The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-02-09
Confederation and annexation.

the oldest inhabtant from the various civilized
nations OF the earth. are now political and social
unity.
AMERICAN CITIzESsHTP is more potential, is in
vested with higher immuntes and privileges, than
hYman citizenship ever was and how earnest and
ardent soever may be the predictona and threats
OF atSsotadtoR, there is true man. upon sober
second thought" who viii not cherish and defend
the Union under all circumstances, and who would
not hazard all things else he holds most dear be-
fore surrendering the proud appellation of Ameri-
can Citizenship
The records of our considerations and annexa-
tons are instructive feature in our history, and
Rbrief statement of some of their causes and re-
suits may not be unpro6table, in these times of
sectional agitation.
In 1888 was formed the confederation between
the colonies Of Massachusetts,. Plymouth. Con-
Recticut and New Haven, styled ~The United col
ones of New England" This Union, for long
time, was the protection and defence against the
powerful savage tribes around them.
In 1854 seven different provinces. by their deli
egatcs, met in convention at Albany, to devise
measures for the common welfare of all, the colo
MES plan of permanent Union was formed
but rejected by the smother country" because it
gave too much power to the colonies.
In 765 delegates from eight colonies me, in
New York. to demonstrate Nnite1iy against the op-
pressive measures Of the ssmother country" In
1874. depHtations from eleven colonies assembled
at Philadeph phia TO concert measures of protection
against British tyranny and devise plan for uni
ted defence. This was styled the continental con-
gress In f75 this continental congress again con-
vened, and appointed George Washington Com
mander-in-C Chief" In1776 they made the declar-
alton Of Independence and signed the articles of con.
federation and perpetual union between the states
80 In 1882 the Continental congress concluded
treaty of peace with great Britian--a very promi-
nent, feature Of which was the onneraton of large
unoccrpied territory.
In 1881 was ordained the present Federal Con-
stltution-"in order to form more perfect union.
In 1908 the annexation Of the territory Of Lou.
isiana took place-being equal in extent TO all of
our previous territory.
IniSl8 Florida was annexed. with all the claims
of Spain to Oregon.
In 1915 Texas was annexed, or rather admitted
! into the Union.
In l84s California and New Mexico were were
purchased, and anexed to the United States
In 1S49 Tigre Islands was ceded to us By Treat
ty, but its "annexation' is yet dependent upon the
action OF congress.
Our history @from the beginning" discloses
disposition in the American people to aaite and to
oaaer additional territory to the original Union
DR.. johnson. whilom, said :--azz
Extended empire. like expsnded gold,
Exchanges solid strength, for feeble sptendor
But that was before Steamboats,, Railroads and
TslegTaphs were in existence: and we hope and
trust that these civilizing. socializng and union
izing instrHmentalities, win render obsolete and
untrue the above,which was truthful saying uu-
der the @old dispensation"
We have read and heard greatdeal about the
glorious "Roman cmpire"--how she fell to pieces
By the weight of her own annexations and extern
sions; and it is partially true Her extension, how
ever, was never half as great as ours at present,
and her dissolution was caused, mainly, by her own
iniquty
Roman virtue and Roman patriotism had been
forsaken and unpracticed long before her fall
Her plain. homely pleasures-her simple rustic
gladness-the courtesies and neighnuriy regards
Of city life had all been displaced by dupcity and
vice. Gladiatorial shows and inhuman bloodshed
and every species of distinguished and eorrupting
immortality and vice had polluted the hearts of the
great body OF the sRoman eitzensH
But 10 Just comparison can be instituted be-.
tween them and US We live under new dispen-
sation. different people, enjoy socializing and
christianizing facilities and influences to which they
strangers and therefore no just differences can
be drawn as to what onr national fate aViU be- pre-
dicted upon knowledge of what theirs has been.
Intelligence and virtue prevade the great mass
of American citizens, while in Golden time" the teg
were enlightened and the many were shewers of
wood and drawers of water" and the same remark
is now applicable to the majority ofthe present SUBJ
jects of the monarchies and despotsms of the 'old
world" The strength and perpetuity of our pot-
lcal and social Union, are not merely dependent
upon the contraction or expansion of our terrtor-
NJ limits, but rather upon having American hearts
good enough TO feel, and minds wise enough to ap-
preciate the priceless value of our national union.
Let the preserving and cenenting influences of
education and religion be increased and extended
LAT fhe Gcoheeir<an asnirafions fer endIrincy