Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-02-26
Grafton.

IL
venerable body, desire to offer my congra
,uiAtions on its continuance, and my wishes
that 5eueyolen, spirits may always De found
10 pursue its salu.ary aims,-to sanctiiy the
III, Inory ef benetactor of mankind by doing
good in his name, and TO diffuse that know
ledge which is the best basis of the liberty
which he aided 10 achieve
II is a subject Of just pride to this institu-
lion, which for twenty years has been ASST
duous in the cause of education, in scenes
Sousecrated by the familiar presence OF the
hero of American story-while il is the
theme OF profound pleasure 10 all true lovers
ef manlind-that the instruction OF the indi-
gent, no longer the care OF 3 lew charitable
hearts, is become topic OF wide and pow
sriul interest. The people, so long the VIC
sims and the instruments of power, are pro-
ducing a slow conviction in the mind OF eve
W potentate in Europe. both OF the imPossI-
sility of ruling them in ignorance, and OF the
instability Of all government unsupported by
their opinion The wise Of al counfrt 8,
while they look with anxiety on the ebulli-
tions Of popular feeling, are seeking to draw
ruler. to apply the only remedy for popular
disorder,--to enlighten the operation, and
consult the convictions. of the popular mind.
knowledge ,Ino lons er taper burning dimly
in the cells OF the studious, or guarded in COL
lege. and halls, is every where guiding the
people 10 the understanding ui their rights.
AZ this late day, they seem to learn, for the
tirst time, their just relation TO their rulers,
and the axiom, that government is designed
tor their benefit. Though in the most mo-
mentous revolution of modern history, hu-
uanity has been cbagrined by the excuses
oil liberty. she has not lost her hopes Of ef-
forts uo re regular and fortunate, when there
shsi be less hostility Of opinion betwixt ru-
l-rs anG subjects-wben those shall know
better the rights of the governed, and these
shall be compelled 10 less turbulent efforts 10
assert them. To philosophy il seems m-
possible, however strict the bonds of cuso-
mary sut)fcllon. that the public voice shall
not soon make itself heard in every regal pa
lace in Europe; and that so many minds.
ms ,ructed 10 their claims, and urged by the
sense OF ancient wrong, shall not, at some
approaching day, oppose perpetual bar
rier To iyralny.
But while Europe is thus competing the
influence of sugmentiug know ledge ON her
ancient institutioas--OD her thrones, SO long
the sanCiua res Of inlustice--nn her hierar-
chies, the repositories Of higotry-on her
mercehary armies, the tools OF ambition or
oppression--and the most honest friends OF
freedom sigh al the terrors of change; il is
our peculiar happiness to have made, in 4
large degree, that great moral experiment
which she IS ambitious to attempt; 10 have
experienced, in large degree, the benefits
Of dIfused freedom, OF Tree enquiry, and Of
universal equality. Our republic affurds,
al this moment, The most grateful spectacle
that can be presented to the moral synpa-
thies of man. Under government Of their
own choice, in country OF wide extent, OF
various and redundant fertility, OF vast and
numerous channels oil intercourse, behold,
as 1t were, all nations and kindreds OF the
earth assembled for this long desired expe-
riment OF morals aud politics. Purged from
feuiai and superstitlouS preludices, provi-
ded with the experience of all ages, and a
hardening those national antipa:hies which
have sullied and desoaled all other clmes;
who does not desire to lift up holy hands and
hearts IN this great teDple OF freedom. and
TO adorn and secure felicity So singular, by
proportional virtue and wisdom. The wise
administration of government so agreeable
TO philosophy, the wise enjoyment OF Ii
berry So wide,-become indeed. al this mo-
meat, when the eyes of all men are direct
ell to their results, Important duties TO man
kind; lest the event of the experiment should
tons OF the wise, aud that the people are
the unfit subjects OF the freedom which they
covet. II is happy for this people tina. the
stability of their institutions is sought in their
own elevation. The virtue which has been
pronounced proper 10 republics, carries
It's vig0ur into every individual breast; and
the know ledge which secures the right eco
nomy OF public affairs, is the principle of
individual dignity and refinement.
This consideration gives a higher impor-
tanre TO your benevo!enc & suggests higher
motives fort exercise. In the youthful and
tender group arrayed beneath. you implant
the molly zeal Of knowledge. no: only as the
principle which is to distinguish them among
their equals, TO arm them against the con-
tuniely of their superior,. tn open in their
minds lively source of interest and energy,
and To lea d them on in the competitions of
life, active and emulous TO the eni: Regard
ing the'u As joint inheritors Ut our great la
tri:nony OF freedom, you cannot be indfer-
ent to the force Of these pursuits, in defend
iny trum decay or corruption'o our free institu.
tinns; of those gentle labours. which, pre-
serving them from idleness or indulgence,
lesyr them neither leisure nor motive for
factions disconreDfs; which esiighteniDg
their minus, transform them into watchful
vsrd.rs of the commOnwesl, which eleva-
ting their seutilne nts. inspire that rational
love of country, which was the glory OF All
Gent republics; or, rather, that more rs-
,ional lave of makind-tbe bstter growth of
:. better age--which enlarged know ledge in
svitably proilv.ss N yir,uGus bCsomS.