The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-06-10
8istorital.
JUNE, l77e-l87e.


and Independent States; that they arc alb
solved from all allegiance to the British
crown, and that all political connection
between them and the State Of Great
Britain is, and ought to be totally dissoly-
ed that it is expedient forthwith to take
the most effectual measures for forming
foreign alliances, and that plan of con-
federation be prepared and transmitted To
the respective colonies for their consider
alton and appreciation, John Adams, Of
Massachusetts, seconded the proposition
from Virginia. His constituents, liket
Virginians, had already declared them
selves in favor of the measure, and from the
first of the preceding month the name of
the sovereign OF Great Britain had been
expunged from the preamble Of all official
acts. Three days Of earnest debate fol-
lowed in Congress on the resolution, and
on the third day, final action on the i'm
portant measure was deferred for three
weeks,
That postponemeDt was the proposition
Of members who, however faithful to the
cause of Independence, when its assertion
was finally determined upon, still had lin-
gering doubts of the propriety of meas
urc so positive. Some, perhaps, had also
hopes of an adjustment of the difficulty
without the resort to an issue so marked
and decisive. And the declared friends
Of a separation acted, in the premises,
with the calm moderation which attended
all the proceedings of the Continental
Congress. As has been more than once
observed in the course Of these papers, the
delegates in Congress remembered their
respective character. They did not, ex-
cept in some individual instances, under
take to lead, or to commit their constitu-
ents; but preferred to wait for the inspi-
ration of the people from without rather
than to dictate the policy to be adopted.
They recognized the justice and the wis
dom of such moderate progress as would
permit the voice of the people to be heard.
They felt sure of the strength which the
separate action of the colonies would give
to their delegates convened in the general
Congress. And the result justified their
wisdom.
Meanwhile the three weeks were not
lost. 1t was decided that n committee
should be appointed to prepare Decla-
ration, in explanation of the resolution of
Independence, and Jefferson, John Adams,
Franklin, Sherman and Robert X. Living
stone were chosen BY ballot on the 18th
of June. On the 18th committee of
one member from each colony was appoint
ed to draw up plan of confederation.
On the l4th, Board of War was appoint
ed. The subject of the formation of
treaties with foreign powers was entrusted
to committee composed of Dickinson,
Franklin, John Adams, Harrison and
Robert Morris. The plan of confederation
was not acted on during the year 1776,
tacit confederation proving easier than the
settlement of terms On the Oath Of June,
Congress resolved "ttat all persons resid-
ing within any of the United Colonies,
and deriving protection from its laws, owed
allegiance to said laws and were members
Of such colony, and that such residents
as should adhere to the King of Great
Britain and give him aid and comfort
were guilty Of treason" The Declaration
of Independence could not go father in
independence" than this. And that
crowning act which belongs to the next
month was but the concentration and de-
inition of the purpose of the successive
acts of the month Of june. While the
measures of the people in their primary
meetings and conventions strengthened
Congress, and left that body little more to
do than to interpret and crystallize the
national expression, a signal military sue
cess gave farther strength to the popular
cause. This success was the repulse of
the British sea and land forces in their
attempt against Charleston, s. c., on the
2Sth of June. The defence of Charleston
was ''an announcement to the other colo
nes of the existence of South Carolina as
self-dirccting republic, message of
brotherhood and union" The failure of
the invading forces left the soil Of the col
onies free from the presence of any royal
military power an auspicious sign for the
great Declaration already heralded, and
needing only formal adoption.
Two more of the many events of June
demand notice. On the llth, John With
erspoon, d. d., president of Princeton
College, opened the New Jersey Conyen-
tion with prayer. He participated in the
debates of the Convention, and thence
went as delegate to the Continental Con- |
gress. His memory will be houored by |
a statue in Fairmount Park. On the 18th |
of June, the patriotic committees Of Phil |
adelphia, and of the several counties of |
Pennsylvania, met in Carpenters Hall,
under the presidency Of Thomas Mexican, |
and on the 10th unanimously approved |
the resolution of Congress on the 18th of |
May, "that ii was necessary that every |
exercise of authority under the crown
should be totally suppressed. ."--Phaodel-
phia Ledger.
Lieutenant Metcalfe has arranged on |
the north and east walls of the Centennial
D...l. -.