The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1861-05-29

They who suppose that our nation is
destined to speedy destruction have not
taken look beneath the surface of the
present .agitated and foam-covered face
of the troubled political waters. True
the darkness of the present hour is well
calculated to blind the. sight and dis
courage the heart; but there is light in
the distance; the clouds will lift them
selves up and flee away. or be driven
off by the healthy winds which shall
purify the atmosphere. and the sun of
peace and prosperity once more slime
out in all its wonted brilliance on our
again happy land. rendered the better
for its purging and for the salutary les
son our boasting pride will receive.
In looking over the past ages Of the
world as they are mirrored on the
pages Of history. We can find no case
entirely parallel to the rebellion in our
land. The nearest approach to it is the
revolt Of the treacherous Absolom
against his father David, as recorded in
the Sacred Oracles and Josephus. He
began his wicked designs while profes-
sing the utmost loyalty to his fa,her's
government. He secretly prepared the
way for his rebellion by ar.ful devices
and well directed batteries. especially
with the ambitious and the discomfort
ed; and it was by these means that be
drew off the people from his father.
How like to this has been the conduc,
Of the traitors Of the South. While
protesting loyalty and serving The Uc-
ion under the solemn sanctions ii an
oath, they we're busy in secret. plotting
the destruction of the government
Absolom had been nurtured and cherish
ed by David; so had the traitors by our
government. Both owed their all to
that which they sought to supplaut and
destroy; both were alike ungraieful;
and both viii alike receive condemna-
ton by pos.eri'y.
God brought the counsel Of Absolom
10 naught. and we doubt not the same
will be said of the Southern traitors.
Absolom for short season possessed
himself Of the armories. houses and
palaces Of his father; so the southern
rebels BY our government. Indeed the
resemblance between the two cases is
very close.
AbsOlom marshaled his hosts and for
q time David seemed 10 be in his pow
er; but the Ruler of nations blinded
him to his own destruction; the time
10 strike the fatal aud effectual blow
passed. David. taken by surprise and
unprepared. had time to collect the
faithful army. and in the battle the trail
tor was defeated and slain. We hope
the same will be the result in the re-
bellion in this new land.of promise. this
Canaan Of the New World, which God
has planted for all nations.
After the rebellion of Abso!om, David
and Israel prospered more than ever.
Solomons reign was the most glorious
epoch in the history of that people.
So it will be with the Untitled States
We have been too vain in our boast
ings. too proud Of our heritage, and
have forgotten to give the praise which,
is his due; and our sins require chastise-
men,. our vain pride needed humblingl
the fruit will be a more solid pros
peri'v.
Our broad domain, the richest in
natural resources the world has ever
known, must produce and he pcopled By
tense mmit;tmies Of men. nothing is
.urer than this. And with the past as
. legacy and the, present as lesson,
freedom must and shau prevail. The
,ress is an engine Of power which
;an no, be long kept down by tyranny
1t will be heard; aud SO will freemen.
4 nation so vast in extent as ours can
,os be placed under strict police regu-
atoms. Is France is.and Austria. Our
,eople have been educated to love Iber- ;
> and hate despoism. and they will
ever submit toGhe rule of an aulocrat ,
e an emperor. The will Of the majo-
BY must be The governing power in /;
bis had. and the largest liberty the {
esitage Of the American people. No I
rm can forge chain strong enough to I
ind the fiee hands. hearts aud will Of r
is great people. There are As great i
ven in the private walks Of life as any
at are in power. end the usuper of {
ngiy or arbitrary authority on tl,s part D
any one or any dozen indiy idualsl q