The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-11
BY JOHN ID. BURK.
FEELoW-CfTIzEys.


4. FIVE years have elapsed,
since' hoDored by your appointment and obc-
dlent to Your wishes, l attempted to ceIe-
Drate the anniversary of this suspicious day.
wnich restored sound principles and correct
notions of government to the ReDublic,
then family described (who indeed could a.
aequately represent its brightncss,) the new
star, which appeared in the American HeaI
Vehs' on that glorious morning. More than
seven years have elapsed since its appear
ance yet it still preserves all its original
magnitude and splendor, unebscured and un
diminished; and if it be allowed us to in
duige rational inference, and to venture a
prediction, ages will roll on without impair
lngl It's duration or its glory
Coedient to the same wishes. I again VEN
tnre to wing my flight (would to God it were
the hight OF an eagle) against the blaze Gifts.
brightness; or that could nationally calcu-,
late on finding my effort crowned with the
wreath or single muse-But these are on
~ the dreams o. fancy; and if they could be,
realized, they would feebly illustrate the,
glory OF lbs ascension, or the blessings it has
produced.
Abandoning then forever the dangerous &c
Siddy heights to which / might be elevated
by enthusiasm, / will timely descend to my
natural reglon, the earth; and speak of
senses OF my audience are conversant. g.. ,.,,
1t would be impertinent to enter into an
historical detail OF our colonial governments
or the revolution which established orr in
dependence of the confederation. which
Kept us from separation, and of our present
fcderative compact which secured, and does
still secure to us our union, our trosperitv So
glory. With these ne are all Of us familiar
what language indeed could render more vi
ylu tne contrast between our past and present
1t will be sufficient then for those. who
are not wholly ignorant of the nature of our
institutions, and the different Administrations
OF our government, to state that at the era OF
the French REVOLUTION, those parties in or
population, however they might heretofore
nave differed however been denoriinated
as anti-tederalists or fcderaljsts ranged
themselves Under the distinct and approfr;-
ate banners of Republicanism or ROYALTY.
Under the one, were marshslled the adhe-
rents OF ancient abuse and ancient error
Under the other, the advocates of rational
change and progressive Improvement. But
TO the honor Of the republic it should Ne. 'to19
that the former we're so few in number a,,6.
possessed so little weight, either ofcharac ~
or talents, that there could scarcely bss sad
70 exist any division: the mirbritv itself be-
lns oVefborDe and hurrit-l yiuientlv. though
reluctantly, along, in tue torrent.of enthuSi-
asD excited by that event.
No wonder that Che revolution of France
was to us, was to all men an object of wonder
and curiosity. Seenby a spectator, removed
10 proper distance from its suflce, nothine
could be more august or glorious than it's as
pect. Never did human eye look upon a
phenomenon more splendid on cccepfti~ -.
Reason rising in che majesty q her migh,
thc majesty Of Rings giving place to the ma
Jesty. OF the i1ws; the star, the crown. the
mittre; With allthe other gilded cmblems e
ancient error, trampled under foot the f..
cuities OF man set free from the stupid vcncr-
alton OF preceden,s, and soaring to the heights
OF ancient eloquence the Courage of hcr