The weekly ledger., 1857-07-11

/ llallOn from WnOm we deScenn. M obstacles
could turn them from their purpose; and
this day as we view yon Star Saangled Ban
ner unfolding itself over us, our hearts throb
with emotion, and thanks ascend from every
American heart that we are children of such
/ parents. Proud are we that our Heaven
aspiring Bird oar eagle is protected by flag
that is now displayed to an admiring and re-
specting world
shall not recount to you the scenes of
those days that gave birth to government
nobly built upon the simple will of the peo-
pie. q | need not tell you how the very boys
were brave-that when delegation of lads
of Boston waited on General Gage to re-
moGstrate with him on their wrongs; he was
| struck with their noble bearngand exclaimed,
g the very children draw in love of liberty
with the air they breathe" Nor need
| carry you to Charlestown heights where the
unframed Americans kept the well drilled foe
led on by skillful officers at bay till ammup-
ton failed
Oftmes defeated but never conquered,
half clothed i'll fed, their blood staining the
ground over which they march, homes desc
lated and property destroyed, they still per-
severe-an occasional CLEAN of success ligh-
ting them on; and finally they triumph over
all. What a change since then The three
millions have increased to thirty millions of
inhabitants What was then faint hope is
now magnificent reality. England is no
more mistress of the seas. Our commerce
whitens every sea. And in all the arts we
equal the best. To secure this for us our fa-
theirs poured out their blood 1t was not
for titles and wealth, and honors; those they
spurned when offered as the price of liberty
They have handed down to US a government
and laws under the broad shadow of whose
wing the genius of man, free as the air we
breathe, asserts its power and has placed our
inventions for the benefit Of mankind far in
advance of the age and beyond comparison.
Our Constitution framed by them has been
iDstly called, " the brightest specimen of leg
isation on record, the polar star Of freedom,
the great palladium Of our government, a
shield against innovation and corruption, a
terror to tyrants, a shining light to patriots,
and stamps with immortal and lasting fame
the names Of its authors" | will not under
take to enumerate all the bright gifts of our
revolutionary sires, the fruits Of their labors
Gloriously did they sustain themselves in
their assertion 'that these united colonies are
and of right ought to be, free and indepen-
dent States" [ Applause
Tide Master Of Ceremonies then introduced
F. c. johnson, Esq, Toast Master, who read
the following
REGULAR TOAsTs
l. The Day ,oe Celebrate: The Eighty-First of
the existence of the Model Republic of the world
the Great Heart of the Nation throbs with graft
tude to the Ruler of the Universe, and thirty mil
lions of people rejoice in the knowledge that man
is capable of self-government
This was responded to by j. f. Hubbard,
Esq, as follows:
No language that could use on this occa-
sion could add glory to this day, the 8lst all
niversary Of the Declaration of Independ-
ence Mans capacity for self government
has been fully exemplfed, and nations no
longer look on us as an experiment. The
names of jefferson, Adams and their compat-
riots are acknowledged as the builders of a
Temple Of Liberty that is to endure forever.
In connection with that fabric this day cannot
be forgotten. Applause.
III. The President Of the United States The
head serraat in the household Of the American
people; may he so conduct his term of service that
at the end of his employment, he may bewecomed
again as one of the free sorereigns of the land.
Music: presidents March,"
III. George Washington May the Father of ouI
Country ever live in our affections, his ashes sleep
sweetly in the sepulchre, and his shade never bC
grieved by an ungrateful disregard for the example
he set the American People
Response by Il. NJ. Briggs, Esq
However selfish Americans may be in en-.
deayoring to appropriate the illustrious name
of Washington yet it cannot be done. His
glory is worldwide, and though born in Amer
/ lea. he is claimed by the Nations of the earth
as theirs also-as the beacon of freedom tc
which they too may look, and whose example
may be followed by their patriots in the on
ward march of Liberty
/ Well did our Fathers appreciate the text
| 'cast thy bread upon the waters;" and though
the days of their struggles were dark, and
/ they conended against fearful odds; yet their
| hearts failed them not; they "cast their bread
upon the waters,p with firm reliance that
| if they should not survive the contest, the
| fruit would come to their children. Now,
none of those who signed the Declaration are
living. Their bones are mingled with the dust
of their mother earth, yet their fame is undy
ing; and we enjoy the full fruition of theiI
hopes we reap the fruits; and here far away
on the shores of the Pacific, the joy Office
men, ave, and Of free ladies, is manitestedto
day. Let us not forget that in honoring
/ Washington we honor ourselves, as part O
the great Nation that maintains the liberty ht
gave.