The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1861-07-17
O r. A Il 10 N.
BY HON. NJ. L. HOPKINS.
Delivered al MW Point, iMsek., July
4th, 1861.

FELLOW CTIzRNs-LApIEs AND GEN
TLEMEN: A custom, sanctioned by the
usage Of more than three-quartcrs of a
century, has led us to meet together to-
day for the purpose Of celebrating tho an
niversary of that declaration to which
you have just listened. For the first
time in our history the occasion is not
one of unmxod joy. While we meet
here in our own State with thanklulness
and gratitude that the flag now floating
over us is yet the emblem of freedom,
protection and power, in a large portion
of our confederacy that banner is looked
upon with feelings Of hatred, rebellion
and secession. Never before, since the
4th day Of July, l756, has any portion
of our country failed to realize and ac-
knowledge the priceless blessings o. the
government founded by our fathers, and
transmitted from them to us as the most
precious legacy in their power to bestow.
Never before upon the return of this day
has it found a government otherwise than
united, prosperous and free. But to-day
the sun in heaven looks down upon States
discovered, discordant and belligerent-
upon land rent with civil feuds and
drenched with fraternal gore.
Mourn my country mourn for the fol-
ly and wickedness, for the treason engen-
dered by ambition, for the hatred inculca-
ted by fanaticism, for the uneasiness un-
der salutary and wholesome restraint
that have conspired to sap the founda-
tions of thy glory and render thee re-
proach and n desolation. Mourn for the
ingratitude of thy citizens. Mourn, but
not MS one without hope. Rejoice even
in thy day OF sorrow and heaviness-re-
joice that the Infamous combination is
powerless to effect its purpose, and that
on this 4th day of July, 1861, the gov
ernmcnt is firmly seated in the hearts Of
the American people, and will be by them
upheld and perpetuated.
There ISsy be alienation of feeling and
temporary division, but time shall prove
that love is stronger than hatred, and
that in union only can we look for con-
tinuance of that prosperity We have SC
long enjoyed, and which has been SC
fruitful in blessings. Time will restore
the sober second thought that shall quell
the madness of the present hour and leave
us indelible lessons for future guidance
Meanwhile let us endeavor by searching
to find the causes and the cure of oul
present calamities. And, in that search, lei
every bitter and par;izan feeling be rebuk-
cd and still. In that search let judgment
and conscience unite, that we may come
to honest and truthful conclusions. Who
ever may have his feelings wounded, who
ever may have pet theory crushed, who
ever may have his pride Of consistency
trespassed upon, whatever political party
may have cause to regret that investiga
ton should open its wrong doing, lei
them not complain, for it is duty We
owe to God, ourselves and our country
20 institute the inquiry, and that it be
thoroughly and fearlcssIy prosecuted.
am aware it has been customary, or
occasions like the present, to avoid all thai
was unpleasant, and dwell only upor
those circumstances in Our history thai
would crafty our national pride without
alluding to subject that could be con
strued as operating against the partizar
feelings Of any person, but we have al
ready seen that this day finds us in diff
fcrent circumstances from any we have
ever before known, and, consequently re
quires different method to be purs ed
The body polite is sick-and we k'ov
tho physician probes the wound he " .sh
es TO heal.
This is the communion day of our pa
t ton, and it is proper for each person t.
inquire Of his own heart if he is worth,
of seat at his country's altars and to be
partaker of the blessings which it confers
I, This day the partizan should be mergeo
in the patriot, anG whatsoever act or thin
proved inimical to his country's wellar
should be condemned. And now to tn
search. Why do we celebrate this day
, Not simply because eighty-five years ag
that declaration was made, or because il
r date was our birthday rs q nation; no
: because any new and startling discover
= was then made in the science of govern
ment, or of the rights of man. 1t col
! tains no new doctrine or original theory
, so far as these arc concerned it was th
simple enunciation Of doctrines that wei
! so well known and universally recognize
/. that they were denominated self-evider
: truths, and were put forth in justificatio
of the act they were about TO perform
and rs condemnatory of the acts of whic
d they complained. Then follows its list
grievances, coupled with the Declaratio
i of Independence. The document itse
!, was their bill Of complaint, filed in Il
Chanccry Court of nations, and was,