The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1889-07-03

,nical laws to make the colonies a perpetual
market for her goods. For this purpose Parlia-
rpent had passed no less than invent -nine laws
restricting or prohibiting labor. They forbade
the erection Of machinery, the use of water
falls, or the manufacture OF articles of any
kind. The coasting trade in lumber Ssh, mo-
iasses and sugar interdictod, and the YES
sells engaged in it, with their cargoes, were con-
dscated. The revolution was begun for the pur-
pose OF releasing labor from these arbitrary
restrictions
In those days, before postal system had
even been dreamed OF. 1t required twenty days
FOR news OF the battle OF Lexington TO reach
South Carolina. The effect there as elsewhere
was electrical. In common with her sistg r
colonies, South Caroliua sent assurances OF
sympathy and assistance The colonies were a
unit In resolving TO fight. The heroes who led
In the unequal struggle were young then, and
added the ardor OF youth TO an Unborn love OF
freedom. Time proved the superiority of such
q combination ovey professional soldiery
Washington was 43 when he assumed COM
r1and Of the Continental army. jefferson was
but 80 when he wrote the Declaration of indie
pendence OF the members OF the Constitu-
uonal Conven ion Of 1887 Jonathan Dayton was
not yet 81 William Jackson was % and Alex
ander Hamilton Was but a few months past 30
The average age OF the whole number was a
little less than 4j years.
When the battle of Bunker Hill was fought the
supply of ammunition in the continental army
consisted OF TWEEN y-seyen al!-barrels OF pow
der. This was soon after augmented by thirty
six half-bauels from Connecticut. There were
but fifty bayOnets in the patriot army during
that battle. But they knew net what fear was,
III,
fought with dubbed guns or with stones.
Public sentiment underwent rapid change as
che struggle progressed. IL very soon became
evident thai the only hope for the colOnists lay
fn renouncing allegiance to the British crown.
People began TO talk OF freedom freedom was
preached from the pulpits. and pamphlets advo-
eating freedom were lnyishly circulated.
On March 26 1l16. South Carolina adopted n
Constitution and provided for selfgovernmont.
Rhode Island proclaimed her absolute indie
pcndence OF Great Britain on MAY 4. and on tho
q "a IN arl I'M of -
House OF Representatives requested the people
90 assemble and decide whether they should
pledge their lives AMI fortunes to the support
OF Congress in case independence should be de-
cAred
During the next ak weeks the colonies. with
the exception OF New York, determined % unite
In renounciug allegiance to Grent Britain The
New York Assembly was deferred from Joining
tho colonies in this movement by doubt as To
the power of Congress 10 dissolve the existing
reiations. They thought best TO first submit
the question TO the people
On the 18th of May, the Virginia convention
That md taken the place Of the Provincial As
eembiy passed n resolution urging Congress TO
fmmeointe action. Connecticut Delaware New
Hampshire and New Jersey passed similar
syivania and Maryland.
In response 70 these requests. Richard Henry
Lee OF Nlrginia, offered the following resolu-
lions on June 9TH, which were seconded by John
holmes:
.That these united colonies s-a and OF right
ought TO be, free and independent states: TIM
they are absolvoa from all allegiance TO the
British crown, aud thar all political connection
between them and the State OF Great Britain is
and ought 20 be. dis sol we'd.
-1hat IL IA expedient forthwith 90 tako the
most effestual measures for forming foreign
alliances
sTbat q plan OF confederation be prepared
and tran smittod To the respective colonies for
their consideration and appreciation
This was the nrst direct and open declaration
OF national independence. No action was taken
apon these resolutions, however, until July LIST,
.Ebn Thomas Jefarson John Ade.ns Benie.