Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-16


virtuous devotion to liberty.
From the earliest periods OF political asso'
ciation,- we derive our information
from authentic history, from tradition or from
leeends,---it has been the usage OF nations to
consecrate some day to their existence as an
irdependent community, or to their deliverance
from the rude grasp of relentless oppression.
Some distinguished incident, in their political
career. has been selected by all, and conspicu-
ouslv honored, that it might be contemplated
as the cause of their elevation, while they were
vet in prosperity; and that, when overtaken by
adversely, they might recur to the subject OF
their veneration with melancholy pleasures
and derive from it a stimulus to noble Sentl-
ments, and daring enterprise. Rome had her
national festivals Greece her Olympic Games
land ancient Jerusalem burned hallowed IN
cense on her altars---commemorative OF her de-
lverance from slavery, and from sacr'leglous
pollution So universal, indeed, has been the
salutary practice; and so important has 1t been
considered in its influence upon the govern
mental concerns of men, that those whose le-
eends and history afford no striking occurrence
entitled to commemoration, have invariably re-
sorted to fiction, to supply the deficiency
That, however, is not the condition Of the States
which compose this favored Empire They
have been spared the necessity Of that resort
as well while they were Colonies OF the parent
country, as since their glorious elevation to the
rank Of free and powerful nation The blood
of our heroes, Sc the wisdom Of our statesmen,
have imprinted on the fairest page OF history,
many an incident which ourselves delight to
dwell upon; and which our children, and our
children's children, will proudly own as the
work of their fathers.
Among these incidents, my fellow citizens,
is one, so grand in its design, so bold IN Its ex-
&c uton, and so momentous in its consequences,
that it scars above all the deeds OF men-and
to after generations, will be pillar OF cloud
by day, and a pillar of6r by night, to guide &
cheer them on in their march to greatness.
That bright and glorious incident,-need l
tell you, my friends,-is the unanimous decla-
ration, by band of patriots, that all men were
born free and equal--and that these once per-
secuted colonies are and Of right ought to be,
free and independent States
This important act was no idle parade to IN
timidate an enemy or to draw upon It's authors
the empty applause of the world.-No-lt was
the offspring of lofty souls, determined to be
free, or to die in the holy struggle. They
Knew that no compromise could secure them
from the vengeance of an ambitious, and re-
morseless parent---They were aware OF the
toll, the blood and the treasure, 1t would cost
themselves, and perhaps their children ANA
with firm reliance on protecting providence
they pledged their lives, their fortunes,& their
sacred honor to support the high ground they
had taken.
That they received the divine aid which they
implored--- land that they never swerved from
their magnanimous purpose---the present
moral and political supremacy OF our country
sufficiently attest
Who is not proud that such Declaration
emanated from the land of his birth.-O. it is
an immortal Insvument;---worthy its immor-
tai author, and worthy him, who was acknowl-
edged to be the Pillar Of its support. To ty-
rants, it is the hand upon the wai.--lt is the
manifesto of a nations wrongs, inflicted by
cruel King--the charter Of nations rights,
sealed with the appreciation Of just GOD.
Well may the day, that boasts an act so wise
and chivalrous, claim TO be the fairest and the
nobIest in the calender,--for it is the birthday
of liberty in the land other choice;--a land that
has nourishet her in peace and in war;---and
extended her fame and power, to every part OF
the world, where the rays of her glory have not
been refracted by the impenetrable darkness
that is the atmosphere Of ignorance.
Such, my fellow citizens, is the day which
has been wisely selected as our National festl-
val; and fifty years of Gains and storms have
seen us constant in our free devotion.
When the day of Jubilee had come, and mil
lions of freemen were assembled around the al
tars of Liberty to celebrate the triumph OF the
rights of man over the impious pretensions OF
kings, and of patriotism over reckless amoi-
ton; when hundreds Of eloquent tongues, and
the deafening peals OF cannon, were proclaim