Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-08-23

Ihe Delegates an COnceafion assembled, at
FayetteriLei July A. 1889, By John W.
Moore
FELLOW CITIZENS:
Coming together as we do on this esd
Anniversary OF American lndependence-an
occasion marking an epoch that served The
American Colonies from the government Of
Great Brain-that overthrow lyranI king,
and established the glorious principles OF
civil liberty in a vast and fourshing CONT
nent, it cannot but be considered appropriate
and commenduble for us to bring briefly 10
mind those important events which serve TO
strengthen us in our attachment to free and
republican institutions.
Could we convey ourselves into the midst
OF that august assembly. the Representatives
Of the United States of America in General
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia, on the
4th of July, l776-could we see them list
ening in deep suspense to the declaration OF
their rights, and the enumeration Of their
wrongs could we know the thoughts which
shot quickest across their intellecls, or the
emotions which beat strongest ia their bo-
sons when the sound never before heard,
ere are and fright ought 10 be free and in
dependent" first fell upon the ear, then
should we know how resoute were they
who put their hands to the great instrument
of Independence, and wrote their names
where all nations may behold them and ali
time will not efface them.
This day is sacred to every American;
and we welcome it with gratitude to God
the gver ofevery good and perfect gift
Next tothe landing of the Pilgrims on the
rock at Plymouth, it forms an era in our
history which will ever awaken the most in
teresting associations. With our fathers we
believe that all men are born free; that lib
erly is the gift of God himself and that we
should not ALLEVIATE the same by consent,
though we may possibly forfeit our claim 10
il by crimes and lose our title to it by en-
trusting the destiny of this nation 10 corrupt
and failhless rulers
The Declaration OF Independence, both in
its immediate effects on the American States,
and its influence throughout the civilized
world may be regarded as one of the most
stupendous events of modern times A
handful of brave spirits CALLED by the chains
of British tyranny, resolved TO throw off the
shackles which distant power had attempt
ed 10 fasten upon them, or 10 perish in the
attempt. To this end they mutually pledg-
ed 10 each other their lives, their fortunes
and their sacred honor. The eyes OF the
whole world were fixed upon the fearful con-
test That raw, undiciplined troops, few in
number, and weak in resources, should dare
10 provoke n contest with the well trained
army of a powerful monarch, was looked
upon as an act of temerty which could not
butresui in a signal and overwhelming de.
feat. Thanks. however, to Providence, the
confident predictions OF the enemies of LIB
ERTy were never realized. The brave sons
OF America nerved themselves for the con.
.fiict. and marched on TO victory Desper-
ate was the struggle, but glorious the result.
The Wings of 1889, are called upon to free
this nation from the powerful grasp of tyr
.annous und much more corrupt rule -
Let them not be discouraged The Wings
of l776 were not disheartened by the impo.
sing display of mercenary troops--we will
potbe deferred from duty by the THREATS
OF the hired minions Of power nor driven
from the field by the aoeU trained army Of
06ice-holderS. Our fathers were not intmi-
dated by circumstances OF severe trial and
sufering--th gallant Washiagton, aided
and sustained by his small but patriotic
band led on his little army from conquest 10
conquest, until the invader was driven from
our shores and the standard of Liberty firm
ly planted in the American soil The
Wings haveeyery thing to cheer them a!
this day, and have only TO be actire and uni.
ted TO ensure them success in 1870.
The successful issue Of our struggle Cor
Independence oheered and encouraged the
heart ofevery friend of liberty throughout
the world, 1t taught lyrants lesson that
will never be forgotten. The domination Of
might, over justice and reason was weaken
ed, and from that period to the present, the
course oil freedom has been onward The
time is not far distant, we trust when the
sway Of liberty will be felt;n every part o.
che world. TO perpetuate and to strengthen
our attachment TO libeny---to instill into the
minds of our youth love OF country and q
devotion to free and enlightened government
and to indulge in feelings of gratitude &c
Providence, for so signally protecting oul
happy country, are duties which should be
especially remembered Not in Bacchana
Ian orgles,not in scenes of riot and debauch
cry, should we occupy the day, for these ars
calculated to weaken rather than strengthen
the cause of Freedom. as well as to impov
erish the minds and corrupt the morals O
our citizens. Our festivities when we enjoy
them and our councils when we hold them
should be ola character TO reflect credit up
on an enlightened people~-to give a good
example to olhers--to promote the cause O
morality and above all to satisfy our con
sciencies that our motives are pure and oul