The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1899-08-10
The Dawn of American independence,
haskell H. DYER.

penuencc WAS HrSJ aSSbfteu. NO pow
or, however great the extent and domin-
ion of absolute liberty, has escaped the
records of history in setting forth this
prime movement in the affairs of all
freemen. 1t is primarily essential that
for any nation to move and keep
abreast with civilization, it must estab-
lish itself free and independent from
all oppressive apd hindering forces. 1t
has been in many intances, shown that
when men driven by adverse circum-
stances sought to establish an inde-
pendent government, did so in the face
of perils. And subsequently, the
specific time, place and pioneers OF the
became idols of every household and
the theme of national plaudits to the
generations following. The places
bearing the distinction Of historic in
terest certainly deserve some lofty
shaft or enduring stone to mark their
sacredness. But should the powers of
earth wish to erect upon some spot
stone to distinguish the first struggle
at self government, fear that many
would have to stop and ask the ques-
ton: Where shall we plant the stone?
Why has this become the case? The
pen, from oil ages of reason and facts,
has been controlled by the force of
prejudice and influenced by the largest
claims, irregardless Of truth or false
hood. All history is not written un-
fairly. Some have been written by
merely accepting the surface material
rather than to investigate the true facts
envolved. This has been done inten-
tionally, and some unintentionally.
This is why we find SO many places on
record, claiming the same distinction,
and especially the honor of first assert
ing the functions of self government.
Greece, the superior OF ancient pow
ers yersed IN law and government, has
history of excellent magnitude; but
variable in matters Of facts. Though
mantled in the fancies of mythology to
large degree, authentic periods be-
ginning, about 1856, B. c., furnish to
US facts of some reliance. Where was
the situs of Greece's first form of indie
pendent government? Who first fost-
cred and placed into execution tie self
government Of that renowned nation?
With each distinctive author, we are
taught different time, place and one
by whom Greecian principles of goY-
ernment were instituted. In following
one author, I find at one time Inachus,
an adventurer, is said to have arrived
in Greece in the year 1896, B. c., and
founded the city of Argos, and estab-
lished among his followers the ideas Of
government in contravention to that oi
the Phoenicians. But closely follow.
ing the same author, concerning the
early establishment Of the cities oi
power, | find that Athens was founded
several years later, but specifically set
ting forth the fact that Cecrops, tht
city's founder, first introduced th'
system of local government about tn,
year 1866, ID. G. This bold Egyptian
adventurer on his arrival into Attic,
built this city on the rocky eminence
since called the Acropolis, and bein;
endowed with knowledge and a spiri
of enterprise he effected union an,
formed regular government amoni
the rude nations. He divided hi
provinces into twelve districts, in eacI
of which there was o principal town
where the affairs of each district wer
to be transacted. This was but th
! form Of his beginning, but later reach
. ing all the stages Of an independen
government.
All authorities, perhaps, agree ths
with the founding OF Athens came th
true spirit, afterwards, and in late
years developing into such greatness
The object in referring to these fact
just mentioned, is to aid me in bring
ing out the question confronting us,
Where was American independence
first asserted in any form of govern
mentP Where did the American pee
pie first fearlessly and defantly cha
lenge the prerogatives of the Britis
government This, it seems, shoul
be en- established fact among the hi
torical incidents of so great q peopl,
But when we come to close and III
preiudicial search of history and ht
secluded mysteries, / find that the Ion
accepted theory of the first declaratic
OF independence was preceded by OIL
of similar structure. | find that (,
several years before the American Col
nists had assembled in congress to d
clare themselves by right free and i
dependent, another brave band Of To-
al mountaineers were exercising Il
rights Of freedom, open and adversel
Americans in general keep sacred Il
4th day of July 1776 as the natal di
of our independence and liberty. WI
is it so? Because American histo,
= has long accepted and settled up,
it as the dawn of liberty. How muI
more likely would this date be acceI
ed in preference, because of largest
monstrations influenced and exlstil