The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1874-07-09
THE FOURFH DAY OF JULY.

Ninety-eight years ago, the heroes
OF the Revolution declared the thirteen col
onies free and independent of Great Brit
ain. The causes which led to that declara-
ton and the results are known to every one
who is conversant with the history of the
United States. a 55z5
!. After the surrender of Lord CORVALLIS at
Yorktown, the colonies were left for time
without any impediments to growth and
prosperity. For mutual safety and pro-
lection government was formed,
and all united together for the COM
mon good and general welfare, but
still preserving their separate indepen-
ydence, Time rolled on and added numbers
and wealth to the few. Butin 1919, Great
Britain again interfered with the rights of
the States; which resulted in war and the
capture of Washington by the enemy. But
the battle of New Orleans, which was
fought after the treaty of Ghent, restored
the prestige Of American arms; and warned
despots of the futility of attempting to
crush a people when unitedly fighting for
their liberty and fresides. Subsequent to
that period, the growth of the United States
was marvellous. From few, colonies on
the east of the continent, the tide of
empire westward took its way; the father
of waters, the great Mississippi, was crossed (;
the Rocky Mountains were scaled and down
the western Slope to the shores of the
Pacific ocean the flag Of the United States
waved over free, powerful, independent
united and happy people.
For a few golden years, internal peace and
prosperity smiled upon the land. There
were the broadest liberty and the most
glorious prospects. But by a strange fatality,
which seems to beincident to fallible man,
the very condition which should have per-
petuated the glory of the government and
the unity of the people brought about the
renewed agitation of the slavery question
which years before was supposed to be set
tied forever. Squatter Sovereignty, or the
right of the people in an unorganized ter
ritorial capacity, without the qualifications
OF voters, to frame and adopt Constitu-
ton, gave rise to the fierce discussion Of
the rights Of Shareholders to carry their
property into the territories regardless Of
laws passed in pursuance Of such an or
ganic Jaw. I; eliminated in 1861 in the
elevation Of Mr.. Lincoln to the position Of
President OF the United States, upon a
pu-ely sectional OF anti-slavery platform.
Previous to his taking his seat, however, he
wrote a letter to Mr.. Alex. H. Stevens, de-
claring that it was not his intention,
nor that Of the party with which
he acted to interfere with the slaves in the
States; but added, the question which
divided the parties was the night Of the
shareholders to take their property into the
Territories. But it win be remembered
that the Southern people, with . unanimity
which was very remarkable, had declared
that the election by tho North Of Presi-
dert upon a rurely sectional platform would
be cause, ample and All convincing, Of the
necessity Tor a separniion Of the two sec
lions. The Southern States did secede, ex-
cept KentLezy, Maryland and Delaware
took possession Of the forts, navy yards and
arepals and established a separate Or
sohfsdsnts government Mr. Lincoln
attempted 70 coerce them to remain
il thc Union, which led to the bloodiest
vr cl modern tmcs; and brought desoia'
lion. ruin and rorr0u to1ho homes Of many
L. A.