Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1819-03-19
REVIEW

REVIEW
OF Madame de Stael's considerations OF ine
principal events of The French Revolt
ton, vols. Svo.
In the delight which the federation OF
the l4tb of July communicated to the peo-
ple and their decreasing Jealousy OF Louis,
that prince might have ascertained the po-
licy, which would reconcile his own au-
,hority with the liberties Of his country
By ratifying all laws which seemed promo
tive of the national prosperity, and BY re-
iecting all which he disapproyed, he would
have convinced all parties Of his sincerity
and his patriotism. Unhappily, however,
instead Of adopting this manly course which
Necker recommended, he was persuaded
by the aristocrats that all his acts since the
9Th of October, 1889, were the acts OF
captive, which, under favorable reverse,
might be fairly annulled. The king, there
fore, endured, with facility quite appall-
ing to his unsuspecting minister, the CHI
croachments of faction on his power; and,
as it followed from the new system, that no
concession was too great for to-day, since
tomorrow it might be revoked, proceeded
to sanction every extravaganza OF the as
sembly. By thus scattering his dominion
among the mob, he animated his enemies
and dispirited his friends: the mob con-
temned him when nothing was lett to be
given, and his friends ceased to support
what he seemed unwilling to retain. Neck
er, Disappearing the thoughtless self-deser-
ton Of the king, and unacquainted with its
secret object, once more, resigned. But as
he, who, like the Persian prince, believes
hinselfto possess two souls, will certainly
he guided by the evil one, Louis prosecu-
ted this system, until lie became inextrica-
bly, entansled in IFS perplexities. The same
policy which thus impaired his integrity,
inflicted mortal wound on bis power.
To invigorate the wasting monarchy, sa-
tisfactory overtures were made to Mira
beau. He advised the removal of the king
to Compeigne, where he might be protect
ed by nj. de Boui!les' regiments, sndwh
Their the constitutional assembly might be
called. But while Mirabeau wa. thus pre-
pairing an expa,ion of his faults, by giving
free and orderly government to France,
he unfortunately died. During his i'll
ness" says Madame de Stael, can immense
crowd collected daily and hourly before his
door: that crowd made not the smallest
noise, from dread of disturbing him: il was
frequently renewed il the course Of the
twenty -four hours, and persons of different
classes all behaved with equal respect. A
young man having having heard it said that
on introducing fresh blood into the veins
of dying man, recovery might be effect
ed, came forward and offered to save the
life Of Mirabeau at the expense OF his own.
We cannot, without emotion, see homage
rendered to talent; SO much does it differ
from that which is lavished on power. Mi
rabeau knew that his death was approach
ing. Atthat moment, far from sinking un-
der affection, he had a feeling of pride the
cannon were firing for a public ceremony;
he called out, 81 hear already the funeral
of Achilles" = = y He received no con-
ISOLATION from religion; be was struck by
death, in the fullness of the interests of this
world, and when he thought himself near
the object at which his ambition pointed,
There is in the destiny of almost all men,
when we take the trouble of examining it,
manifest proof Of moral and religious
object, of which they themselves are not
always aware, and towards which they adj
vance uncousciously. u = = The day af-
ter his death, no member of the constituent
assembly cast an unEloved eye towards the
place where Mirabeau was accustomed to
sit. The great oak had fallen: the rest
were no longer,o be distinguished. can
NOT but blame myself for expressing such
regret for character little entitled TO es-
TEEN; but talent like his is so rare (; and 1t
is unfortunately, so likely that one will see
nothing equal To it in the course of ones
life, that it is impossible TO restrain sigh,
when death closes bis brazen gates on
man, lately SO eloquent, so animated; in
short so strongly and so firmly in possession
OF life" VII. I, p. pa.
1.-THE death VI this orator created poig-
nant sorrow in all parties, the monarch be-