The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-12
mination to fight for liberty was in

mination to fight for liberty was in
tensifed.
On June 28th the attack on Port
Mouitric was repulsed so severely that
the victory encouraged them with
delight in this, their first encounter,
with the "Mistress of the Seas" But
while these affairs progressed there
were high resolves in the council
Of the Colonies. The desire to be
severed from an enemy was too strong
to be evaded. The sentiment of lib
erty had been too strongly kindled,
and it burned with intense glow
The power of England; her well-fur-
nishcd, well-fed and well-disciplined
army; her exhaustless resources; her
navy; all that made her the dread of
other nations, came to the minds Of
this handful Of statesmen. The weak
ness of the Colonies, her small band
Of ill-furnished, but brave, heroic
men; the meager amount of supplies;
the limited resources, were all taken
into consideration. They resolved to
be free or die-the lot was cast--and
they determined to give ~ their
lives, their fortunes and sacred honor,
or possess the dearest treasure that
mortals can enjoy-!iberty-soundso
Joyous to every American freeman.
The Magma Charta was justly re-
garded as the palladium upon which
the rights Of the English were found
ed; they defended it with an earnest
zeal, and any change or innovation
was looked upon as violation Of
their sacred liberties. One hundred
and one years ago was proclaimed to
the world the grandest model of lib
erty ever conceived by man-the
Declaration Of independence.
The last link was severed, the last
bond was broken, and America was
to be free. The sky lowered with
thick clouds. Hope seemed to have
fled. Dark was their present, and
darker still their future. Deep des-
pondency settled with sad gloom.
The Americans rotreating before the
British left their blood-stained foot
prints upon the frozen ground; they
were but handful OF il!-provided fu-
gitiyes.
There was one, the soul Of heroism,
that encouraged, supported and urged
them on. This name, the brightest
on all the rolls Of fame, the highest
on the monuments of honor, IS ever
held in the dearest memory. The
poet, the historian, all, have paid
their need Of praise to his illustrioua
name-WAsHINGT0N-the brave, the
true, the father of his country. by
his courage and wise endeavor was
our country carried through the
times that tried mems souls;" the
ROYAL power was forever broken, and
this government dedicated to univer-
sal freedom.
Grand conclusion Of worthy enloa-
vor. Noble heroes that rest in sweet
est repose; you are known to fame,
cherished children of our country.
Freedom called you, and YOU an
swered with your lives. Ae are at
rest from the storms and trials of life.
The stars of heaven smile on your
honored graves, and your remember
ance blooms eternal in our hearts.
1llustrious dead! rest in the memory
OF your posterlty.
Other nations arose by conquest; by
fire and sword they extended their
bounds. Their heroes built their ma
ton upon the ruined homes of con-
qucred opponents. Not so was ours.
Fame was too elevated to be de-
throned by conquest OF other and
weaker nations. Freedom would not
extend her confines by slaughter. She
had purchased freedom by the blood
of her heroes, and by honored means
extended her territory.
Prosperity and good fortune favored
the young Republic. BY cultiyating
the arts of peace; by honest and just
policy, she rose in power and respect
among the nations of the world.
Every nation, as individuals, have
their periods of adversely, as well as
of prosperity. During its existence
will arise evils which neither states
men can prevent nor patriots remove.
One giant wrong grew up with our
growth, progressed with our national
advancement, and threatened the dis
solution of our institutions and the
ruin of our nation. But the love OF
our country is deeply implanted IN
our hearts. 1t IS this that calls us to-