Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1823-08-09


corded in ancient or modern history.
The civilized world was under arms.
The Calmuc, the Tartar and the Cos
sac fastened to Join the Holy ALI
ance," for the subjugation OF France, and
the overthrow OF her new established
dynasty. A dynasty that was pillared
upon the affections of the French nation,
and reared amid clouds OF dust and
seas of blood
In 1898, the arms of liberty which had
been iransplanted from independent
America, began now to quicken into
life in revolutionary France. In the
progress of her revolution, she arose in
the majesty of her strength, shook Oft
the shackles of royal bondage, and by
one double effort OF the guillotine, res
cued republican France for her ancient
dynasty, and Frustrated her throne, and
monarchy in ruins. But this sun OF
freedom had scarcely arisen to its me-
ridian height, when its splendor was
eclipsed by midday assassinations IN
the streets of her capital. Her military
chieftians flushed with ambition, awaken
ed the energies of the empire; and
pushed forward their conquests by Sc
ries OF unprecedented triumphs and VIC
tories, until the French eagles waved in
triumph over the fairest portion of Eu-
rope. Europe for the first time since
the declension of the Roman Empire,
witnessed the extension OF free princi-
pies, and nation Of Jfreemen glowing
with republican ardor, and equally anx-
ious for military glory and renown.
The deeds of her heroes have been.
render that kingdom frightful with desos
sung by her poets, and eulogized by her
orators and statesmen. But the repub-
lican principles which the pro electors Of
this revolution intended to engraft into
the French empire, were destined, be-
fore the close of the 18th century, TO
wither by the deadly grasp of ambition.
An ambition that has stalked through
the continent OF Europe reckoning the
man of honor to the field of danger, and
tearing from the brow of the war-worn
soldier, the laurels he had won on the
field of battle. Ambition was the de-
stroying angel of ancient Republics.
The states of Greece, once SO famous
for being the seats Of literature, could
boast OF their patriots, their orators, their
poets, and their statesmen. What ars
thcy now! Their liberty persisted with
their vi. tde; and the throne of despotism
is reared upon their ruins. They are
only remembered for what they once
were, and pi,ied for what they now are.
From what height, TO what depth
| fallen" Rome from the death OF Tar
quin the 9TH, continued republic for
more than four centuries and hall +;
during this time her power was felt, and
acknowledged throughout The then civil
lzed world. Her eagles waved triumph
ant upon the ruins of Carthage, once
the rival of the Roman empire. England,
France, Spain, Portugal, the United
Netherlands, and Swiss Cantons, were
hen tributary to her as Roman provin-
ces. The limits of the government ex-
tended from the Atlantic ocean TO the
sea of Azoph, and included the better
part Of Asia to the mouths of the Tygris
Intestine divisions weakened the ener-
gies Of this wide extended empire, and
the great work of its overthrow was re-
served for the ambition of Caesar, who
executed it upon the plains of Pharsalia
after the republic had continued four
hundred and sixty years. Alas this il.
fated empire is erased from the map,
J and for centuries past has been divided
between barbarians, and civilized ant
polished nations. In looking over these
} nations which have fallen by the rayage:
of ambitious tyrants, our attention j.
arrested, and our sympathies called fortt
! by the cruel and unmerited fate OF Pc
land. During the last half century o
her republic she disclosed some of the
most important lessons for our govern
mept, of any nation that has gone before
US. Here civil dissentions invited the
attention and avarice OF the neighboring
monarchs, and as early as 1873, she fell
prey to the insatiate ambition of Roya1
robbers, and was dismembered by sue.
cessive revolutions until her govern.
ment was annihilated, and her dominions
carved up between Russia, Prussia, and
Austria.
i Poland can boast Of her statesm en-, her
warriors and her patriots. The active
and jealous support which America re.
ceived from Koskiusko, and count Pulas.
XII in the acquisition Of our independence,
will be remembered with gratitude: and
their private as we'll as their public
worth do, on this solemn festival, demand
our nuhlic nra;ea What hos heac ~ .