The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1855-07-04
Tha Nation:a Rirth paz.

Seveuty-Dine years ago to-day, n
of the most extraordinary political
eTents occurred that ever took place in
the history of any Government on earth.
The great principle was then first
promulgated, that man is capable of
self-goyefnment, and that he had a
right to the enjoyment of equal politi-
cal privileges-protection TO life and
property-pcrfect freedom of religious
opinions. aud equal and exact justice to
all-thess are a few of the prominent
principles on which our ~forefathers coz
structed the temple of liberty. There
are but few principles in our Govern
ment, but they are scG-evident axioms
sufficient however, to give happiness
and prosperity to millions OF the human
racs-not only of America, but to the
millions born in a ~despotic Government.
It was THoMA5 JEFFERSON, who gare
to the American people the glorious
charter of American 1iberty-the Dec
laration of independence by which
grand experiment. these United States
have been rails ID to a degree of prosper
ity and happiness mover before equalled
Although at the time an experimo ut,
yet long before this day it has ceased to
be regarded as such by the whole world,
until a. concsde that our institutions
srs permanent and cannot be Affected
by enemies without or traitors within
the Republic.
At the period Of the revolution, arts
aud sciences received but little attention
we depended on Great Britain and
the rest Of Europe for almost eve
ry thing. How different tie TreseLt
time, now We not only supply our
E%elves, but we also send to Europe
the productions of literature and art
Our commercial interest is scattered
throughout the wide world. In ev-
cry cline waves the flag of America
Had it not been for the great folly Eng
land committed by enacting the Boston
Port Bill, America perhaps, would new
err have had a Republican Govsrnment,
aud Great Britain one less colony. The
act vas one of revenge to the liberal
sentiment advanced By the people Of
Boston. From this one foolish act, the
country few to arms. The issue was
freedom or tyranny. But few men of
that day foresaw the magnitude of this
movement, but they backled Oh their
armor to defend their rights. Provi-
dence guided and sustained the weak and
just in the darkest hoar Of the Repab-
lie. But few this day are living, who
assisted in the memorable battles of
Lexington, Yorktown, Saratoga, Tren-
ton and Bunker Hill; but, although
they have gone to the rude hamlet of
their ferefathcrs yet their memory
will be cherished throughout the length
and breadth of the land for their noble
efforts in bshalf of political and religi-
Gus freedom. The recurrence Of the
Anniversary of our Independence is an
occasion that should be hallowed by o.
cry Democrat, for it is, and has been,
mainly through their men and priuci-
pies, that our Government possesses it's
substantially and durability.
In portions of this glorious Union,
to our shame We record the fact, many
American citizen by choice are deprived
from celebrating this day. In Cincin-
natl Foreigners have been distinctly told
that they could not participate in cele-
brating American Independence Men
of all parties think of this. A secret
political society more despotic than Eng
land ever was to America, are ready by
word and deed to disfranchise foreigners
ofliberty and happiness. And this too on
our natal day, when but a few gears ago
none we think could be found, who could
90 far forget their fidelity to their faith
ers as to retard any class of citizens from
the rights guaranteed by the Constitution
and laws of our land, to every person
in our territory. How long can such
things be, and should this be tolerated ?
WHY, this day would never have]been
celebrated as it Is by Americans, had it
not been for foreigners. Upon every
battle fcld and in the thicksst Of ths