The Irish standard., 1902-07-05
THE FOURTH OF JULY.

THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Yesterday. the glorious anniversary
OF American freedom from British
rule, eighty millions of self-goyerninm
people celebrated the great national
holiday of this imperial republic. The
day was celebrated with rejoicing and
iublation in all the states ami terri
tories over which the Stars and Stripes
float on this continent. and in the Phil
lppincs and other islands of the Pa
cific. where the American Constitution
does not accompany the flag. our colon
ial subjects Joined American citizens
in their gladneSs
1t is a grand thing to be free from
foreign domination and to be Il citizen
of the greatest republic since the dawn
of timc-a republic which is loved at
home and respected abroad-a republic
founded on the doctrine that "all men
are created equal; that they arc en-
tlowcd hy their Crcntnr with certain
inaliennblc rights; that among these
are life, liberty, and the pursuit or
happiness: that to secure these rights.
governments are instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed"
Never before in the history of the
republic, until four years ago. did it
enter the head Of any American to rule
any other people against their consent
after the manner of European dcepots.
Today the Republican party Of this
free nation has rcpudiatcd the Dcclara-
tion of independence ana is waging II
war of subiugaton against 1O,OOO,OnO
ASiatics who want to govern them
selves in their own way and to their
own satisfaction. The Filipinls desire
liberty OF country, liberty Of CON
science. and liberty of person. without
any interference from outside nations:
and this republic in the majesty of It's
power says they cannot have them, for
they are not capable of exercising the
rights, the inalicnAblr rights. With
which their Creator endowed them.
The American rulers Of today believe
in freedom for themselves only, and
care not for freedom for others The
potentatcs OF Amcrica are false to lib
erty in other lands. and it is only Il
question of time when the plutorracy
of the United States. it not driven from
power will deprive their own people
of the measure OF liberty they now
| enjoy. The United States. as now
controlled by the representatives OF
wealth. is but IL republic in name.
The plain people of the country will
| have to blame themselves when their
liberty is curtailed, for they do not
exercise the rights they possess i'll Sc
ltcting public servants and holding
them responsible FOR their acts.
1t is amusing to read the essay from
Chaunccy NJ. Depew on the Fourth of
July, which appeared in last Sunday's S
papers He says that the Yankee who
would not brag ON the anniversary Of
| American independence is unworthy of
| his birthriyht. and that he believes in
keeping alive the memories and tradi-
tons of our liberty's natal day.
Chauncey is one Of the Americans
who believe that the Declaration Of In
dependence is good enough at home,
but out of place in the Philippines.
For ten long years." he says, "the
patriots CT l71G had struggled, peti-
toned demonstrated with the M )th n
country for their rights. To end their
wrongs. to secure liberty for them
selves and their children. our fore
fathers issued their historic Declara-
ti2n Of Independence"
The Filipinos have struggled, peti-
toned. demonstrated with this foreign
country fer foar years and Chauncey
: has turned Il deaf ear to their appeals