Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1808-03-01

is origin or object, it ls principally recon-
1aended by its adyantag eous influence pn the
spirit of the community he elaborate, no
Aectinp eulogiunis4 Of an humble pap ess,yllst
can have no effect in enhancing the nerls OF
the character, intended to- be IGNORED 8 and
the custom. might perhapss,be entirely ex-
p.ode.i, as supcrAnous, If 1t could not be APP
preciated as an Important auxiliary to national
education. BY presenting to the sleW. ssot the
jealous citizen model for Imitation, II opef7
ates as the stronSestineen 70 yirtuous ana
!. active exertions. By esincing in the people
susceptibility to the impressions ~ moral
excellence, it has a tendency to keep alive
those generous feelings Of patriotism, that
sself-lcsotlon to the public cause, hlch cen
stitute the chief bulwark Of a nation. Grau-.
tide, expressing with unaffected feeling, her
sense of obligations, Preseais at all times a
5 .sirtuous and interesting scene; but the scene
becomes highly aninatTng, whenlt embraces
aAhunr4ous and enlightened society; when
the tribute, tho II flows from the Heart, IS
nothing but an actof justice to the anclmory OF
an illustlious benetact0r. II @
Theg history, however, Of few nations has
recorded the existence of any character that
canIbe Justly made the,subject CT pane syrlc,
: or selected IS proper example ica emulation
The generality Of governments have natural
tendency, 10 dcbaso the minds of their sub
siect,s to a level with their own narrow policy
ana principles and Whenever any uncommon
rIlrrit appears within their E'hcrc ql5fi' siis-
picious jealousy endsasors TO. cireumseri,e.
its utility, or obscureits slustrcS IN the public
eye. Butt was the happiness aof America,
even before It's emancipation, TO experience,
/. IA a very Slight degree, tie chilling influence
Of political evils. Removed from the lmmc-
date vigilance Of the ruling power, i etA3oFcd
\ q comparatively large portion OF freedom,
& which gave an ample scope for the expansion
of every lauslable feeling; and though yet IN
itsinlancy, few nations can present, within.
an equal period, a brighter constellation OF
wortllies-It can already boast of having pro-.
sluced a hero, who was-perhaps as perfect as
hsraan frailty would permit; who, for dignl-
ty of mind, purity of intention, and utility OF
conduct, stands unparalleled and alone - -
While other civilized nations are condemned
! to celebrate the anniversary of some canoniz-
ed monk, or the birthday OF royal profligaey
s or folly, Americans may celebrate the birth
day Of their naion, OF. pay the voluntary TIL
butte OF their gratitude tos the memory emo o.
i WAsH1SeTeN.
AT a name, so renowned In the annals OF
our country, crowd of the ostlnterestng
reflections rush upon the mind; and theeu7
loaistis heNilJefed in the consideration Of a
character, which,sin every point OF view, eS-
hibus equal grounds for admiration, and ex-
ample. In the contemplation of public vir-
tnes so ,isinterested and active, tho. patriot
zea, Of. youth, and age may receive constant
conformation. From the difficulties, and Va
eissituses of his military career, the warrior
nav learn the means, and causes ct vlctorys
Md be stimulated to the exercise OF very
characteris.ic of magnanimity. From lis
.6;oni6ed conduct, as Chief Magistrate OF tie
union. the statesman may. initiate his cool
ness in delbsration, and energy IN action In
the humber situations of life, the fafneimay
s.uay the advantages OF industry, and reoEQ-
NV from the Gincinnatus of Mount Vernon;
and all ranks and classes of society may be
taurht, from his great example the necessity
Of sclf-reverence and proprety OF eeport-
rncnt. for the attainment OF an honorable
reputation.
There IS q degree of perfection, which
battles the power of panegysic and leaves
no-room but for "a cold analysis of the consti-
tuent qualities OF a character, which, by Its
aggregate merits, has already econnmandee
our affections. From SO difsieult,and thank
less task, the mind of diHidance would have
willingly retired, If it could NOT hope toi
i. Iasor in the partially ofan indulgent audience
The citizens of Alexandria were ever the
sincerest admirers, the most Intimate !. &C
o,,aintapces of WAsHINoToS; and recipro
cally enjoyed the largest portion of his conf
-dence, and love. The sentiments which they
breathed for their neighbot, and their friend
when. his. presence irradiated their society
still GLOW in the breasts of this assembly