The silver state. [volume] (Unionville, Nev.) 1870-1903, 1902-07-05


blessings for which this day is set apart,
and for which it is honored and remem-
bered by all patriotic Americans.
On the annual return of the country $
independence, it is the custom of her
people to turn aside from individual pur-
suits and business cares, to subordinate
all party controversies and assemble in
their respective communities to rejoice
over their liberties; and to hear again
the story of that revolution, which de-
monstrated the immortal principle of
sef-government to an astonished and un-
believing world. 1t is grand custom
and the oldest one identified with Amer
lean ideas. 1t was observed by our fore
fathers before us and those who come
after us will celebrate it's recurrence
centuries after this generation is sleep
ing in their country bosom. Through
it's observance every heart is animated to
higher resolves of fidelity to American
institutions; every mind is inspired by
it's heroic memories to an emulation of
those deeds of valor and patriotism dis
played by the colonist; and the observer
is moved by it's influence to loftier at
tainments of citizenship. 1t impresses
on the growing minds of boys and girls
lessons of love, constancy and loyalty.
1t imbues them with an affection for
country, and reverence for the traditions
of their ancestors which is the only sure
and solid foundation of permanent ma
tional strength and prosperity.
For these reasons, for the delight 1t
"a ffardc for ba pratifnda IL aypraScac
and for the Iesosns it teaches to the
young and old, 1t is glorious custom and
should be preserved and honored by all
true Americans. and no man whatever
his political ideas maybe should withhold
from this day his measure of public de-
votion
The reformation of political principles
expressed In the Declaration of Independ-
ance one hundred and twenty-six years
ago, marked a mighty advance in the
progress of human liberty. That instru-
ment. which is the genesis and genius of
our national existence, declared then Gas
1t declares now and will proclaim eter-
nally), that mankind are capable of self
government, that they are equal before
the law. and are created with that equal
ity as an inalienable birth-right.
This was a new kind of liberty differing
from any the staid old world had ever
seen.
Centuries prior to the enunciation of
these rights on this continent in seven
teen hundred and seventy-six, the spirit
of racial freedom existed In various
states and empires on the Eastern Hemi-
nh In he n <f& = ha
The history of Greece discloses to our
view a powerful and intellectual people
lourishing in the full vigor of national
life They were skilled in the sciences
and fine arts. Their philosophers, orators
and statesmen contributed beauty and
wisdom to the literature of the world.
Yet that nation did not endure. Why :?
Because the whole political system was
pervaded with the idea of rank or class
distinction. Citizens of noble birth were
regarded as the proper persons to in
trust with the public welfare. BY rea-
son OF this doctrine of social inequality
the inhabitants OF the different states
were in continual strife and finally Phillip
of Macedon conquered the whole country.
The patriotism of her people ebbed
away. her powers decayed, and at length
her magnificent cities and stately temples
We're involved in common ruin.
The history of Rome is almost a repet-
ition of the history of Greece. The same
social conditions which destroyed the
former contributed to the downfall of
the socalled Eternal City of Rome
The patrician and plebeian dwelling to-
pat in, l,a an
ruin any government, however strong it
may be. The proud Latin race extended
their civilization all over the known
world. The military genius of Julius Gaze
sar introduced Roman manners, sciences
and language among the then barbarous
Britons of the English islands, Their ad-
vanced ideas, their salutary laws. their
fnvincuble soldiery seemed to promise
that perfect and lasting civilized liberty
had at length come. But we read of the
gradual decline OF this great people and
the final subversion of their glorious en-
pire. The energy learning and states
manship of her superior ruler and the
few in control during the later eras sus-
tanned her greatness for awhile but when
these were no longer available, the pow
tiS VI eht - tioitStcidSht SoNtihihtit, nav
ins no repository in the people. grew
weak and enervated and finally ceased
to be-
The Goth and the Vandal from the
gloomy forests of the north, so long
beaten back to their caves by Pompey,
Marius and Caesar, now laid waste the
Roman provinces and clambered the
walls of the great city. The Conscript
Fathers were slain in their senatorial
robes, and the torch and sword of van