The day for decision arrived. The 4th of July, 1776, dawned auspiciously upon the patriots. At the appointed hour they assembled. The past, the present, the impenetrable future, big with coming events--rushed upon their minds. Moments flew--the pulse quickened--the heart-throb increased--bosoms expanded--eyes brightened--patriotism rose in majesty sublime--the question was put--the Gordian knot was sundered--INDEPENDENCE was declared--the colonies were free--LIBERTY was proclaimed--a nation was redeemed--regenerated--disenthralled and born in a day. [Illustration: Signatures: Rob't Morris; John Hancock; Benjamin Rush; Benj. Franklin; Elbridge Gerry; Oliver Wolcott; Samuel Chase; Carter Braxton; John Morton; Joseph Hewes; Casar Rodney; Geo. Read; George Wythe; John Penn; Richard Henry Lee; Tho. McKean; Wm. Hooper; Tho. Heyward, Jr.; Wm. Paca; Thomas Lynch; Francis Lightfoot Lee; Wm. Floyd; Arthur Middleton; Abra. Clark; Button Gwinnett; Philip Livingston; Lyman Hall; Wm. Whipple; Fran. Lewis; Geo. Walton; Sam'l Adams; Lewis Morris; Edward Rutledge; Geo. Ross; John Adams; Rob't Treat Paine; Sam'l Huntington; Wm. Williams; Geo. Clymer; Jas. Smith; Josiah Bartlett; Matthew Thornton; Rich'd Stockton; Step. Hopkins; Jno. Witherspoon; Fra's Hopkinson; William Ellery; John Hart; Roger Sherman; James Wilson; Charles Carroll of Carrollton; Th. Jefferson; Tho's Stone; Geo. Taylor; Benj. Harrison; Tho's Nelson, Jr.] Early in the winter of 1776 Mr. Adams wrote a form of government for the colonies which was substantially the same as the present constitutions of the states. It was first submitted to Richard Henry Lee in a letter with these remarks. "A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen. A general emulation takes place which causes good humor, sociability, good manners and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment, inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious and frugal. You will find among them some elegance, perhaps, but more solidity--a little pleasure but a great deal of business--some politeness but more civility. If you compare such a country with the regions of domination, whether monarchical or aristocratical, you will fancy yourself in Arcadia or Elysium." Here is inscribed upon the tablet of truth the blessings derived from a government like our own in its principles--faithfully adhered to by every _true_ patriot but trampled under foot by the demagogues of the present day and the aristocracy of all time.