The weekly ledger., 1857-07-11

/ UOdSteu Dy every HduOn, III every cliHe. LIKE
the stone cut ont of the mountain, his name
has already crushed kingdoms in its onward
progress, and the time will come when it shall
fill the whole EARTH Applause
Gloomy indeed were the prospects of free
dom in the EARTH when the shores of this
country first attracted the few who sought
an asylum from tyranny The seed Of Liber-
ty was brought across the ocean with them.
But oppression followed them soon, and q
cloud spread over the land But God raised
mp Washington to burst the bands of the Ty-
rant, and well he performed his mission. The
thirteen meagre colonies are now grown to
thirtv-one mighty and sovereign States,
figures are reversed and so also is Onr condi-
tion, no gloom now, no despondency-all is
prosperity and happiness, and the star Of
Freedom is the day-star of the times. The
valley of the Mississippi, then wilderness
now teens with free people, and cities adorn
the banks of majestic rivers then only ex-
plored by the Indians canoe. And here, on
the shores of the Pacific three thousand
miles from the scenes Of his trials and tri-
umphs the youngest child Of the republic
celebrates the day of the Nations BIRTH
California, who sprung, like Minerva, full
grown from the brain of the Republic into
life, sovereign State among her peers, joins
in the general rejoicing and claims her share
of the National glory. We are justly proud
of our majestic hills, our fertile valleys, our
waving fields of grain, our rich mines, our
beautiful women and strong men; but with all
these let us ever connect the name and mem
ory of Washington
4 This day ! know is dear to all; both to
+ him who is born on our soil, and to him who
has sought our shores rs a refuge from op-
preston. May its yearly recurrence be hailed
with enthusiasm and rejoicing by posterity,
and may the name of Washington live
throughout time to cectrify and encourage
mankind. Applause.
NorE.-I was invited to take drink by
one of the Volcano boys, and failed to get
Mr. Briggs beautiful peroraton- Reporter
". The Men and Women Of '76-the Fathers
and Mothers Of the American Republic: Their his
tory is their best eulogy; may their children and
their children's children honor and emulate their
courage virtue, and love of Liberty.
Responded to by S. B. Axtell, Esq
My heart is in the festivities of the day
No doubt such is the case with all those pres
ent In speaking of those who achieved our
independence, ! am glad to hear the name Of
the women joined for surely if our fathers
suffered, our mothers endured as much or
more Women are ever patriotic and self
sacrificing; and were the contest for freedom
to be fought again, the ladies' Of the present
day would be full as true to Their country
Like the Spartan mothers, they wauld say to
tbo;r fs, ntt,p,, .ii
them," to do or die--their motto, +" Victory
or Death" Applause.
V. The Declaration Of Independence: Drafted
by the immortal Jefferson sgnedby Patriots whose
names will live through all time il will ere long be
the textbook of Liberty for all the world,
VI. Uncle Sam The venerable parent of Thirty
One likely children; may his children and hsehil-
dren's children increase and multiply until there
shall be no more room on American soil to furnish
them with farm.
VII. CaiVernia: The precocious giant Of the
Pacific gittering with gold and peopled With 'far
women and brave men, Isolated, but not depend
ent. While she has money shell have friends. and
her purse has no bottom-it extends deep in the
bowels of the earth.
John II. Bradley, Esq, being called upon
for a response, gave the following toast
The Miners Of California The architects Of
Cafornia's greatness and the true representatives,
of the dignity of labor. Proverbially honest, they
make fortunes by picking pockets. lndustrious.y yet
| very siug-ishly inclined. May their prospects
ever be as bright as their gold and never less than
"two bits to the pan, with plenty Of " blue dirt
and the bed rock pitching [Applausel
VIII. The Press: The engine which makes great
men greater and small men smaller. Its legitimate
work is to promote Truth, Morality and Good Gov
ernment; its prostitution engenders personal strife
degrades society. and produces disobedence to the
laws. Powerful for either good or evil, may its
power ever be exerted for good.
0. d. Avaline responded, saying
May the efforts of the Press for morality
and virtue be supported by the community o.
Amador county.
TX. The Lar: The foundation of Government
the pillar of Justice and Equality, the safeguard o
the weak against the strong. Can any other sys
TEN in human society Cope with liz
Response 10y w w. Cope, Esq:
The law is the main support of liberty, ant
as such is yenerated by the American people
We will lay down our lives in its support
Time will not permit suitable response
X. The Army and Nary, The pride Of the Ma
ton; the power upon which we rely when we ash
only for that which is right and submit to nothing
that is wrong The Stars and Stripes are safe il
their keeping.
XI The Ladies'. The last and best Of Godi
works, and in these days of hoops and crnolinC
certainly not the least.
Response by A. c. Brown, Esq
There is nothing good without the ladies
We are indebted to them from the cradle to
the grave The presence of the ladies to-day
shows them patriotic, and worthy to he toast