Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-07-15

For the Telegraph
The following is a report of the substance of an
address delirered at Antioch, Lake County, Hi
nois, on the Fourth of July, 1858, by G. NJ Dew
ey, Esq; of Kenosha:
Seyenty-seyen years ago this day, was consum-
mated the critical event of the American Repub-
lie. The delegates of the thirteen different colo
MES, after years of disagreement and contention
with government to which they then acknowl-
edged qualified allegiance, and after more than
twelve months of actual hostilities with that op-
pressing government, declared a complete and f.
nal separation from its control. The ill-adiusted
ties of union that had so long goaded and chafed
the limbs of the young Western Empire, were sun
dered toreuer and from that moment commenced
the independence of the United .States of america
Hardly more than thrce-quarters of century have
since elapsed and to-day we find those infant col
onies, with their then hardy three millions of peo-
pie, without nary, without coast Notifications re-
lying for their hopes of Independent existence mp
on small and ill-disciplined militia; now trans
formed into a great, powerful, prosperous and
free nation. Looking from this point of view, it
is all bur impossible to form an adequate concep-
this glorious event was finally consummated, or
OF the incredible changes that have in so short
period OF time, been witnessed in all the essential
attributes Of those Colonies. The mind is lost in
bewiderng and almost ncredulous amazement.
as it seeks to comprehend the hcroism of the
achievements of our independence or the magni-
tude of its consequences alike to our continent and
to the world at large. Instead of few colonies,
scattered along our Eastern scacoast, we now be-
hold vast and allpowerful empire stretching from
ocean to ocean, and already exerting mighty in
fiuencc upon the destiny of mankind throughout
the civilized portions of the Globe.
Nor have the changes in our physical condition
been less surprising than those in our social, mo-
rail- and political existence. The application of
the power Of steam to the management Of our YES
sells upon the sea, and of our carriages upon the
and-the discovery of the applicability of the cleo
trio fluid TO the diffusion of intelligence with even
greater rapidity than the solar rays can traverse
our earth-the constant improvement in machine
ry, in manufactures, and in the arts of all kinds;
but above all, in that of printing, diusng like an
inyigorating and luminous atmosphere everywhere
around the surest means ofcducation and informa-
! tion-the spread of Common Schools, the surcst
and safest bulwark of human rights, as well the
only protection to virtue and rcligion-these and
countless other things, the indications of our So
cial moral and intellectual advancement throng
upon my mind and fill me with feelings of the most
profound gratitude to that ilustrous band of pa
trots, who affixed their names to that memorable
instrument which gave birth to the blessings we
this day enjoy-thc anniversary of the day which
gave hope to down-trodden man, amid the dark
ness and gloom of British tyranny seycnty-scvcn
years since, and which will to-day be held in hon
or wherever the English language is spoken.
Yet, looking back upon the past, even from this
brief distance of time, it is not easy to determine
with certainty how large portion of the present
condition of things 10 be exclusively attributed
to this great event but that it cxcrted powerful
influence in fastening the developing of these re-
suits, few will venture to deny. Well may we
commemorate the recurrence of this day, with an
eXuberancc of cxu!tant feeling, proportonatc TO
the patriotism and sclfdevotion of the illustrious
dead, whose heroic wisdom has consccratcd it, and
commensurate with the magnitude of the achieve
mcnts to which it has led the way. 1t is not so
much that becahse mighty empire this day
seventy-seyen years ago, founded by the assem-
blcd delegates at Philadelphia, as that the capaci-
ty of man for sclfgoycrnment--the advantages,
safety and durability of political power, founded
i'll the freedom education and direct responsible
/ ty of the people, has been, by that event, amply
tested and fully demonstrated that we should honor
this day, and the event it commentaries.
The power and might of our country is to be
rcjoiced in, only because it is that account the
surer instrument and more powerful means of
good assuring security from foreign aggression,
and also assuring the progress and ultimate
cess of the greater mission which has been given
this nation to perform.
In doing full honors to this anniversary, and to
the events with the memory of which this day is
associated, let us not forget, people, either
the greater principles, or the high and holy duties
that underlie, and which give character and value
to all we should rejoice at, take pride in. High
above the roarof the cannon-louder than the glad
peals Of the merry bells which ring out their loud
notes Of welcome to the mornings sun as it rises
upon the birthday of the nation, let the monitionS
Of our duty as citizens of this great Republic, speak
TO the hearts of each one of us, on this the Sab
bath day Of Freedom, that we be not calso TO our
greater trust, and that through no neglect or omis
sion Of ours, our country may fail to realize the
high hopes of humanity, or to perfect the great
work of moral and political regeneration of man
kind. If, as nation, occupy before the world
a proud and glorious position, then, the greater is
ouliresronsibility before Godand man. The hopes
of humanity at present to rest with those who
speak the Anglo Saxon tongue, and very large
share of this must of necessity rest upon the Anne
rcan people; hence the necessity of prompt and
energetic action. Let us then remain true to our
selves true TO our interests, true TO high mis-
sion as free and independent people-and then
future generations will surely realize the bright
hopes and glorious promises of the present hour.
And finally, we cannot better honor this sacred
day than by strengthening and confirming our pre-
Of ,r-l,icI