The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1902-07-05


Cross addressed 1900 people here to-
day. An ovation was rendered hirl.
Mr.. Cross said
Ladies and Gentlemen: thank
YOU for the privilege Of meeting with
YOU today. esteem it an honor to be
permitted to speak upon an occasion
ike this. It is the anniversary II The
birth of this republic, and this vast
assembly of people manifests the in
terest we feel nthe day and events,
connected with the establishment OF
this republic.
III Is right and proper that we
should meet upor occasions like this,
to renew our al glance to our conn
try, and its institutions, and the sub
lime principles OF the Declaration of
Independence.
IF upon this day, can say one
single word, or leave with you a single
thought, worthy of remembrance, then
shall esteem the purpose Of my
visit accomplished.
The history of the republic reads
more like a novel, story of the Arab
ian Nights, than a real and authentic
history OF the achievements of peo-
ple. Our forefathers began their
struggle for independence under the
most trying and adverse circumstanc-
es. II was time that tried mems
souls. They we're engaging in con
aict with the greatest military power
on earth. A power equipped with all
.he means OF warfare with a vast
army and navy and unlimited re-
sources. II looked as though Wash
ineton and his little band OF half fed,
half clad. and half equipped men
would he annihilated at the first blow.
And this was not their only difficulty.
There were enemies in their own
conntry-men who were not only IN
sympathy with the British, but who
were active in giving aid, and ready
n. All times to betray the little band
of patriots into the hand OF tue en-
amy. But the eternal principles CT
ustice was the issue at stake. me
right Of self government was the goal
for which they were fighting ne
who has his quarrel just, is don'y
armed for the contest and our pa
triot fathers staked their all and All
in a lust cause. and never daunuhg
or retreating. enduring and suffering
they won the greatest victory for hn-
man liberty and human progress
since the establishment OF the Chris
tian era.
"To them we are indebted for all
we have and hold sacred as citizens.
The influence of this government
without army or navy is as boundless
az the world q nations: hut this inhu-
ence does not arise from power, but
because OF the high ideals that con
stitute our national life and purposes.
This thought wish to leave with
you. We have the widest national in.
huence because OF what we are, he.
cause Of the standard of our citizen
ship the character of our manhood
and womanhood the aims and pur
poses OF our people in their devo
tion to the ideals OF the fathers; and
II We would attain the high destiny
to which we are entitled, we must ad-
here TO the fundamental principles of
the republic.
I'VE must not forget that the cen
iral though @ the republic Is free
dom; the right OF self government,
We cannot maintain our influence,
nor long continue as a republic. II
we change the real character of our
nation. from that Of a republic 20 an
empire.
We must not place possession and
money above principles or above man
hood. We must not in order TO ex
tend our trade and commerce. enter
upon world OF conquest We must
not forget that the rishts which W,
claim for ourselves, as inalienable
God given rights also belong TO 9th
er people. and we must accord TO then
the same rights which we claim fol
ourselves
I'VE must bear In mind that oui
achievements lie in the line OF lib
ery. and not Of subiugation We mus
boar IN mind that we repudiate th'
principles upon which our governmne
was founded. II We deny to Others