Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-07-11

over such fearful odds. First, the result
of their conduct was a consciousness OF
their rights, and what was due them as
rational beings, endowed with equal pri-
vilegcs. 1t was by practising the virtues
of moderation, of constancy under every
variety of fortune, of frmness, of a just
reliance on the aid and protection of the
Deity. BY keeping strict and watch
full eye on those who had the care and
administration of the government; by
confidence in themselves, which was the
result of consciousness of the business
of their cause, and finally by determine
ton to live under the banners of freedom,
or die in its defence. Let us then prac-
tise their virtues and initiate their exam
pie Let us act in such manner as to
obtain the smiles of Heaven, and shew
ourselves worthy ofthe invaluable inhe-
ritance they have transmitted to US, and
which they obtained at the sacrifice of so
much blood by guarding and protecting
it from every insult, from every innoya-
ton. 1t is sacred and invaluable depo-
sit, which we are bound by every tie
to defend. We owe it to them; we owe
it to ourselves as their descendants we
owe it to the oppressed and unfortunate in
every country, because 1t affords them an
asylum from tyranny and persecution.
We have been Justly styled the last OF the
republics. Here it is that freedom walks
abroad in her own ma esty, unshackied
and unfettered, dispensing Joy, peace,
and happiness on all around her. But
can we, fellow citizens, on this glorious
occasion, while celebrating our own
emancipation from foreign vassalage, be
careless and indifferent to the fate of our
brothers of the south, who are now strug-
Cling under similar circumstances to
those which our fathers Of the revolution
labored under. No, we cannot. And
though our government may still pursue
that cold and cautious policy towards
them which has hitherto characterized
her, still we as people possessed of the
common feelings of sympathy and graft
tude for the blessings ofliberty, equality,
and happiness, cannot be Indifferent to
her fate. They are now embarked in
the same holy and just cause in which
we have so successfully struggled: and
we should be wanting in justice to our
ancestry, to ourselves, and, above all, to
that great blessing, liberty, which we
are bound to cherish higher than any
thing earthly, were we not to say to them
in the language of consolation and en-
enlargement, so on in the great cause
in which you have engaged; ii is holy
and just one you must succeed; only
persevere. The good wishes of the
world are on your side. Your brethren
in North America sympathize with you,
and perhaps ere long will administer
that aid you so much need, and wichh
it is SO much their interest to i'm
part. They look forward with a lively
interest to the period when all this con-
tinent will be united by similarity of
government, as she is now by similarity
of interest: period when the republic
of the south will be identified with the re-
publics of the north; when every variety
of soil and of climate will be blessed with
equal laws & equal privileges; whentheir
union will be so close as to defy COM
bination of all the powers of Europe.
That will be a glorious, a proud day !;
a consummation of all our wishes for the
prosperity, happiness, and grandeur of
our beloved country. l thank you, fell
low citizens, for the polite manner in
which you have listened to me, and have
only to regret, that my talents and abli-
ties are not equal to my zeal and the i'm
portance of the occasion.
At the conclusion Of the Oration,- the
company partook of an elegant and boun-
tiful dinner, prepared in handsome style
by Mr.. Allen. Gen. HOPKINS presided,
assisted by Maj. HUNTER, as vice presi-
dent; and, on the removal of the cloth,
the following toasts were drank, with ap-
propriatc cheers and enlivening songs:
/. The re day cels6,ate-May it be perpetual
as the era Of American independence to mil
lions yet unborn.
9. The aniol IF the Sates-A,ay the arm be
pasied, the hand wthercd, and tongue rem
dered speechless that shall attempt separa-
ton of tile Union.
3. The U1iited StateS-Like stars of the first
magnitude, may they slime in one constellation,
till the whole American continent shall be H.
Illuminated by the principles of their founders
a. Tie Constitution cfthe United .States-May
those whose duty it is to guard its rights, be
the last to violate it.
s. George UashingtOn-May his memory be
cherished by all mankind, and his example
followed by every revolutionary hero.
6. The People-Brave, patriotic. and virtuous,
free, sovereign, and independent.
Z. James Monroe, President of the United