1918 Yearbook
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Title
1918 Yearbook
Description
tunate enough to return home safely, told glowing stories of the possibilities
in this new land, where there would be no interference in their affairs.
Next we read of the early settlements, the foremost of which was that
of Lord Baltimore and the Catholics of Maryland. These Christians, no
longer able to endure the cruel punishments and persecutions of their home
land, flee in their despair to the new western continent, to America; and solemnly resolve in their new home to rule themselves. Willingly and earnestly
they sign the pledge of self-government, and swear nevermore to return
over the ocean. The seeds of a democratic government were sown. Monarchy, tyranny and despotism were suddenly arrested in their course.
Down deep in the hearts of these first settlers were imbedded the truly
democratic ideals of liberty and self-government.
One by one settlements were made at different points on the Atlantic
Coast, and in each case the people were those who were seeking refuge
from cruel oppression, and who were in pursuit of personal liberty. Patiently and with perseverance the settlers proceeded in their work of establishing
homes and communities. Gradually colonies were formed here and there,
and the people began to feel great contentment in their new and undisturbed
life, but their peaceful condition was of short duration; they are checked
in their efforts, they are constantly buffeted and tormented by their former
rulers. They remonstrate, in vain; they petition, in vain; they supplicate, but all with no effect; the cruel and tyrannical hands of Parliament
arrest their every move. Two alternatives are left to them: either
they must give up their pursuit of liberty and submit to tyrannical power,
or else they must fight to gain their independence. Far be it from these
liberty-loving people to give up in this stage of the struggle. In almost
every heart were framed those striking words of Patrick Henry: "Give me
liberty or give me death."
The colonists then prepared to fight. England on receiving signs of
their purpose, was at first inclined to treat with contempt their independent spirit: but alas! when the patriotic, resolute and firm-hearted people
grouped themselves together, they overwhelmed the English army and their
independence was attained. Their whole lives were bound up in their
efforts and their firm determination more than made up for lack in numbers.
It is true that every stage of the war witnessed the most intense suffering and distress, but there were no complaints. We read with admiration
of the heroic endurance of the great General Washington and his soldiers
at Valley Forge, during that cold oppressive winter. Half starved, scantily
clad, and the frigid blasts of winter, mercilessly beating upon them, they
always kept burning in their hearts the fire of patriotism, which held them
firm in their resolution to do or die.
Finally the loyal perseverance and unflinching fortitude of the colonists,
coupled with the providential aid of their worthy friends claimed for them
their freedom; and just think what victory meant to them. It made them
absolutely independent of any foreign power; no longer would they be
afflicted with the cruel oppression of Parliament; now they were in a
in this new land, where there would be no interference in their affairs.
Next we read of the early settlements, the foremost of which was that
of Lord Baltimore and the Catholics of Maryland. These Christians, no
longer able to endure the cruel punishments and persecutions of their home
land, flee in their despair to the new western continent, to America; and solemnly resolve in their new home to rule themselves. Willingly and earnestly
they sign the pledge of self-government, and swear nevermore to return
over the ocean. The seeds of a democratic government were sown. Monarchy, tyranny and despotism were suddenly arrested in their course.
Down deep in the hearts of these first settlers were imbedded the truly
democratic ideals of liberty and self-government.
One by one settlements were made at different points on the Atlantic
Coast, and in each case the people were those who were seeking refuge
from cruel oppression, and who were in pursuit of personal liberty. Patiently and with perseverance the settlers proceeded in their work of establishing
homes and communities. Gradually colonies were formed here and there,
and the people began to feel great contentment in their new and undisturbed
life, but their peaceful condition was of short duration; they are checked
in their efforts, they are constantly buffeted and tormented by their former
rulers. They remonstrate, in vain; they petition, in vain; they supplicate, but all with no effect; the cruel and tyrannical hands of Parliament
arrest their every move. Two alternatives are left to them: either
they must give up their pursuit of liberty and submit to tyrannical power,
or else they must fight to gain their independence. Far be it from these
liberty-loving people to give up in this stage of the struggle. In almost
every heart were framed those striking words of Patrick Henry: "Give me
liberty or give me death."
The colonists then prepared to fight. England on receiving signs of
their purpose, was at first inclined to treat with contempt their independent spirit: but alas! when the patriotic, resolute and firm-hearted people
grouped themselves together, they overwhelmed the English army and their
independence was attained. Their whole lives were bound up in their
efforts and their firm determination more than made up for lack in numbers.
It is true that every stage of the war witnessed the most intense suffering and distress, but there were no complaints. We read with admiration
of the heroic endurance of the great General Washington and his soldiers
at Valley Forge, during that cold oppressive winter. Half starved, scantily
clad, and the frigid blasts of winter, mercilessly beating upon them, they
always kept burning in their hearts the fire of patriotism, which held them
firm in their resolution to do or die.
Finally the loyal perseverance and unflinching fortitude of the colonists,
coupled with the providential aid of their worthy friends claimed for them
their freedom; and just think what victory meant to them. It made them
absolutely independent of any foreign power; no longer would they be
afflicted with the cruel oppression of Parliament; now they were in a
Publisher
Wagner's Printery
Date
1918
Rights
St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803
Identifier
http://cdm16810.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16810coll2/id/6701