Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-07-27
Mtsttllancous.
REM
Oh
GEN. GEORGE W. MORGAN
PRECEDING THE READING OF TIE
Declaration of independence
JULY 4, 1868.


The pleasant duty has been assigned to
me, my friends and countrymcn OF reading
to you, ON this the anniversary of our ma
tlonal existence, the unanimous Declaration
OF Independence of the Thirteen United
States OF America, proclaimed ON the 4tll
day of July, in the year of Our Lord l776.
THE DECLARATION DOES NOT EXCUSE Sc
CEssION.
But inasmuch as two opposite and ex-
treme factions have by false construction
made the principles enunciated in that docu-
ment, the pretext for the parricida conduct
which involved our beloved country in the
horrors OF civil war, which after many
brilliant deeds, heroic sacrifices, and DAYS OF
gloon, and sadness, has been happily con.
cluded by the overthrow of the rebellion.
and the re establishment of the suprememacy
ofthc Union flag it is proper that should
submit to your unprejud consideration,
a few brief remarks concerning the true
spirit of that immortal instrument
"A few ambitious and designing men, in
certain of the Southern States, thinking
alone of individual aggranliscment, had for
Il long time resolved to destroy the Union,
and establish an Independent government
10 excuse this act of attempted parricidc,
they pointed to the example of our fathers
as justification Of their conduct. But,
my countrymen only moment reflection
Is necessary to convince every candid citizen
that there was no analogy between the
causes which lead to the American Revolu-
tion, and those which produced the Great
rebellion. Our Fathers were the oppressed
children of Great Brtain-denied liberty at
home, they sought and found it amid the
savage wilds of America Settlements were
formed, and as if created by the magician $
wand, towns and cities sprung into existence
along the coast, and in the bosom of the
dark forest With pretended affection,
Great Britain followed her exiled sons, and
to give position and cmouments to certain
of her nobility, granted charters for what
she did not possess, and appointed Gov
ernors over people, who of right no longer
owed her allegiance. Without their consent,
she levied upon them odious taxes, while
she denied them representation in parlia-
ment and by the arbitrary will ofthe king S
Governors, the legislatures OF the colonies
were adjourned or suppressed without the
authority OF law, and in defiance of the re-
monstrances of the people. There were
other causes, but it is isunneccssary to enumer-
ate them-these were sufficient to Justify an
appeal to arms.
Having glanced at the events which pre-
coded the revolution, let us for brief mo-
mcnt turn our gaze upon the condition of
our urcountryimmediately before the rebellion
The constitutional party Of the Union, was
yet in power; We had a majority in both
branches of Congress, and it was our proud
boast that every law which stood upon the
national statute book, was placed there by
democratic votes. The people of every
state of the Union, were represented in the
national legislature ; the supreme court of
the United States was conservative in its
character, and the mighty valleys amid the
rocky mountains were rapidly filling up
with people whose great heart loved the
whole Union, without animosity towards a
single state. 1t is true that in consequence
of the secession at the Charleston Conven-
ton, for which southern politicians were re-
sponsible, a sectional and minority Presi-
deot was elected in accordance with the pre-
scribed letter Of the Constitution But had
the southern states kept their representa-,
tives in Congress, their rights could moi
have been violated. They choose the dread
issue of war, and in a great measure the re,
sponsibility of the results caused by the wal
must rest with them.
1t is true, as believe that war might
have been avoided by enlightened states
manship in what was miscalled the Peace
Congress, but the unwise and unpatriotic
action of that body, which has left to pos
terity so dark fame, was no excuse for re-
bellion. An appeal to arms should be the
last resort, and when justly made, it rarely
fails of triumph. However, the battle is
over; the laurel crowns the brows of oul
heroes, who have returned to gladden. the
hearts of the loved ones at home; peace
smiles upon the land, and gentleness and
Cancellation must smooth away the furrows
and heal the wounds made by war. From
the lakes to the gulf, and from ocean to
ocean, we are one great people composed OF
many States united together under the con,
sttution and generosity and courage, mag
nanimity and true greatness arc hand
maidens, and always Keep each other com,
pany. The people Of the south, the ma
iority of whom were always true to the
Union, are our countrymon and brothers,
and as such they should be welcomed back
to the national fires side,