The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1909-07-01

E HERE is an old Latin say z
w ing which says: THE ,
voice Of the people is the
voice Of God" and no bet.
81 q. !: =. :. :. !. !. ]. !. :" :. !. ." !" " !. I. !. !. !. |. !. ,
N&0GH ter evidence exists in
proof Of this phrase than 4
%YGS the American Magma 4
Charta - the Declaration Z
Of independence. In this
kts& document are enumerated
a few Of the truths which
~ struggling humanity has s
longed ages ago TO pro
claim; Il voiced the sentiments OF the
common people. and contained the
teachings OF the patriots Of old. While
TO Americans it expresses principles
that are most dear, and by many held
as American in essence. yet every
thought announced was ancient in
conception, though il never fully
found community declaration until at
Philadelphia on July 4. 1875. In the
study OF great events one is i'm.
pressed with the influence that mere
tribes exert on the ultimate outcome
II a venture. Our history abounds In
instances where trivial matters were
ne cause Of great changes. and innu-
nerable are the occasions where rho
iestiny Of an Individual career was
modified by a circumstance LITTLE ans
Pectea OF possessing any element az
ofoe IN the research OF data rela-
ave 70 the Declaration OF Indepep-
aehce tue thought occurred. Was the
AtDess OF Mrs Richard Henry lee
'esPohsible Tor the present wording
y our hrst national exclamation
Jose investigation of this trivial in
siuelt leaos absolutely to the answer
that Ihomas JeIerson's association
Slth the COMMITTEES on independence
vas brought about because Of the IN.
ness OF MIS-. Lee, and sufficient cir
7umsuahaai evidence Is at hand 10
suostantiate this statement.
Richard Henry Lee was a distinguished d
oater from Virginia, and when he was del
sasea 70 represent the odd Colony" In Il
continental congress he was Instructed by Il
lsslsNAtufe OF virginia to Introduce a r~esolutiS
into the continental body declaring compile
remuneration Of colonial allegiance to moth
England, and il there is a man in all histo
who feaFlessly ehampioned the principle OF
diudual rights and personal liberty. II ".
Richard Henry Lee.
The records show that his eloauence W
matches. and his logic the very sounde
when he. on June Z. introduced the follow
resolution, declaring: That these united co
mics are, and Of right ought TO be, free Al
independent states; that they are absolv
from all allegiance to the British crown: a
that all political connection between them a
the state Of Great Britain Is. and ought to
totally dissolved"
This rebellious resolution brought consterI
ton to many Of the delegates. and only q m
OF great mental strength could have won
glorious a victory. since the delegates were
this time unprepared TO accept SUCH a decla.
ton, and few indeed entertained seriously {
thought Of prociaiming thus boldly for fr,
dom. Lee well knew that II his resoiuti
failed TO receive support he would be unco
Portable In the congress. and might exps
death at the hands Of England for his wor
OF rebellion and action as a traitor.
Americans underestimate his power. his "
dom, and his depth OF patriotism for he "
indeed the Samuel Adams Of the south. q
bis fiery u-rations. filled with inspiring
MAKES. place him certainly well to the fro
when we contemplate the magnitude OF ca
Mai separation. Further Investigation "
show that the assembled delegates. thou
thoroughly aroused by the e%loquence Of IA
felt the necessity OF shielding 50 daring d D
aonage. and Immediately after Lees mott
demanding separation. seconded By 10
Adams OF Massachusetts. there appears IN I
Journal OF Congress this protecting or Bhle
ing" entry Of certain resolutions respect
independence being moved and seconded,
solved. That the consideration Of them
deferred . ." The records then sh
that the congress directs that the secrets
omit the names of IFS mover and second
from the journals" What better evidence
we require that Lee was In advance OF
compatriots and that his attitude was
tramely dangerous.
The delegates were not anxious 20 consit
the rebellious resolution, but MT. Lee was
earnest and had won a few OF the giants
his cause, and though the delegates had
pressed the hope Of considering the step
june 5 at 10 in the morning. nothing was do
until June 10, when. after a few warm speech
for and against, the resolution was held
come before the congress July 1 Lee anti
pated that a committee might be appoints
and he had prepared an outline Of the grit
anees setting forth the attitude OF the coloni
lin fact. be knew be would be named I
Of the committee on declaration, al
WAS busy preparing himself for the coioss
task OF drafting the Magma Charta OF the d
colonies. when BY stage mail" be "
OF the sudden and severe Illness
~ vile. Ills devotion 70 her was proverbs
and the great Lee now stood between 10