Volume 18 , Issue 26

1888 - Declaration Of Independence

This oration of our July 4th, 1776, was written by Mary H. Hubbert, of Camac School, and won a $25 prize from The Times, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 8 July 1888, page 14.

Found on Newspapers.com

Political freedom has been the desire and aim of the patriot in every age of the world's history. All nations have felt the force of blows struck against political oppression, and in our own day the struggle is going on and will go on until the "light of liberty" shall shine over all humanity. It was this desire for political liberty which prompted our forefathers to resist the oppressive acts which the English Parliament imposed upon the American colonies. For years the people starve to relieve themselves from political oppression by appeals to reason; and, in strong, though respectful protests against the wrongs infected by the mother country, but without avail. The burdens were increased rather than lightened, and the people felt that these acts of parliament should no longer be obeyed by them.

When the second Continental Congress convened its long session was largely devoted to the memorable discussion of the great question of freedom from Great Britain. After long consideration it was proposed that several declarations should be written, in which the reasons for separation and the necessity for independence should be stated; and that the best of these papers should be selected as the foundation of the new nation. After a specified time Thomas Jefferson, a member of that Congress, submitted the paper he had prepared, and after some alterations it was adopted as the Declaration of Independence by the American colonies and signed by the members of Congress within the hallowed precincts of Independence Hall, at Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. In this instrument the wrongs under which the colonies s had suffered were described, the equality of all men asserted and the rights with which they are endowed by their Creator declared to be self-evident truths. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were mentioned as the highest rights that governments among men are instituted to secure, and finally, appealing to the Divine Judge of the world for the rectitude of their intentions, the representatives of the people, in Congress assembled, solemnly declared that these United Colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent, and in support of this declaration, firmly relying upon Divine protection, mutually pledged to each other their live, their fortune and their sacred honor.

This Declaration was read from he balcony of the State House, the bell in the tower rang out a glad chime and the 4th of July became, and after the lapse of one hundred and twelve years continues to be, the great national birthday. The struggle which followed secured for the American people not only a nation, but the sacred legacy of American liberty to all who were to live after them in this blessed "land of the Free." It is the duty of every American to pray that the ship of state shall sail in peace On the ocean of time evermore.

Oh, country, marvel of the earth!
Oh, realm to sudden greatness grown!
Shall traitors lay that greatness down?
No! Land of Hope and Blessing, No!
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