The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-06-15

slow in accepting the idea of separa-
tion from England, Samuel Adams saw
its necessity long before the event,
made his plans and used all opportuni-
ties to put this thought before his coun-
trymen. A very considerable number
Of Americans OF that day failed to see
that prerogative and divine right Of
kings were passing away. They clung
TO their idols and in the storm that fol-
lowed were driven from the country.
It is needless to follow the history of
the harsh laws made by England for
the American colonies, the interference
with shipping and manufactures, the
imposition and forcible collection of
burdensome and outrageous taxes.
These taxes were not laid by their own
representatives, and the colonies de-
clared that taxation without repre-
sentation is tyranny" Everything was
done by England to make the colonies
tributary TO the English Crown, Par
Lament and Exchequer. America was
looked upon as mine to be worked
for the benefit of England. Manufac-
lures and commerce were prohibited.
Everything, it was demanded, should
be bought in England, or carried on
English ships.
When the unjust laws were put to
the point of violent execution the spirit
of liberty raised itself throughout the
land and asserted Independence. The
sentiment of the country was crystal
lied into words in the declaration "All
men are created equal; are endowed by
their Creator with certain inalienable
rights; that among these are life, lib
erty and the pursuit of happiness. That
to secure these rights governments are
instituted among men, deriving their
just powers from the consent of the
governed
Whereupon followed the articles of
confederation. In the federation of the
States lay great difficulties, one of
which was that the people were so
much afraid (and justly sol of a cen
tral power interfering with the rights
of individual States. Ii was a matter
of long debate and careful considera-
ton. The Constitution, as finally ae-
cepted, was full Of compromises to diff
ferent sections of the country. Nobody
was quite satisfied with it, yet in its
practical working it has proved mar
vel of wisdom. The successful issue OF
the work of the founders of this Re
public opened up new era of progress
and new hopes for all mankind.
The people inheriting and carrying
forward the ideas of free government
have spread over a mighty continent
ard become giant among nations
but here we need TO pause moment
and consider whether no danger threat
ems the precious fabric of the peoples
rights. We have lived so long in peace
and prosperity under the government
erected By our fathers that we have
ceased to realize that encroachment
upon its fundamental principles are
possible. We forget that eternal Wig
ilance is the price of liberty"
The system of representation may be
so debauched as to misrepresent aud
betray the interests of the people.
Laws may be made giving unfair ad-
vantage to one class of citizens over
Others.
The central government may acquire
undue power-power which will pro-
duce government by the will of few
to the exclusion of the will of the
people.
Should the day ever come when the
central government can dictate in the
domestic concerns of the States, OF the
States to the counties, we lose all that
our government has hitherto stood for.
A country so vast in area and so varied
in interests can not be held together by
a too rigid central power. 1t is the
elasticity of our bonds which makes
them practicable. Danger to our future
lies in too much GENERALIZATION of power.
As the daughters of those who fought
to establish this Republic, we have an
inspiration to the study of its princi
Piles, and to the upholding of the same
by all the influence we possess.