The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-08-09

whifst their betters and supcriors, Tor want Of
luck or fortune, or being too independent TO
sloop TO unworthy arts. live and die, unobserv-
ed and unknown. What geniuses did the A.
merican revolution bring % light What coun.
try ever produced at once, such mighty states
men, great commanders. or such instances ofha.
roic valor, disnierested patriotism, such brill
ant displays OF eloquence, or SO profound
knowledge of the rights of human nature (!
II was then, that America assembled from her
woods aud wilds, congress whom the great.
est iumnaries in Europe pronounced to be the
most enlightened body of men upon the face Of
the earth. Yet, until that event had given A.
merica opportunity OF developing her great
ness, such virtues and talents slept in the dark
But for this event, it might never have been
known that America had produced her gene
rails who combined The abilities of HANNIBAL
with the prudence of Fabius and the integrity
of Cato it would not have been known that
Virginia had produced the rivals OF Demosthe-
mes and Cicero Immortal patriots sacred be
your names, brilliant your glory, exalted DE
your seats in Heaven. This was not scci-
dental production OF nature which may not hap.
pen again in centuries. America, though lying
in the dust and asnes, when her shack;cd gem
US shall be reused to burst It's letters, and her
ensrgies called into action, will collect toge-
Their her statesmcn, heroes and parrots, who
eiii retrieve the lost reputation OF their coun.
Try. and rival the glorious actions OF their Ia.
theirs. - - -
When we reflect on that disposition which
too often prevails, to bestow favors on those who
do not need them, heap riches the wealthy
encourage those who meet with great encou.
ragement, and patronize those who have an A.
bundsnca of patrons, not for the sake of re.
wardng merit. but TO shew respect To cnmerit.
ed prosperity accidental success, it presents
to our view The most dlscouraginE difficulty
with which new candidates for public favor
generally have TO encounter at their first com.
mencement in any profession. But, convinced
that little reputation is deserved, Or an be sc.
quired where no hazard or obstacles are to be
combated, we will, regardless of such conside.
rations, repair to the task which we have as
| signed to ourself :, -,
| Should we meet with the favor of the public
we entertain the pleasing hope that we will ac.
quit ourself to the satisfaction of our patron,
aud that they will have cause to regret the
confidence which they may bestow on u.s. And
should our conduct justify the patronage which
we may receive, 1t will be no unpleasant re.
Election to the liberal, to have taken us by the
hand when staggering under the difficulties and
lprejudices which generally accompany ali first
endeavors to be useful.
With such objects in view, with these prin
ciples devoted to their attainment, born in Vir.
ginia, and descended of family which aided, IA
achieve the American independence, we offe,
our services to our country and claim its favor
We offer them III that temple Of liberty which
the arm of our father contributed to raise we
will take our stand IN its vestibuie, and defend
it from foreign and domestic pollation.
| These are the sentiments which animated
those revolutionary heroes who fought under
the banners and fell in the battles of liberty. II
these principles be still, as dear TO the presen,
generation AS they were to our fathers, let US
unite once more for the preservation of the
GREAT RIGHTS for which they fought and bled
and which their last dying words enjoined us &C
defend and perpetuate 10 posterity.
WIN. SHELTON.
| Richmond, July 4, 1911.