East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1862-04-01
EAST SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, APRIL |, 1862.
WHAT Is AN EYGLlsHMANY ?

4
When the legions of the Roman EN-
pirc first landed in Britain, they foun,
the country inhabited by race of paint
ed savsges, living chiefly on the fruits 0
the chase and the spontaneous produc
tons of the soil. On the southern coast
they displayed some faint vestiges Of civ
ilization, arising from the intercourse
effected by com nerce, with tho NOR,
polished Ieo pie of the maratime nations
Agriculture was little pursued, and tn,
interior Of the Island was q wilderness o
forest, fen, and food. Historians are no
agreed as to the origin OF the aborigina
race some suppose them to have beer
descended from the Phenicians, people
much given to colonizing; others attrib
ute their origin to the Caladonians and
Picts, and others, again, Gncluding most
of tho ancient historians, and amongst
them Julius Cesar consider them of the
same race as the people at that time in
habting modern France. However, nc
matter what dispute there may be as to
the precise tribe from which they spring,
the evidence is almost unanimous in at
tributing their origin to Celtic source.
This great family then possessed the
largest part of western Europe, but in
the end were overrun and subjugated by
the Teutonie race, of which the Saxons,
Danes and Normans were offshoots. The
entrance of the Romans into Britain was
valiantly opposed by the possessors of
the soil, but the superior discipline and
generalship of the invading hosts enabled
them to overcome all opposition, and to
reduce the country to subsection. For
nearly five hundred years the Roman rule
continued supreme, but at the expiration
Of that time, the necessities Of the state
required tho presence of her legions at
home; and consequently, they were with
drawn, and ithe disruption of the empire
itself following shortly after) they never
returned.
The poor Britons who had become ac-
customed to appeal to their oppressors
for protection against the inroads of the
Picts and Scots, found themselves on
their departure helpless against these as
sailants, and appealed to Saxon tribe
for assistance. This was promptly re-
sponded to, and two noted chieftains, at
the head Of their followers, landed in
England, and, after driving ont the in.
vaders, quietly located themselves on tho
soil they came to defend.
The note of invasion was sounded on
the shores Of the Baltic Sea, and amid
the depths of the German forests, and
fresh bands hurried over in such numbers
that successful resistance became impos-
sible; and, in less than century, Eng
land was Saxonized. The new comcrs
brought with them fierce mythology,
born Of the superstitions of warlike
race, but shortly after their new acquisi-
tion, Christianity was introduced amongst
them, and gradually widening its sphere
of action, softened the harsh asperities of
their national character. But even this
did not destroy their sacred traditions;
for they interwove many of their religious
practices and festivals with the rites and
holy-days of the church
These Saxons we may consider as rep
resentatives OF the Teutonic family, even
as we may consider the Gauls and Britons
to represent the Celtic race. Their ORR
gin is almost lost in the gloom of mythic
tradition, but it is supposed that they
came from the shores of the Black Sea,
and, after traversing Europe, settled in
the North, from whence they descended
upon England. They migrated in inn
mense bodies, sending out their fighting
men as pioneers, and following with their
wives and families; and wherever they
made successful footing, they settled
peaceably as colonists.
AS people they were brave, but rude
and uncultivated; and the three funda-
mental principles of their religion were
--"Devotion to God; justice to man; and
intrepidity in fight" Their national Pc
culiarites have been more faithfully
transmitted to their descendants than it
is in the power of any other people to
say Of the peculiarities of their own an
cestry.
The Saxon was blunt in hearing; ad-
venturous; extremely regardful of do
mestic ties; honorable in his estimation Of
woman; extremely tenacious of his priv
ileges; his house was his castle, and the
sea his battle field.
After their possession Of the country
became fully accomplished, they turned
themselves assiduously to its improve
mcnt; but they were frequently threat
with invasions by the Danish sea-kings,
who ravaged the shores of the Baltic and
Atlantic seas, and even entered the Med
iterranean.
The Scandinavians, or Danes, are a
people of the same race as the Saxons,
but who were pcnned up in the icy North,
until their numbers became so great that
the soil was unable to find them susten.
ance.
Then, as the Saxons did few centuries
before, they set out in quest Of of anew
land; and, after making various attempts
elsewhere, landed in England. The new
corners were Hospitality received when
they came with pacific intentions, and
were allowed to remain as settlers; but in
the course Of time they increased so rap
idly, that they were enabled, acting con
jointly with their relatives, the sea-rovers
to overthrow the Saxon dynasty and es-