The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-12-13

pcndence now. through cessions of lands,
first colonized by Spain and Fr,acc, the coun.
tire has acquired more complex character,
and has for its natural limits the chain Of
Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and Oh the east
and west the two great oceans. Other nations
were waited by cyi! war for ages befo they
could establish for themselves the necessary
degree Of unity, the latent conviction that our
form of Government is the best ever known
to the world, has enabled US to emerge from
civil war within four years, with complete
vindication Of the constitutional authority OF
the General Government, and with our local
liberties and State institutions unimp,ired.
The throngs of emierants that crowd to our
shores arc witnesses of the confidence of all
people in our Prominence. Here is she great
land OF free labor, where Industry is blessed
with uncximpled rewards. an the bread Of the
wOrliingman il swcetencd by the consciousness
that the cause of the country sis his
own Gauss, his own safety, his own digni-
ty." Here every one enjoys the free use of
his faculties and the choice OF activity as
natural right Here, uuicr the combined in
huencc Of a fruitful soil, genial cli;nes, and
happy Institution s our population has increased
with two fold greater rspidty than numbers,
so tha. we have become secure against tho
financial vicissitsies of other countries, and,
centred and truly independent Here more
ana more care is given to provide education
for every one born or our soil. Here religion,
released from political connection with the civil
government, refuses to subserve the craft Of
statesmen. and becomes in its independence,
tho spiritual life OF the people. Here tolera
tua Is extended to every opinion, and in the
quiet certainty that truth needs only the fair
field to secure the victory. Here :ha human
mini goes forth un.hack!ed in the pursuit OF
science, to collect stores OF knowledge and &C
, .,:.;re an ever Increasing mastery over the
forces OF nature. Here the At:onal dom lin is
offered AMI held in millions Of separate free
holds, so th,t OF tellow-citizans. beyoui the
occupants OF any other part o. the earth. con.
st;tute in reality people. Here exists the
democratic form OF government; and that
form OF government, by the confession OF
European statesmen, "gives power OF which
no other form is cap ,blc, because it incorpor-
atcs every man with the State, and arouses
everything that belongs to the soul" 81
Where, in past history, does parallel exist
to the public happinesss which is within the
reach Of the people Of United States Where,
in any part OF tho globe, can institutions be
found SO suited to their habits, or so entitled
to their love as their own Constitution Eve.
~ one of them then, in wiIstuver part OF
the land he has his home, must wish perpetuity.
One Of them will not now acknow ledge, in the
words OF Washington, that "cvery step by
which the people of the United States have
advanced to ths character OF an independent
nation seem to have been distinguished by
some token Of Providential agency y" Who
will not join with m. il the prayer, that the
invisible hand which has led US through the
clouds that sloomcd around our path, will so
guide us onward to perfect restoration of
fratcrnal affection, that we OF ths day
may be able. to transmit our great inheritance,
OF State Governments in all their rights, OF the
General Government in its whole constitution.
al vigor, to orr posterity, and they to theirs
through countless generations
ANDREW JOHNSON.
WASHINGTON, December 4th, 1865.