The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-30

Scotch. Irish-which, historically speaking,
is as II one was to say Irish.Irish. In
South Carolina the Huguenots OF France
had colonized in large numbers, but even
there, as in the Valley OF Virginia, and in
the rich valley Of the susquehan-
nah, in Pennsylvania, the Scotch-lrish
were also an outnumbering force.
Add 10 this, Georgia, which had
been settled by Ilighlanders, under
Oglethorpe, and II is easy 10 be
seen that the colonies which merely iringed
the Atlantic Coast were diverse in origin,
language and political as well as religious
opinion. The process Of assimilation, too,
was slow, even by the people Of the same
colony, who often fostered the jealousies
Of location, trade and occupation, which
naturally resulted from narrow environ
ment and limited opportunities for contact
with each other or with Europe, to which
the civilization OF the world was
then confined. New England, on ac-
count OF the sterilty OF the soil
and severe climatic conditions drilted
rapidly into trade, the Middle States with
unusual advantages of soil and climate
were devoted to agriculture and the
Southern to planting. with the aid OF
slaves, who were then to be found in all
the States. Under such unpromisingcondi
tons Of origin and pursuit the revolution
AIRY war was prccipitated by tho attempt
by Great Britain 10 enforce taxation with.
out representation. This all the colonies
determined 10 resist, but there wero few
among the leading mon who dreamed
that that resistance would be pushed
TO the extreme Of independence aud
no one OF them ever thought OF q
Republic rs possible result Of II. But
diverse rs they were the people were
almost as one man for resistance, let what
would come, and the Continental Con.
grcss, organized in 1915, and which was
the realization OF movement TO that end,
squclchcd by tho British Government
more than quarter OF a century be-
fore, commissioned George Washington,
OF Virginia, to DO commandcr.in-chicf OF
the armies Of the united colonies. lie
had made great reputation rs militia
commander. fighting his men in tho same
army with the English regulars under
Braddock. His fame was bruitod abroad
In all the colonies. which, during that war
and others against the French, had fur
nishcd bravo and sturdy troops and had
many veterans who gave even n better nc.
count OF themselves in the campaigns Of
the revolution. Washington was born
soldier. When a child his inclinalions
were all that way, and no had nc
quired from his mother the reticcnco,
resolution, flrmnes and scli.depond-
cnco that were so essential In ono
born 10 command aud which wers
20 prominent as the ruling traits
Of his character These qualities served
him well In the proiractod war for indie
pcndence, which was marked by every
vicissitudc Of suffering. The words Vale,
Forge, call up at lcas, ono terrible eplsod,
Of starvation amidst tho seventies OF NJ
extremely cold winter aud tho gloom an,
depression OF defeat. Besides this, Ia
Continental Congress WIS body Of yer.
limited powers, and without adequate au
thoriiy 10 enforce It's DEGREES upon th
States and the people; even the soldier
were unsteady, and sometimes waycrc
and dispersed TO their homes. Bu
with Washington, utterly wanting Il
; imagination as ho was, there wa
: always the slcadyncs, and sleadiaslnos
Of purpose Of a great soul that with pro
phetic vision could sec beyond, and va
Is far removed from despair as he va
from the potiincss Of Circumstance an
ambition that 30 often cropped out unde
. his very eyes. Ills heart was always wit
his soldiers, and he had no purpose bu
= duty. by his devotion ho inspired III
people aud again and again recruited hi
I armies, aud even when Congress declare
= IL inability 10 meet his wants Of mu
{ nilons, clothing aud supplies his appeal
, were always responded TO by tho States
p II was thus he achieved the boon Of indie
b pcndcnoe and gave life 10 the Nation
4 When he retired to the peace Of the HON
4 aud ilrcsidc which no coveted, there wa
no one 10 on the public eye rs a lcadc
Q and confusion and disscnsion rcigncd INT
c lac and his co.laborcrs Of the Convention
. brought forth tho Federal Constitution
2 And even there his great influence alon
i induced the adoption Of that instrument l.
= the Statcs. Washington was, therefore, N
!. central hgurcoi alllhetryingycars from II
!. Declaration Of Independence until he va
. sworn In rs President lilo held the Al
4 mics together and inspired the Continent
i Congress with hope, aud had II not bee
J. Tor his persuasive voice, always for com
@ promise, the convention would man
10 ! ttuana haVa h,,Lau IN anil Al