Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-07-04

THE DAY WE CELEBRATE. For
one hundred and nine years the Amer
lean people haze been free. Bursting a.
sunder the most powerful bands which
ever bound a nation in oppression and
degradation, the patriot forefathers of
the American nation gave to their
progeny government, than which no
better ever existed The War of In
dependence was war of principles. 1t
struck blow at one of the mightiest
nations of the world, and bowed her In
defeat and humiliation. On the one
hand were renowned generals and train
ed warriors of a hundred battles, fresh
from continental victories and the easy
conquest of the Indian Peninsular. War
had become a pastime to them. They
were the soldiers of the mistress of the
sea and land" and had plenty of Eng
lish gold to aid them. They fought for
glory and fame, those shining heights
from which SO many great men of his
tory have plunged headlong into ruin
and disgrace. On the other hand were
the raw, untried Americans unused to
war, unfamiliar with military evolu-
tions. From homes in the forest clear
ing from the mountain gorges from
the quiet valleys, they rallied at the
call of their country. No royalty there
but the true royalty of right no treas
ury to aid them but their accumulated
energy, determination and patriotism.
And yet they drove the hirelings of de
generate crown back to their English
homes. They tore the tree of tyranny
and despotism from the bosom of free
land and hurled it into the sea. They
struck blow at monarchies which
shook their foundations and dashed
them into pieces. A few still remain,
but they are fading like stars before the
brightness of the sun. There is hardly
a nation on the globe but bears the i'm
press of the American Revolution. 1t
spurred France on to freedom it crops
out to-day in the discontento of the Eng
lish people, and before long it will over
throw crown heads and give the world
free governments and pure constitu-
tions. The progress and prosperity of
America are evidences of the blessings
of liberty. Unlike the democracy of
Greece, or the republicanism of Rome,
wrenched from the people by naughty.
ambitious and deceptive leaders its laws
are sacred in the eyes of leaders and
people alike. Mighty cities have grown
in day, villages have been born in a
night, until to-day our people can main
tain the honor and integrity of our gov
eminent against any nation that exists.
Science and invention send the story of
American ingenuity to the ends of the
earth. Our history has been remarka.
BILE, speaking in no uncertain language
of our glory and progress.
This anniversary-the natal day of
our MISREPRESENTATION be celebrated
by high and low, rich and poor, saint
and sinner. Stir up the old fires OF pa
triotism, the boast Of our fathers. Let
martial music and loud swelling hosan-
mas ascend, and float the old flag until
every star shall shine like the glittering
planets of the night. Be patriotic I
Remember Americans one hundred and
nine years ago first breathed the free,
pure air of thier native land and drank
deep from the fountain of liberty.
"Go ring the bells and fire the guns
And fling the banners out
Shout FREEDOM ! til our little ones
Send back their tiny shout.n