The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-07-04
The Seventeen Anniversary OF the Birthday
OF Freedom.


The SEVENTEEN Anniversary or the birthday
OF Freedom.
The nation is this day called upon to celebrate
the seventieth anniversary of American IndePen-
dence. On this day seventyyears ago the delegates
OF the original thirteen colonies of America pub
iished to the world Tronuneiamento, not, how
ever, Ia Merioain, declaring those colonies free
and independent, absolving them from all ALE
glance TO the British crown, and dissolving all
political connection between them and the state
of Great Britain and for the support of this de-
claraton, thus solemnly made, with firm re-
lance on the protection Of Divine Providence,
those delegates mutually pledged to each other
their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor
On the fourth of July, l776, new era dawned
on a benighted world On that memorable day
the letters of tyranny We're broken, and an eman-
cipated people, in the fulness ofther joy declared
those seli-evident truths which have since carried
terror to the hearts of despots in every land.
Those truths were, that all men are created equal
that they are endowed with certain inalienable
rights; that among these life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness that to secure those
rights, governments Instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the
governed; that when any form of government
becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right
the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute
anew government, laying its foundation on such
principles, and organizing its powers in such form,
AS to them shall seem most likely to effect their
safety and happiness.
Such were the principles embodied in the
glorious Declaration of independence which on
that day emancipated the United States of
America, and placed them among the family of
nations.
Gioomy times and disastrous events succeeded
the publication of this grand political test The
ooldest men trembled for its success but the glo-
rlous principles that ii contained, emanatng
they did from the Ruler of the Universe, and by
hum nculcated in the breasts of all his creatures,
were destined to be triumphantly established in
the lace of all opposition. George Washington,
the father of his country, the leader Of its armies,
the friend OF mankind, raised from compare
tive obscurity, and entrusted with the glorious
mission of achieving their success. Sad aud me-
lancholy were the scenes that followed The best
blood OF the land was shed in the struggle the
mau OF tour-score, and the youth of fifteen, min
Sied IN the combat; the scorching sun Of summer,
and the northern winds of winter played on their
detenceless heads. Thousands were sacrificed
on the altar of independence. Wives and chill
while the rivers ofthe land were SWOLLEN with
the blood of freemen. But the sun shone out
brightly at las,-the clouds that had for seven long
years lowered over the land were dispelled-the
horizon was at last clear-the storm was wea-
thered, and the ship of State, with Washington
ut the helm, reached the port of liberty and in
dependence in safety. The rigging of this noble
ship was injured, her spars were damaged, but
The symmetry and beauty of her hullwere I'M
scathed. From the year 1888 until the present
honr, that chart has been " our cloud by day and
our pillar of fire by night" With liberty as our
watchword, the nation has increased and flour
ished beyond example. Its progress to greatness
has been so rapid, that i'll the comparatively short
space OF seventy years, it is second in power and
greatness to no other nation in the world, and SUI
peror to all in its physical and intellectual re-
sources While our flag is 10 be found in every
sea, it can be insulted with impunity-
While its folds wave over the tempest tossed
mariner a thousand miles distant he is as sure of
its protection, as if he were ashore in his native
State
tits, then, the anniversary OF our national birth
day that we are to celebrate this day Let the
inhabitants of the East and the West, the North
md the South, from the shores of the Atlantic on
one side, and from Maine to the Rio Grande, on
the other, join in one grand hosanna of Joy and
thankfulness. Let the common concerns Of life
be abandoned for the present let us all, of every
sex, age, and condition, unite in making de-
monstration worthy fthe day.
VISIT OF Gov. WRrGur.-His Excellency, Hon.