Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-06-29
independence Day.
written for the Noaruwrsr BY Jos. weible.I

Written for the NORTHWEST by Jos. Weible.l
FLORIDA, Ohio, June 2sth, 1852.
Next Tuesday July 4th, is the anniversary Of the
most notable day in the historic life OF the American
people. The unwise policy Of q ruler who sincerely
desired to converse the best interest Of the nation he
governed led to the revolt Of the American colonies,
and the 4th Of July hundred and six years ago.
they affirmed their purpose TO form an Independent
government. After long and brave struggle and
the OF heroic blood on many desperate neIds
national career was begun. The blessing of God has
rested richly on our natonalfe and the people have
been prosperous beyond all precedent in the history
OF the world in rapid increase OF population and the
development of great industries. In the growth of
popular intelligence and material wealth no nation In
the history of the race affords parallel and all this
achieved, not by conquest, but by the arts Of
peace. No conquered nation has been added to swell
the enational millions The millions from other nations
have focked to find home with u.s. No spoils of
war; no robbery Of ravished cities no punder of the
commerce of other people have augmented our ma
iOnal wealth. II has been secured by the industries
of the people: 1t has been dug out Of the soil and out
of mines 1t has been forged on nnvils; created by
the buzzing wheels Of myriad: factories gained In
trade with other nations 1t has been coined ont Of
the intelligence the brains the vrtue the toll OF the
people, and here Is the truest basis OF national great
ness. The riches OF conquest perish, for when con-
quest ceases, the source Of supply perish industry
ever produces, intelligence directs and virtue con-
serves, and nation possessing these and abiding
true to their laws is assured OF continued prosperity
Otutr lultueeb, l8uOfhhCe ana VICE are
the enemies of all prosperity. The question of our
future is to be settled this nnethe people must
determine for themselves, and they decide their
destiny will be. The young people, the boys and
girls of the present time, have here most important
responsibility to mce and character Is In process
Of formation every day they doing something to-
ward determining our national future. Not many
years hence the boys will be the Businessmen the
voters the statesmen the teachers the ministers Of
the nation, and the girls will be it matrons and win
give tone to society and will instruct and mould the
generation to follow 1t remains then for the boys
and girls to decide that they will contribute their
share 10 the intelligence and stern integrity Of
the nation that shall be IN the next forty or fifty years.
and just now will be good time to make strike, as
our fathers did for Independence. You need not
strike for independence from foreign government,
or from wholesome parental rule or from school con-
troll from the Sunday school or church, To all Of
these, the first excepted You want to maintain the
truest loyalty. Here few other things Of which
you must declare your independence use Of in
toxicating drinks and Of everything that will lead to
the use Of such drink a Of profane or improper
language which you would not like to have your moth
er or your most cultivated lady friend know anything
about; all Sabbath breaking, Incidence, envious or
revengeful feelings everything that you think would
not be becoming TO your minister the best people
OF your acquaintance. From all these things make
your declaration of eternal separationdo this in the
strength and grace Of God, and for all your life take
Gods word for your guide, for Jesus said the truth
| shall make you free."