Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-07-04
The Fnnrth of Inlu

independence forever!" was the dying ercla-
nation of that statesman, patriot, and the ell
der Adams-as, thirty-on years ago to-day, the
last sands of his long and honorable career ran out
and his freed spirit assumed its immortal FORM
independence forever'' will be re-echoed this day
by thousands Of voices throughout the length and
breadth of this land
During the half century that elapsed between
the time the Sage of Quincy moved the CONT
mental congress to the adoption of the Declaration
of Independence, and the day when his dying voice
in tones tremulous with age, but strong in hope,
reiterated this sentiment so dear to every Ameri-
can heart, the meaning attached to the word Gin
dependence" differed greatly from its definition rs
construed by some modern politicians Then indie
pendence was boon belonging of right to all; and,
although portion of the human race was then
held in bondage, the time was anxiously looked for
when that relic Of barbarous age should be known
no more. The statesmen of that period regarded
slavery as local institution merely and one that
the prevailing spirit of the age would speedily ex-
tinguish. Then it was deemed constitutional for
Congress to limit slavery IN the territories or pro-
hibit it altogether. Now the doctrine that slavery
can be carried into any part of the Union whether
the inhabitants are willing not to receive it is
openly advocated. Men of descendants of
those who fought the battles of the Revolution and
laid the foundations for Independence forever!'
are now declared not to be citizens of the coun
try whose liberties were achieved through their in
strumentality.,
When the jubant orators of the democracy are
to-day expatatng upon the greatness of our coun-
try, its ''manifest destiny" our glorious insttu-
tons, and, similar themes of the "spread- eagle''
school, it will be well for their hearers to pause
and consider the vast difference between then and
now. 1t will be well for them to understand the
exact meaning of the words "independence" and
CELEBRITY defined by their fathers, and to CON-
pare them with the Interpretation that is put upon
them in the United States Supreme Court, by the
past and present national administrations, and by
the Territorial Legislature Of Kansas whose nhu.
man enactments democratic conventions, admins
tratons and courts support 1t will then be seen
that their hippant oratory is but sounding brass
and that all is not personal freedom that is called
liberty, nor exemption from oppression that is call.
independence.
The republicans Of the first half century of our
national history were Jealous guardians of States
rights. They looked with disquietude at every
manifestation of federal authority, fearing above al
things Capitalization of power Now our demo
Gratis, who pretend to be linea political descend
ants Of the same republicans uphold and advocat,
policy that almost efectually ignores the exis
tence of State authority. The enormous inroad
made during the last five years by the federal gov
eminent will, if continued half century, give III
despotism as complete as that which now prevail
in many parts of Europe.
We trust that the people will think ofthese things
and while they shout peans to freedom and indend
ence they will remember that "eternal vigilance
the price of liberty" The independence we hav
enjoyed and the immunitits from oppression
has secured to us can only be maintained by tn
Intelligent and patriotic discharge of all our duic
ms citizens and freemen.