The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1874-07-16

/ SDFAI<Q SpCCCtas III NUAGA AC S@A0
q We must fight. Irepeat it, sir, WI
must fight. An appeal TO arms and tt
the God of hssts is all that is left US.
BY some writers the first blood o.
the Revolution was spilled in NortI
Carolina, as early as May 16, 1771, but
history records it at Lexington, April
10, I775. where eight Americans fell
the first martyrs to liberty and resist.
ance to British tyranny on the CONT
nent.
From that time open resistance was
made against the laws of Parliament
but still recognizing their obligation
to the King.
Washington took command of the
American forces at Cambridge, July
3, I775. under that old elm tree which
is so fOndly cherished by the people
of Cambridge aud is also sacred in
history.
Various battles were fought with
various results, until the spring OF
I776, the peopIe tired with the uncer-
tainty of the war against Parliament
and allegience to the King, while the
King enforced their laws, they de-
manded of congress to take an affirm
ative step, make the issue broad and
direct, and declare for independence.
Congressappointed committee, com-
sisting of Thomas Jefferson, John
Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert r.
Livingston aud DIR. Franklin, who
reported 3 Declaration on the 28th of
June, I776,and was laid upon the table
On the frat, second, third and fourth
days of July following, it was taken
up and discussed, and on the evening
of the fourth day of July, I776. Con-
gress making but few unimportaRt
amendments, approved Of the Decla-
ration sof Independence, and from
that moment the colonies were free.
twas the most important moment
ever realized by man, Most Of You
know and have felt the intense emo
ton and excitement that is realized in
conventions after several days of un-
successful ballotings, choice is finally
made. You feel as though fate had
decreed you an eyewitness to q fact
soonto become prominent in history.
But destiny itself never witnessed an
hour like this. 1t was full OF intense
enthusiasm, and yet seber with terri
bic responsibilities. It combined the
three important events of life, birth,
wedding and death, for in its passage
liberty was born, in its principles the
people are solemnly welded, and its
preservation 100000 people were to
throw themselves in the cannon's
mouth to resist thousands of British
soldiers, and by the barbarian of the
King, aided by the mereiless Indians,
from throttIing theGeddess ofLiberty.
It meant that their cities should burn,
that the hills and pleasant fields
should Whiten with the bones of their
owhers, that their rivers. should run
with their blood.
The Declaration of Independence
was the work of Thomas Je1fersen
To him belongs the praise. 1t was
the most solemn indictment ever
drawn up by. man against man, ever
presented by 3 Grand Jury against a
criminal. 1t contained tWenty-six
separate counts and distinct charges
against King George III. Itisa fact
worthy Of observation that in the
whole Declaration Of Independence
not one word is mentioned about the
British Parliament. They did not
recognize any authority whatever in
Parliament. They claimed for them
selves the same rights which Ireland
and Scotland had before their union
with England. The right to regulate
their local affairs. The Revolution
was not, therefore, to break any tie
which existed between the colonies
and Parliament, but to throw off their
allegiance to the King, who had sfeon-
federated with others in pretended
acts of IegisIation.7
On the 9th day Of July the Declara-
tion of Independence was read at the
head of Washingten's army and every |
sword was drawn to maintain it. On
Sunday following it was read on
Prospect Hill. and the cheers of the
soldiers were so loud in welcoming
the Declaration of DeliVerance that
the British soldiers were ordered to
fall into line, as they expected an inn
mediate attack. And so the same
document, grown fresher and more
choice with age, has been read and |
re-read in public and in private, more
times than there are people on this
continent.
The result is well known. George
Washington, the NEST unselfish bsing
of humanity, left his family and home
with all the comforts of life, for eight
long years, with but one accidental
visit to his home during the whole
time, and without one dollar of com.
pensation for his services, armed with
his commission as COmmander-in-
chief, sustained by small Spartan
band OF brave soldiers, armed in the
sacred cause of Justice and Liberty,
they fought and placed America IN
the chair of Independence.
Eight long years of marches, sieges, and
Of battles eight long years of sadness, and
sorrow, and of suffering; eight long years
of tears and Of trials, and the people were
ele> ated from the position Of subjects of
the Realm TO the new, grand noble posi-
ton of being masters of their rulers. Al
though removed nearly century from the
great era, we are here to-day at the mount
Of Remembrauce, to keep fresh the men,
ories of those sacred dead, and to celebrate
the event as being the birth of a new prin-
ciple in government, the great Revolution,