, and the
protection Of ouc common country.
And we do most h".nDy supplcatc that
BEING who decides the fate Of nations, to
emile ON our exertion, and 10 bless and pro-
,eet This, our new established Umpire.