Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-07-04

events but, alas. on the eve OF what setmel
The beginning Of lasting peace and excel
lent understanding between the two great
sections of the Union. a party which seized
power by audacious use Of money Is en-
trenching itself against deposition 10y icgis-
lation the most despOtic ever known 70 the
Federal sietute-books.
These are things we cannot forget If we
vould. but We must look beyond the pas
sion Of the present TO the calm Judg-
mont of the future, when the true
friends Of republican government shall
again have control. AM when the tur-
bulent partisans Of to-day shall be re-
Inanded TO the obscurity from which they
sprang. We have faith in the great BODY
of the American people. They are slow
10 believe i'll of those who claim to have
"saved the Union but SO glazing are tho
misdeeds Of the Administration party that
they will themselves bring about the reyo-
luton Of sentiment which we so much de-
sire.
What care they about the patriot
fathers? What care they for Virginia
Precious little; but all the same, we are
proud Of our past. and from the leaves oil
history NAV find much consolation.
To-day let us think somewhat OF the
revolution Of WAsHNGToS, JEFrEEsoN,
Henry, and all their compatriots VINO
dared TO resist British usurpation, and
having vainly appealed for redress OF
wrongs few to arms and won our indie
pendence. and in the name of liberty
dedicated TO the oppressed Of all the
world free country.
Small were the beginnings vast the re-
suits Of the work of the rebels" OF rs.
The Revolution was commenced and
conducted up 10 the winter of l775 with a
disclaimer of any intention of independ-
elco. This not only appears in the utter
ances of the public bodies, but in the pri-
yate correspondence Of the times. There
were a few exceptions to tins, among
which were SAMCEL ADAMS and PATmcK
UENEY. who seemed 10 have despaired OF
peaceful settlement of the political trou-
bles and early turned their thoughts 10 IN
dependence
Nor was the County Committee Of
Mecklenburg, n. c., an exception TO
this statement. Its declaration of indie
pendence Of MAY 20. 1775, is disputed
and no original copy of it exists, while its
County Committee met May 81, l1lj, and
adopted plan OF government To last TIL
the Provincial Congress regulating the
jurisprudence Of the province shall pro-
1 Ia. 1.fFiDl lg1N Of
Great Britain resign It's unjust and arbi-
trary protensions with respect TO America
This was published IN the newspapers at
the time and evidently contemplated a
temporary government only.
In a colonial assembly held August 20,
1875. several of the leading men of that
County Commttee were members and Its
journal shows that in more ways than one
they expressly disclaimed independence as
the design of anything they had done. In
the winter of 1875 Congress had advised the
colonies TO assume temporary governments
during the pendency of the existing trou-
bles, and North Carolina had expressed
herself willing to vote for independence.
1t was left for Virginia, however, actually
10 make the move. Her convention met
MAY 6. 1776. at Williamsburg. and found
that the harsh measures of England du-
ring the preceding winter had produced a
change in tho feelings of the people. They
were now ready for independence.
On the 18th Of May the convention
adopted a set Of resolutions. moved
by General Thomas NELSON, and advo-
Gated by PArmCK Henry and others,
whereby the delegates IN Congress were
instructed 10 move in that body TO
declare the united colonies free and
independent States. At the same time
the convention assumed independence
for Virginia and appointed a committee to
prepare abill of rights and Constitution for
her as State. These were reported
adopted, and the Governor of the new
State elected by the 29th of June, 1776. be-
fore Congress had adopted the resolution
offered by RIcHABD HENRY LEE in ODE
dience TO the requirements Of the conyen-
ton.
And so Virginia was a free and independ-
ent State, with her separate government
complete, some days before the delegates Of
the other colonies had made the declaration
for them through Congress. That Virginia
considered herself as an independent State
regardless OF her relations to the othercolo-
mes if thus made Il. snifest and Is further
seen by her direct on in her resolutions
that,her delegates give the assent of this
colony TO whatever measures may be
thought proper and necessary by the Con
gress for forming foreign alliances and a
confederation Of the colonies" The Con-
eress was made the mouthplece of the
colonies TO make their action on lndepend-
ence unanimous, but each delegation had
10 assent 10 the resolutions and
they were not attempted by ma
iority Of the body, as would have
been the case had consolidationth then taken
place, as is claimed by some.
ON July 4th Congress agreed TO the
declaration drawn 10y JEFFERSON. and
that day has been celebrated ever
since as the birthday Of the United States.
But the State Of Virginia had assumed
the crown Of sovereignty days before, and
her sister States were only following where
she led tho way.
The momentous consequences of this
move, which was sustained by the sword OF
her WASHINGTON. cannot be estimated.
Not alone in America have our institu-
tions blessed the people. but influences
emanating from the United States have
permeatod all Christendom. and not only
all of North and South America rejoice in
greater freedom. but Europe herself is re-
spending 70 the desire Of the human heart
10 be free, and absolutism is giving away
before the powerful influence Of American
institutions, which demonstrates the capa-
bility Of man for self-goyernment.
In the light of this history shall 1T DO
permitted bet Of narrow and selfish
partisans 10 wreck century's work and
impose upon section OF the Union con-
ditions harsher and more uniustihable
than were ever proposed by Britain
No. tho people will not allowit Already
their voice ID being raised in indignation.
and IL the Senate viii not hear IL the next
election will record IL.
Tafrsuchisemsnt Tor the southern negro;