Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1876-07-12

Mr.. PRESIDENT - One hundred
years ago, our ancestors, representa-
tives of the British Colonies of Amer
lea, assembled to decide upon thei'
future course. 1t was a day that
tried mems souls and . day when
men had souls to try. The patriotic
voice of Patrick Henry, in burning
words, stated the relationship between
the colonies and Great Britain to be
incompatible with co-existence. The
spirit of rebellion opermated and be-
stirred his Majestys subjects, that
they would not submit longer to the
tyranical taxation and the official des-
po,ism which prowled above them.
Long years of terrible war, associated
with poverty, nakedness and starva'
ton, ensued; involving the greatest
military miracle since the days OF
Joshua. But the last battle was
fought. The victory won and the
responsibility ofself government rest
ed upon the new nation. She was
not without statesmen capable to ar
range the affairs pertaining to the lib
erty and freedom which these con-
quering battles had gained. And so
we'll did our fathers lay the founda-
tions, that the supers.ructure has risen
and increased amid the scofiing OF
nations, to its present colossal pro-
portions; spanning the continent
Our glorious torefathers, planted the
Tree Of Liberty in such soil, and with
such wisdom and progress; and SO
has it been watched and guarded by
their descendants that lts towering
branches, reaching forth to every linn
it of our country, not only shade and
protect its own but the old Tree, al
so invites from all nations of the
earth, whomsoever will, to her care
and guardianship. This great tree O
our republic, stands, today, frmer
and in greater beauty than ever. sh'
never saw an anniversary when he
friends were warmer, or so numerou
as now. Sir, our republic has tough
ened under the warpings and writh
ings of her wars with England, Mex
{ leo, Indian tribes, and last and great
. est, the one which was all her own
and unparalleled in the worlds history
, but she has come safely out OF chen
all and standing brighter, fairel
o grander than ever, to-day, she invite
; the gaze of an admiring world AM
never before did the nations lift thei
!. eyes upon spectacle equal to this J
a An immense republic for four year
abandoned to civil war, so suddenl
resuming its majestic proportions an
o marching on to more glorious perfe'
y. tions than ever, in its great mission {
+ expansion, power and justice. MI
n President, how happy Se are! Ever
State is soul and body, square in tn
- Union The rebellious have learne
. W hat to do to be saved. They ha,
!, responded to the call
n "Come home, come home ye wandering chi
l. Come home. come home and pay your VOWS.
'e The millennium has begun. w
N are not only friendly with foreign nj
+, tions, but at last we are at peace wit
,e ourselves. We hardly realize til
Z. blessing. The last thing to be expec
,e ed is accomplished. The two polit
'e cal parties have substantially the san
es faith. Since our civil war, we hay
10 no important political issues dividir
in the people into parties, and there ne
in er will be for any length of time, Fl
our people have come to understa1
lie alike the genius of the American K
ID public. If we are not all OF OF
1s heart ON account of personal feelin
in or from mere habit of parties, still v
re are generally Of one mind on all il
d potant political subjects, and the pi
lis ties might as we'll cease to be, and
e. 90 in as a whole for the correction
n evils. Every man. north or south
he tains so little of the war spirit tn
a even disputations are in bad tas'
of When common principle possess
at- every man of our nation, that prin'
nd pie must become active in our Cover
ell ment. For every man is not only
IT, thinker and feeler and wisher al
lis a talker, but also voter. As we
is know he is virtually part of the &C
he ernment, feeling his responsibility
m such. And our ancestral friends
he July 4th, 1776. In declaring us to
e our own masters, touched the spot
ci- actly. So if at any time the mach
L I. a