The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-04
TFIE FOURTH on july.

This day twelve months ago, i'll article referring
the then eghtieth anniversary of our national in
dependence, we took occasion, after briefly enumer-
ating the many blessings and advantages which had
been vouchsafed to as people, to say
Wth all these manifold earthly blessings and advan-
tages-wth all the benefits arising from free govern
ment and free institutions everything to crafty
personal and national pridcwith everything to secure
comfort ncte exertion, or invite enloymentlt must
be admitted painful and notifying the admission is
that we far from being happy or united people
Bold clustering demagogues- -wretched tanacs--reli-
gious bgots to whom federation is as unknown as the
mild teachings of Saviour, by them neglected.
Young thoughtless ignorant, and unprincipled men,
banded together in secret compact enemies
of the republic within stimulated by aid and comfort
from the enemies withoutappear to be engaged in one
common crusade against all that love- honor and rev.
erence all that binds together nation and one
people, and all that has conducted us from weakness to
strength which has given vast population, untold
wealth. a boundless territory prosperity at home, the
highest rank in the family of nations and which yet holds
out future the splendor of which no human mind can
have just conception How this crusade will terminate
few months will determine The hopes the interests the
peace happiness and prosperity of the country
solely and completely identified with the democratic party
Upon the of that party in the coming presidential
election depends verify believe the existence of our
beloved Union We regard our existence as nation, in
all its original integrity, nearly if not quite critical
this day it eighty years ago. Never in the whole
period of history greater exercise OF patriotism,
of selfsacrcng zeal and devotion to those principles
upon which the whole fabric of our institutions and gov
eminent rests, required than at the present time "
Since the above was written, what change has
taken place in the aspect of our political affairs
How many great and abiding causes have we for
thankfulness Demagogues rebuked. The decep-
tons of religious charatans exposed to the ndig-
nant gaze Of their outraged focks The shriekers
of treason silenced although it may be but for a
short season. political party which threatened to
destroy our nationality and independence defeated,
scattered humbled A secret, oath-bound associa-
ton with its thousands of members in every State of
the Union, aiming the deadlest blows against civil
and religious freedom, SO completely shom of
strength that it woul be difficult to find of the
name out of the riotous gangs of Baltimore, Louis
vile, and New Orleans. And last Of all, and more
than ALL the full aud complete triumph of the great
national democratic party and with that triumph the
continued pledge of respect for the laws, invioabiL
iy of the constitution, and the safety of our glorious
and beloved Union.
If we have passed safely through dangers and diff
cutes of the most serious character let us not on
this the eghtyrst anniversary of our Independence
be unmindful of the favors which have been bestow
cd upon us as nation not only during the pastye
but during every succeeding year which has elapsed
since those brave, bold, immortal men pledged their
"ves fortunes and sacred honors upon the issue Of
their cause few threatening clouds still to be
seen on our political horizon but they cannot long
remain if the counsels of the wise and patriotic pre-
vail, and if in spirit of harmony and concession
free vrtuous and intelligent people unite in guard
ing and thus perpetuating the rich legacy that has
been bequeathed to us.