The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1854-07-28
Drnlnrratir Grlrhratiu1.

" ~sSAoA ~ VI x10ns SAmGo II. Ohds y
AZ the Democratic 'Cele6ratioa hid In IN In
dependence Square, Philadelphia, on tie
Fourth Day Of Jaly, 1854. ~ f@sfssigA
aftf a--sa u ssSt ssits5T g II
Hon. James L. Orr, member of Congress
from South Carolina, (who was received with
great applause said '''F'Fs's- las5''
Mr.. PRESIDENT and Fello,o- Citizens Of
Philadelphia :---The dayiwe celebrate is con-
secrated in the affections of the American
people, and this mornings dawn was ushered
in by the booming of a thousand cannons.
Who can tell but the melting rays of to-day's
sun are typical of the fervent patriotism
which glows in the American hearth To
the remotest borders of this great confedera-
cy, one unbroken stream of grateful gratula-
ton pours out from the same American
heart to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
who heard the prayers of our fathers, and
who has preserved to their posterity the
rich legacy left by the revolution. il the
day bring so much of gladness to our coun-
trymen everywhere, need it excite surprise
that Its return is enthusiastically hailed by
the vast concourse of Philadelphians who
throng this square. If there be any one
portion above another of our countrymen
who should hallow, revere, and celebrate
the natal day of our liberty, it is the people
of Philadelphia Cheers. We are stand
ing now within the shadow of INDEPENDENCE
Hall. The same walls without that now
echo my voice, seventy-eight years apo
echoed within the patriotic wordsyof Jeffer.
son, and Franklin, and Hancock, and their
noble associates. Your fathers then stood
where you are now standing, when they mu-
tuaiiy pledged to each other their lives, their
fortunes, and their sacred honors to support
the Declaration which has been read in
your hearing. Welcome, then, one and all,
to this political Mecca. [Cheers,1 -.
Time forbids that should recount the
causes, or dwell upon the history, of the rev.
loution. 1t would be the repetition of IAN
oft-told tale;" suffice it here to say, that the
soul swells with admiration wheE contem-
plating the daring, the lofty courage OF those
brave and gallant men, who hazarded all
that is dear in this life, save honor, in sub
scribing in yonder hall that Declaration
which irrevocably made them traitors to
George the Third, or free, independent
American citizens. 1t was here they passed
the Rubicon to encounter the most powerful
nation on earth in the field of battle; pow.
erful in her wealth, powerful in her credit,
powerful in her numbers and available re-
sources, and, above all, powerful in two
hundred years prestige of inyincibilitv
against Aevery foe. in every land, and upon
every sea. They were bound to old England
by ties numerous and strong, of affection
and interest II was the birthplace and
home of their fathers, many of the glitter
ing stars their ancestors wore were won do
ing battle under old England's Hag. Here
was every consideration to influence their
fear and their affections; but, awith a firm
reliance in Di'ane Providevce," confident in
the justice of their cause, and the expressions
OF the exactions of the mother country press
ing heavily upon their proud spirits they
resolved TO make the land the cemetery of
freenaen," rather than continue it the "home
of slaves" Loud applause.l They redeem
ed their every pledge to the cause of free
dom, and we are now the recipients Of the
priceless boon. Let Pennsylvania be ever
vigilant and watchful in preserving that
whose purchase cost so much of tribulation
and danger, so much of blood and treasure.
You are the custodians now of that great
citadel of liberty, lpointing to Independence
Hali.) All its triumphs, its memories, its
portraits, its history, gratitude for the past,
thanks for the present, and hopes for the
future. exhort you TO preserve and perpet-
uate that vestal flame which WAS kindled in
1776.' Let it not go out here, if you would
escape the execrations of posterity for inf
deity in guarding your sacred trust.
The great end of the revolution was to
seeure civil aud religious iberty. Nor did
our ancestors misjudge its value in develop
ing the resources, physical, moral, and in
tellectual, Of man.
Look TO its civil results. Under repubk
can government we have grown and prosper
ed and expanded far beyond the most san
guine imagination of the most hopeful de-
yotee of liberty. Our shores are now wash
ed by the two great oceans east and wcst.-
Nearly one-half of the North American
continent bears upon its generous bosom
teeming millions of American citizens, who
make their own laws and worship at their
chosen shrines. From 100000 we have
swelled to 25,000,000 From poverty and
ignorance and weakness we have grown rich,
intelligent and strong. Our sails whiten
every sea, and our enterprise and energy
penetrate into every land. No longer does
the British lion strike terror into the hearts of
our women and children. We are now
here equal in all the elements of national