The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-10-12
EDUCATIONAL.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

pl prayer anu ldStiuS, tho NONOiHo
dissolved the Assembly. But the
Endomitable Split of the members
could not be suppressed so easily,
bnd the very next day special
meeting was called, in which English
tyranny was more freely discussed
hnd severely handled than ever be-
fore. But the most important action
they took was that of agreeing to
learn the time of holding Colonial
Congress-of which they had heard
fumors from other colonies-and to
appoint delegates to the same.
A Convention was held in August,
but Jefferson, owing to'sickness, was
unable to attend, but his sentiments
were there in the shape of an abe
document he had prepared and
which contained a summary view
|of the situation. This was read,
and in it is found the expression
which has since become famous:
@The God who gave us life, gave us
liberty at the same time; the hand
of force may destroy, but cannot dis
Iioin them" When the contents of
this article reached Britain, they
caused general CONSERVATION and
surprise and was considered the
most radical document ever written
ON the situation as it then stood.
Edmund Burke denominated it, "a
Summary view of the Rights of Brit
ish America"
When the Colonial Congress met
in Philadelphia on the 4th Of Sep
tember, Jefferson was there as a
member from his county. That
memorable Convention had indeed
many noble men among its mem
bers-snch as Richard II. Lee, Pat
rick Henry, and Nicholas. AS was
to be expected it was composed Of
conservatives and radicals. The old
members still remembered Old En-.
gland with her sunny slopes; they
still found it natural to say, 'God
save the King they remembered
home teachings, received at English
fresides; and in their memories they
could recall the pleasures dear tc
Englishmen. 1t was not to be won
dered at that when they spoke O.
England, they softened their tones
or that they could find clauses il
the British Constitution of which
they delighted to talk On the Other
hand, the younger members were
naturally more aggressive. Their
knowledge of Britain was less than
memories. What cared they for this
country that dared iBtrude on theil
rights 1t was sufficient for them
to know that they had been spurned
and treated as a. race of degraded
beings. Their sentiments were voiced
by the fiery Henry, when he rose
and moved that the colony be imme
diately put in state of defense; and
the motion found a quick second
But the older members shook theil
heads, for this sounded like rebel
lion. The die was cast, the scale:
oyerbalanced, when Henry rose il
support of his motion, and made the
speech in which occurs the words
"War is inevitable; we must fight.
The story of that speech has gon
ringing down the ages and finds to
day a responsive echo in the hear
Of every American. Years hence i
will not lose its attraction.
A Baptist clergyman who was
present has given the following ex
cellent account Of the occasion
"Henry rose with an urearthly fir
burning in his eye. He commence
somewhat calmly-but the smother
ed excitement began more and mor'
to play upon his features and thrill
in the tones of his voice. The ten
! dons Of his neck stood out white anC
rigid like whip cord. His voice rose
louder and louder, until the walls ol
| the building, and all within them
seemed to shake, and rock in its ire
mendous vibrations. Finally his
pale face and glaring eye became
terrible to look upon. Men leaned
forward in their seats, with their
Iheads strained forward, their faces
pale, and their eyes glaring like the
speakers. His last exclamation,
Give me liberty. or give me death,
was like the, shout of a leader which
turns back the rout of battle.
On the eleventh of June, 1776,
Colonial Congress concluded to APP
point committee with full powers
to draft a declaration of rights,
grievances and independent position.
THAT committee was composed Of
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin
Roger Sherman, Robert r. Living
ston and Thomas Jefferson, with the
latter as chairman. The commit
tee suggested that Jefferson write 9
declaration as he was probably bet
tier acquainted with certain circum
stances, and also owing to the fact
that he was a prolific writer. Wher
i it was read to the committee, DR.
Franklin and Mr.. Adams made {