Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-07-04
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, ls4o.
INDEPENDENCE DAY.


Several circumstances concur to render the pre-
sent issue Of the Spectator Of more than usual inter
est TO ourselves, at least. In the first place. goes
forth in the regular of publication, on the 9TH
OF July-a proud and glorious anniversary to the
whole urion-ihe Firth day of civil and religious
liberty in this countfy-empha,icall "Indepen-
dence Day"-the day on which the people meet in
every State, Tewn, and County, to hear repeated
the story Of the Revolution and the deeds of their
Fathers, and then 10 renew their vows to live as
Freemeh. And not only within the limits Of our
own territory but in foreign lands, and upon the bo
som Of tho broad ocean or wherever tile destiny of
American citizens may lead them on this Jubilee
day. there may be found the "Sars and the Stripes"
floating in the breeze and there an altar sacred to
liberty.
Again, this is the first recurrence of such day
within our BRIEF editorial experience and by ma
tural suggestion, the responsibilities aud obligation
OF The Press that great moral engine for good or for
evil, have presented their claims anew and with
force to our calm consideration. An humble ele
ment-we yet feel our paper to be al, element, in
the great process which results in public opinion
power which, under form of government, is
more potent than law, because it gives law, and
terrible where the thundeTbos of law cannot reach.
An enlightened, Independent and vrtuous Press,
acts at once sentinel and sword for the rights of
free people. We verify believe that, whenever
the sorrowful day may come (Which Heaven forbid
when marked change shall be visible upon the
face OF our Institutions, as promonitory OF internal
decay, 1t Will be found that corrupt and vena
Press will have first tainted the atmosphere of soc-
ety.
Again, this 4th of July paper contains the frs,
message, part thereof of the first President u
The French Republic-yes. message from Pre-
sidcn Of regenerated France as we trust to the re
representatives. of the people Of France-France, the
home of La FAyETrE, the early and fast friend Of
this country in her struggles for independence and
representative government. An American citizen
cannot repress his hearty congratulations, mingled
with emotions of pride in the reflection, that the
Institutions of this country have had much to do
with The progress of free principles in France, and
the achievement of constitutional liberty under the
auspices ola government in many respects like our
own. Henceforth the mission of the two Republics
ought to be the same and TO be fulfilled by care
i"i o""oi vi tights
moderation and justice to the nations of the earth
sympathy and prudent encouragement to s;ich as
seek to throw off The shackles of despotisrn, whe-
Their civil or ecclesiastical and example of pub
lie virtue and public spirit which shall operate as a
loud, but unofending Proclamation 10 the world,
and adverse TO the dogmas Of tyants, that man is
capable Of selfgoyernment.
! Again, this number of our paper, in company
with the various newspapers published in the Uni
ted States, has a special destination NJ VArrA-
MARE, distinguished citizen of France, now in
this country for the purpose of maturing system
OF literary exchanges between the two countries.
has requested all editors and publishers in the u
States, to present 20 the city of Paris, copy of thei
paper appearing or the 4th of July, lS49, with a
copy of each weekly and semi weekly which NAV
issue in the first week of the present month. These
papers are to be deposited in the american Libra
ry' now forming in the City Hall of Paris. This
is courtesy 10 be duly appreciated by the Journal
lists and citizens Of the United States ard cordially
reclprocaied by them France, an old friend and
ally brought closer 10 us by Republican ties, init
aes delicate and pleasing mode of causing the two
| people 10 know each other better and knowing, &c
harmonic in advancing human progress and happi
ness. May the march of time continue to find both
countries hand in hand for all that is good and Sc
veIDg only to avoid injustice and wrong.