Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-07-17
.Ta2 J utlana G erald.
THURSDAY, JULY II,
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.

THURSDAY, JULY IL.
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
The true American idea never was more
.,,,ely and beautifully expressed than it was
X Mr.. Seward in his letter of instructions TO
", Minister to France. After setting forth
hat discontented domestic faction seeks
oreign intervention to overthrow the Con-
iuton and the liberties of its own country;
rcb an Intervention, as, if yielded, would
Intimately be disasterous TO the cause IT de-
eDed to aid; asser showing that every un-
orrupted nation, in its deliberate moments,
prefers its own integrity, even with unbeara-
lie evils, to division through the power or
influence of any foreign State, he says -
Deep down in the heart of the American
people-deeper than the love of trade, or
Of offreedom-deeper than the attachment TO
\ local or sectional interest, or partizan pride
\ or Individual ambition-deeper than any
4 other sentiments that one out of which
/ tbe Constitution of this Union arose, name
w. american independence independence
of all foreign control, alliance or influence.
Next above it lies the conviction that neither
! peace, nor safety, nor public liberty, nor
prosperity, nor greatness, nor empire, can
/ be attained here with the sacrifice Of the
unity Of the people Of North Ame' ica."
It may strike some with surprise at first
rhought, that Mr.. Seward should enunciate
! bat independence of foreign control and alli-
nce is principle more dear to the Ameri-
kan heart, thar any other, but little rehec
] on will convince us that he utters but the
Imple truth, and it is this inextnguishable,
pnd predominant love OF National independ-
| Rnce, that constitutes cur great strength as a
(fope,
A brief recurrence to the Revolutionary
fruggle will convince us of the accuracy OF
b. Seward's statement. Our forefathers
Fought, not primarily, for their unity as
keople, but for independence-to liberate
6emselyes from the control of tie mother
|Ountry. The Colonies united, it is true, but
|Olely that they might through that unron'
Ecure their independence. Independence
|as the goal, and union simply the means
adopted 90 take them to it. And through
bnion of the Colonies, and of hearts and
lands, under the blessing of Heaven, they
! laced their country upon the scroll of inde-
,endent nations. After the yoke of foreign
kpendence was thrown off, the same neces-
ities which led to the union of the Colonies,
Dperate to continue the union Of the States,
4 order that the independence which had
fen won might be preserved. This, doubt
kss, was the strongest inducement to the
6rmation of the Union. This indeed, is its
ehiet necessity. 1t is only in Union that We
ssn cope with foreign nations, and repel their
9gressions. Read the Farewell Address O.
y aShington, and it will be readily seen that
be 8olicitude which lay nearest his heart was
te possibility that American Independence
shch had been won by the expenditure of
y much suffering, and toll, and blood, might
through divided counsels at home, and for
egn intrigue, be lost to his countrymen, i
|FaS for this that he regarded the Union witt
% much affection. 1t was for this that he re
9arded it as the palladium of our Liberties
What earnest, almost fearful appeals does ht
make to his fellow citizens to cherish the
Anlon as the only bulwark against foreign
|lggression,--as the only rock of Nationa
|andependence. sally yourselves at home,-
'sherlsh Union among yourselves" is his sag
|adVlce, I" but beware of entangling alliance
|EFlth Foreign Powers"
ii This love OF National Independence, an
EIove Of the Union which is its security, ha
9een perpetuated to the present time. Over
|&dden it may be by the temporary frenzy {
passion in one section Of our Union, but
|eull exists "deep down in the America
|heart.' The Monroe doctrine grew from TIL
|aOVe of independence of foreign control. Eve
II spirit of conquest which has distinguishe
Pun people owes ITS origin to the same pre-
Comment American feeling.
This being the ruling National idea, in ii
ight Of it is explained the extreme jealous
md bitterness with which our people regard
md speak of, the possibility Of foreign inte
entlon. Itexplains why we value the Unic
highly. 1t is not the Union for itse
nerely, but the Unio, for the security whic
affords, th at we love and cherish it as Il
pple of our eye. And foreign nations vi
70 well to fully understand the predominal
ument of Americans, before they ventur
nfnr .