The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1906-07-06

We admit the fallibility and 1nhr-
mites of man.
We admit that different conditions
often require different means and
A'see-ent forms of government.
But we deny the right of unlimited
power to any man or to any majority
of men, and we eto-A ready to over
throw usurpation and tyranny when
ever such power is exercised.
We do not affirm the equal capacity
of men to govern; but we do affirm
tsn right of every man to equal gov
eminent.
All power rests primarily with the
people. The calls for a government of
delegated and limited powers, ex-
pressed in a written constitution,
which is both the warrant and limita-
ton of its powers.
There rests with all men the right
of revolution, which in extreme cases,
when their alienable rights are
denied them, and all ordinary forms
redress have failed, and there is
reasonable hope of success, they
should exercise, as did our colonial
fathers, of blessed memory.
Government is instituted among
men by men and for men and its
highest function is to maintain the
liberty and safety of the individual
man, in order that he may have the
fullest opportunity to advace him.
self
We decry the deceptive maxim OF
equality under the law and exalt the
better maxim of equal laws.
The best support for government is
not in armies, or in navies, or in
coercive laws but in the hearts of the
people.
We contend for a complete divorce
necessary for. pure religion, pure
between church and state. as alike
conscience and civil liberty.
In its last analysis the people are
the only real hope and foudation of
good governments. Instruct them in
it's principles and they will prevail.
Or if for a season they are led as
tray revive the true faith and they
will return to it as our people have
done in these latter days.
These are some of the truths that
breathe from the pages of this in
comparable teacher. They reach
above the heavens. They should be-
come a part of the very nature of our
people What is public opinion but
the average intelligence of man?
Do numbers exempt us from the
consequence of error? Are We to be
like the horse or the ass that need to
be led by the bride? Who is good
enough to be despot? Who it base
enough to be aslave? Where is the
chance for fortune, happiness or fame
except in free country? What is the
security for property except good
government? What hope is there for
good government, except from a vir-
tuous and enlightened people? Who
does not reverence the past? Who
does not regard the future?
AS sovereign citizens these ques
lions and duties appeal to each one
here. High above the petty questions
of the day there is bounden and
perpetual duty of keeping clearly be
fore us the great organic principles
upon the faithful observance of which
all depends. However blindly we
may grope for the hour, let our pur
pose be always firm and clear. AnG
here in this representative hall
where those sit who are the chosen
spokesman and custodians of the PEG
pie, | speak for that civil fidelity
and courage, which is even more sore
lily tried, and more vitality needed
than physical courage upon the field
of battle Be true to your oath, anC
stand firmly upon the great founda
ton principles of liberty and civil or
der. Should the clamor of the houl
arise, trust to the future, and say tt
the turbulent of the day. Though yor
Stay me, will not betray you.
It seems TO me that these are the
principles and duties to be drawn
from the life and writings of hin
whose birthday we celebrate. OF al
mo e-'rits which have been the chic
benefactors of the human race are
Jesus Christ, Lord Bacon and Thoma:
Jefferson. The first gave us all truth
The second turned the minds of mer
to its practical study. And the third
interpreted its application to the af
fairs of government.
Let US hail anew the day dawn Of
Jefferson. Let us faithfully study
teach and apply the great principles
=