The Washingtonian., 1845-07-05
OUR COUNTRY.

passed away since we dissolved all connexion
with the British Crown, and declared our
selves "free and independent States" This
solemn and important event was yesterday
celebrated throughout the country, with the
same interest which has been manifested on
every recurrence of the day. Can it ever be
otherwise with Americans? Will the time
ever come when they shall cease to estimate
the dear bought, but inestimable privileges,
secured to our country, and to mankind, by
the eventful deed which placed it in the great
family Of nations? While virtue, and intelli-
gence, and patriotism, exert their proper intiu-
ence, can they cease to cherish the memory
of those men who, in noble disregard of per-
sonal safety and comfort, pledged "their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor" to the
maintenance of the future and perpetual inde-
pendence Of these States? Noble and heroic
men! Time, which obscures almost all earthly
things, has but added new lustre to their
characters, and presented the enduring proofs
Of their wisdom. They labored, and we have
entered into their labors They planted
vine, and nourished it with their tears and
blood-we sit down beneath its shadow, and
eat the fruit thereof. They laid the founda-
tion of the Temple Of Liberty they moulded
its fair proportions-we have seen the dimen-
sions Of that temple greatly enlarged, and with
its proud banner floating in the breeze, collec-
ting strength and beauty, by the revolution Of
years, and delying the adverse influences which
have been brought to operate against it. here
is that band of Patriot Heroes? And where
those other mighty spirits, associated with
them in the stirring scenes Of that revolution
which followed the declaration Of American
independence? 'Tis almost impious to say
that they are dead. The good never die.
They live. Their spirits-their examples
their lessons Of wisdom-are as visible and
influential at this hour, as when, by their per-
sonal presence, they infused wisdom into our
councils, and valor into our arms.
How rich the inheritance they have be-
uueathed to us! This is no hour in which
the dissatisfied, or the disaffected, can give
utterance to their maniac and impotent
rawlings. He who fails to understand and to
appreciate the value Of our birth-right, is
unworthy the name of an American Freeman.
He who, in the joyousness Of this OCCASION
feels no glow of patriotic devotion-is not
kindled into rapture, with the prospect which
is before us-the glorious destiny to which
the unerrng finger of Heaven points our coun'
try-and disturbs the rich harmony OF the
millions of voices which are lifted up in tunes
of loftiest exultaton, by miserable croakings,
as to evils and dangers by which we are
threatened, would, owl-like, retire from the
light of The sun, because Of its brilliancy; or,
basking in its beams, would quarrel with the
spots which may be discerned upon Its disk.
Out-out upon such croakers
Every where the evidences Of prosperity
and happiness are visible Never did more
glorious Constitution than ours exist. Never
did man yield obedience to laws more whole.
some, Never did the world contemplate,
before, such proofs that man is capable OF
self-government.
Spread out the map of this proud land.
Look out upon the fields ready for the reapers
sickle, and yielding abundant supplies for our
teeming population. Look at the number,
the virtue, the intelligence, and consequent
happiness of our people: Look how nobly
our country has taken her place, side by side,
with the mightiest Of the nations: !: See how
the eyes of the oppressed Of other nations are
directed to this land as the last, best hope Of
freedom: Behold how they crowd our shores,
and ask US to give them home in our midst:
Look at all this, and say whether we have not
abundant cause of gratitude and thanksgiving
for these ines,imabe blessings?
And will this vision Of beauty never fade
In the changes which mark all human things,
will nothing occur to blight, to destroy this
, rich inheritance? The future is concealed
from our view. The gift Of prophecy is not
ours. The time may come when not one
stone shall be left upon another, in the temple
Of freedom; when every vestage of our glo-
rious constitution, and forms of government,
shall perish. But that time must be far-very
far, distant. Ages upon ages must pass away
generation must succeed generation, to an ex-
tent which is incalculable, before such an
event can occur. In the mean time our country
must continue to increase in strength and
glory. Her light will break forth as the morn.