The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1910-07-02

of independence prepared by a committee OF "'e,
headed bv Thomas jefferson, was discussed and
accented the resolution for Independence was as
these letters show really adopted July 2
1t took long time for the petitioners Of inc
colonies to conceive of Independence. Leaders
like Samuel Adams waXed impatient with those
who believed peaceful settlement OF the troupe
was possible without separation from the mo'hoF
country Yet Washington in the first congress
denied that the colonies desired or jhat II was to
their interest to set up for independence. FRANK
lin looked upon 1t an event which, II II must
come was lamsntable.
Lexington and Concord and Bunker hill favored
the radicals. June I, 1776. Richard Henry Lee OF
the ytreiais delegation, following the instructions
which he had received from the council OF VIZ
gtna presented resolution, THAT these uhlteu
colonies are and OF right ought to be Tree anu
Independent states; that they are aosoIVeu from
all alleas,os to the British crown; that all polltl
cal connection between them and Great Britain
is and ought to be totally dissolved John Adams
seconded the motion and debate followed. There
are no authentic reports of these debates. Inc
war had not yet Been won. Public report OF what
was said would have been of extreme danger 10
these men who, indeed would have been hanged
had good King George been able to get them' but
hanging mon is Ike making fapolI pie-!oU H'us'
first catch the rabbit.
II Is uksly that those who led the debate in
support of the measure were John and Samuel
Adams Roger Sherman, oliver Nolcott RlchaTd
Henry Lee and George Wythe Those opposing
were probably John Dickinson, John Jay, James
Wilson and Robert r. Wilson. II appeared that
four New England colonies Massachusetts, Rhode
Island New Hampshire, Connecticut, and three
southern colonies Virginia, Georgia and North
Caro-. ina were prepared to vote at once IN me
affirmative but as unanimiy was desired a maj
vote vas postponed until July I, and q committee
copp0,ad of Thomas jefferson. Benjamin Frank
lin. John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert K
Livingston. was appointed to prepare a formal
statement FOR the world.
Lee. tn. mover Of the resolution, would per.
hans have been named chairman OF the committee
had not his wife fallen ILL., As It was, Jefferson
rec aiyed tn. honor and save for d few alterations
by Franklin and Adams the Declaration Of indie.
uendcnce was written by him The original draft
in the state department In Washington, save for
these interlineations BY Franklin and Adams, IS
In his handwriting.
July debate was resumed on the Lee resoH'
tion July all the delegates but those from New
York voted in favor OF 1t and It Of this action
that John Adams wrote to his wife. The original
resolution having been carried the formal deca-
ration prepared by the committee 70 show due
respect for the opinions Of mankind was reported
and discussed until late July 4, when It was finally
accepted and signed BY the president OF the con-
gress John Hancock, and the secretary Within
a week the provincial congress Of New ioEf eX-
pressed its approval August an engrossed copy
of the declaration was laid before congress and
received the signatures Of delegates fror 2 col-