The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-02-09

Session Of the Provisional Congress
IN Philadelphia.
II happened on that famous Fourth
Of July, lTT6 the day on which the
American colonies were declared free
and independent states. II Caesar Rod
ney had not made his historic ride there
might not have been any free America
to-day.
The provisional congress was In ses-
sion at Philadelphia. each Of the thir-
teen colonies having representatives
there. IL was great congress, and q
momentcus question was before the
distinguished body. The great charter
Of eur freedom had been written by
Jefferson. and Benjamin Harrison. IA.
tAer and eat-grandfather Of presi-
dents. had presented It to congress on
Monday, July l. What would the Con-
tnental congress dot
In order that our country should be
free and Independent the declaration
nust Se adopted. This could be done II
saly the colonies were divided. aud
.there we're some good men who did not
believe il best 10 take this step At this
time. -Four Of the seven delegates Of
Pennsylvania were opposed to u, and.
e the two Delaware Delegates present
Thomas Mexican was In favor Of inde-
pendenee but George Read was op-
pasad 70 the measure. Caesar Rodney.
the ether member, was In the southern
part OF bis state In the capacity Of .
brigadier general. organising and drill
ing troops for the coming struggle.
Two Of the opposing Pennsylvania
delegates were persuaded to absent
themselves, and thus the Keystone
State would favor the declaration, but
the vote OF Caesar Rodney was neces- !
sary to carry the state Of Delaware. !
A messenger was dispatched in hot
haste to summon him TO Philadelphia.
and then for four days the patriots
Of re- talked and maneuvered to de-
lay the final vote On Thursday, July
4. congress was 10 vote on the mo
nentous question.
On the afternoon OF the Sd the
messenger found Caesar Rodney In
Sussex county. more than eighty miles
from Philadelphia. General Rodney
was at that time forty-slx years old.
with tall, lean, worn figure, his face
scarred by a cancer that was finally
to cause his death. The brave patriot
did not hesitate. saddle the blackr
be commanded. and In ten minutes be
had mounted his faithful steed and
was galloping as II for life to the
sorthward.
Eighty miles away from congress,
which was waiting for him to declare
she Independence Of the colonies. The
thought caused him to drive bis spurs
aeep into his horses tanks and sent
Aim flying along the long. dusty hlgh-t
var that stretched away toward the
Quaker City. II was one OF the great
rides Of history. That. black steed
bpre the destinIes Of America. and his
rider knew IT, and there was neither
halt nor delay.
The sun went down. and the stars
tame out one by one In the blue vault
" heaven, and that solitary rider rush
ID on his way. All through the cool
summer night Caesar Rodney kept up
his reckless pace.
The stars faded out Of the morning
Ky. and the sun came up red aud fiery,
be herald Of sultry day. And still
Jaesar Rodney kept on bis way. He
vas yet many miles from Philadelphia.
lis horse was jaded, and he was travel
Forn and covered with dust. but the
Datriot did not slacken his rein. He
must be there TO vote for the independ-
nee Of America. Aud he was there.
III that hot. sweltering July day the
Ielegates of the colonial congress were
alking and voting in Independence
lall The session had begun. The pres
dent. John Hancock, was In the chair.
nd the clerk, John Dickinson. was ]
ailing the colonies one by one. Nir-
inia had voted and Massachusetts and
be great state Of New York and the !,
itue state OF Rhode Island, and now
Sew Jersey was voting, and Caesar
sodney bad not come
Anxious and worried. Thomas Nc.
1ean went out TO the door Of Inde-
cadence hall Would his friend and
ompatriol be too latei HIS face
as be beard tie sound Of
.urrying hoOf beats coming up Chest
lot street. 4 foaming, painting steed
Iashcd into The yard. Its dusty rider
paped to the ground. Booted aud spur
ed and the dust Of bis long ride thick
Il his long tapped coat and iron gray
air, Caesar Rodney entered the hall OF
ongress leaning on bis friend Ne.
leans arm.
lie was just In time. The vote Of
delaware was being called. George
,ead voted NAY" AYE" called the
lear voice OF Thomas Mexican II was
lie. All eyes turned to Caesar Rod
ey. The famous rider cleared his
hroat, and many a patriot heart beat
with pride as be declared IN firm tone:
The voice Of my constituents and Of
u sensible and honest men, believe,
$ IN faYo. of independence, and my
.xsrn t,,do,.,a,,t .,,,,.t,r., ,,t.h sb,.,,,.