Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-03-09
PRECEDENT Garflesa's Tnaaxu-
raj.

looSs hunpred years OF NATIONAL
hc-a century crowded with perils,
but crowded with the triumphs Of
liberty aud law. Before containn-
ing tbs onward march let rs pause
on this height for q moment to
strengthen our faith and renew our
hope by glance at the pathway
along which our people has travelled.
1t is, now three days more than
hundred years since the adoption
Of the first written constitution Of
the United States--the articles Of
confederation ard perpetual sniou
The new republic was then bcset
with danger on every hand. 1t
had not conquered . place in the
family of nations. The decisive
battle of the war for independence,
whose centennial anniversary will
soon be gratefully Federated at
Yorktown. had not yet been tonight
The colonists were struggling not
only against the armies OF 3 great
nation, but against the settled opin-
ious Of mankind; for the world did
not then believe that the supreme
authority OF government could be
safely entrusted to the guardian
ship of the people themselves.
We cannot overestimste the
fervcnt love of liberty, the intelli-
gent courage and the saving COM
mon sense with which our fathers
made the great experiment Of self
government.
When they found, after short
trial, that the confederacy Of States
was too weak to meet the aecessi-
ties ola vigorous and expanding
republic, they boldly set it aside
and in its stead established q
National Union, founded directly
upon the whole Of the people, en-
dowed with full power Of self-preser-
walton, and ample authority for the
accomplishment Of its great objects.
Under this constitution the boun-
daries Of freedom have been en-
larged, the foundations OF order and
peace have beeu strengthened, and
the growth of our people in all the
better elements Of national lite has
INDICATED the wisdom Of the toun-
ders and given new hope to their
descendants.
Under this constitution our peo-
pie long ago made themselves safe
against danger from without, and
secured for their mariners and flag
equality OF rights on all seas.
Unber this constitution twenty
Eve States have been added to the
Union, with constitutions and laws
framed and enforced by their own
citizens to secure the manifold
blessings of local self-governnent.
The Jurisdiction OF this constitution
now covers an area fifty times
greater than that Of the original
thirteen States, and population
twenty times greater than that OF
1880.
The supreme trial Of the con-
stitution came in at klast uader the
Tremendous pressure OF civil war
We ourselves are witnesses that the
Union emerged from tue blood and
FIRE Of that conflict purified ard
made a stronger for all the bene
fiaent purposes Of good government.
And now, at the close Of this
first century Of growth, with the
inspirations OF its history in their
hearts, our people have lately re-
viewed the condition OF the nation,
passed judgment upon the conduct
and opinions Of political parties, and
have registered their will concern
ing the future administration Of the
government. To interpret and to
execute that will in accordance
with the constitution is the para
mount duty Of the Executive.
Even from this brew review it is
manifest that the nation is resolu-
tely facing to the 'front.' front, re-
solved to employ its best energies
in developing the great possibilities
of the future. Sacredly preserving |
whatever has been gained to liberty |
and good government during the
century, ouI poodle are determined
to leave behind them ell those
bitter controversies concerning
things which have beeu irrevccably
settled. and the further discussion
Of which can only stir up strife
and delay the onward march. The