A Call for the Image by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1856

A Call for the Image.

By Editor

CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON'S BIRTH DAY.

Our exchanges bring us full accounts of the celebration of the anniversary of Washington's birth-day in several of our most important cities. Never, in any preceding year, have there been preparations so extensive, nor has the celebration been so general. In the city of New York, the two principal festivals were at the Academy of Music, where an oration was delivered by Daniel Ullman, and at the Astor House, where the principal speech was by James T. Brady. We copy from a New York paper a brief summary of Mr. Ullman's oration:

Daniel Ullman, Esq., delivered an eloquent and highly instructive address. His argument was, that continuity of territory, unity of race, a common language and religion are essential to the perpetuity of empire. He recited with precision and clearness, the fortunes of the Roman Empire, of Philip II, of Spain, Louis XIV, of France, to sustain his position. Passing these in review, he adverted to Russia, as possessing every element of greatness, but free institutions. The people, he said, are nearly all of one race, and one section of that race—its territory is compact and communication between its different parts easily effected. The people are attached to their country, their Sovereign, and their religion. They are imbued with confidence in their destiny. And who shall say, if our own Union is dissolved, that their dreams of universal dominion will not be realized? He then adverted to the rise and progress of the American Union, and added THAT WE NEED A COMMON RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT.

The mass of our people is essentially Anglo-Saxon, and it must absorb all other races before we can have a consistent national sentiment. He held to an American race. The contest for empire will be between it and the Sclavonic race—between liberty and despotism—between centralization and decentralization—between despotic determination and the

enlightened action of a free people. The speaker referred to the destiny of our country, and concluded earnestly invoking the perpetuity of our Union.

The union of lakes, the union of lands— The union of States none can sever— The union of hearts, the union of hands, The flag of our Union forever!