worthy of a free people?

[Joe]

I think I do understand this pattern:

sth./sb. +be+worthy of+something(not somebody)

e.g. 1)You're worthy of a loan. (You deserve a loan. )

2)The idea is worthy of consideration. (The idea deserves consideraton. )

3)He was worthy of her. (He deserved her. )

I have no trouble understanding those above. But then, there comes this one which really baffles me:

...the spirit of enterprise worthy of a free and industrial people.

(the spirit deserves a people???)

Could you please explain the last one for me? Thanks very much.

[Tdol]

I assume this is describing a state where people might not be free or industrialised, or only partially. However, they show a spirit of enterprise which would do credit to a free and industrial people.