Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-02-02
our Navigation, ndhnally every thing which
other nations might be please to ask.


From the Baltimore Morning Chronicle.
A foreigner while visiting our seat OF 60
vernment, and beholding the superb ediice
erected for the accommodation OF congress,
looks around for the marble monument, des-
tined to record to future ages, the memory OF
the man, whose name confers more dignity
on the city, than the proudest magnifcence
of architecture. He looks around, and be-
holds an empty space he turns over the re-
cords OF congress, and he beholds resou-
ton soliciting the ashes of the hero now moul-
dering in the family vault. He turns to the
pages of American history he explores the
records of the field, and of the cabinet; he
meets with Washington every whereof he
takes turn through our principal cities, he
beholds this favorite name obtruding itself
upon him in every possible variety of form,
IN the shape Of Washington insurance com.
paRies, Washington lotteries, Washington H.
brarles--if through our towns, hamlets and
villages, he keeps the cool sequestered tenor
OF his way, be hears the name resoundng in
every gale; it is conferred on mountains and
rivers, as if nature was emuous TO rival arr.
in the honor which is paid TO the ashes of
Washington. And shall name so dear. 60
allied to the best feelings of the human heart
so venerable and dignihed, remain unhonor.
ed in the very city that was founded by
himself Twenty miles from the metropo
lis of America, slumber the ashes of Wash
ington; ne reposes in tomb which is dis
tinguished by its plainess and simplicity. as
ii Washington even after death was afraid of
engrossing the admiration of bis countrv.-
here may the ashes of Washington repose.
Whatever veneration we may.feel for de-
parted virtue, we would not enter the sacred
recesses of the dead, and drag TO the light Of
day, The rellcks OF our hero. He hope that
the sleep OF the sepulchre will not be propha.
ned, even by those who revere name so
lliustrInus in the annals OF our country.
But IS there no testimonial of national
feeling to be shewn, not even a monument or
statue. 1t has been said indeed, that this
manifestation ot public gratitude is unne-
cessary that the name OF WASHINGTON can
derive no honor from such expression of our
-senslblity But docs this question it NAV
be asked, end here. According TO tins mode
OF considering the argument, the more i'm.
portaht the services that are rendered by
patrlol TO his county the less does it become
our duty. to testify our gratitude. We re-
cor0 our own lgnOmIny in characters of sun.
beams, when we exclaim, that the debt
winch we owe, is too great for US TO dis
Charge, and therefore, that we will testify no
respect to the memory of our departed bene-
factor we contend, that the magnitude of
oui opilgalion should eXtingush our sense OF
the be.ielt--lhat because we cannot paw the
debt, we are by honor bound to he migrate.
lui. L MS Is on tar analysis, the amount Of
me argument urged, that from The high cha
racter OF W ashlngton, no reverence should
De SheWn to ms memory. And are Amer
cans prepared over tie cold corpse of " ash
inston, 10 submit to language OF this kind
We will suppose, that While this defender
OF our native inherent, and unalienable right
OF Ingrautude, was maintaining such doc
trine on the floor of congress, the immortal
spirit OF " as.lington should burst from Its
cloudy mantle IN lis proper radiance, in the
majesty OF nsuted virtue How would
the orator reCol from those cheeks glow ing
with celestial Indignation, from the peneua-
ting rays OF that commanding eye-trom
that brow rendered so formidable hy the
troWn OF honor! Should such an interview
take place, not word would be uttered from
the lips OF this awinl and immortal visitant:
there would be seen OF Washington, but
momenlary glance. He would appear with
frown, and amidst the breathess pause of
anticipation occssioned by his presence he
would stand tor moment in the overwbelnl-
ing dignity OF virtue-one glance, one SIM
gle glance of disdain would be, caught by
the orator from his eyes, and he would retire
TO bis mantle of clouds.
Charleston, Jan. Is.
IMMENSE LONGEVITY.
Died. in this city, on Sunday night last,