Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1823-02-27
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hra,e the anniversary of the Father Of our
country. We have assembled TO offer "a
Ruther tribute OF uuvary ing Affection to
the memory Of the man, who shall ever
hold the first place in the hearts OF his
countrymen. The return OF this day brings
with it the most delightful feelings, --ln-
spires the most elevated sentinents,-
rpuses the proudest rec>llec,ions. The
,nost illustrious Jays of our ancestors are
placed IN array before US. BY an iDyo.
luntary movement. the mind calls up the
suiferiDgs, the energetic bearing, and the
successes OF the distinguished citizens,
who vind;cated our rights. and secured
10 US political and religious liberty. There
needs no prompier to tell you Of all their
glorious achievements there needs no
recital to rouse in ynur breasts an admi-
ration for their noble darings, or an emu
ia,ion of theii most eDviable tame. We
have melancholy pleasure IN showing our
affection and esteem, tor tsst band OF pa.
triots to whom this nation owes its inde-
-pendence, aud all ofus owe our individual
enjoymen, OF politica! rights. Theirs was
All honorable and hsppy fate. They
labodred, and suffered, and manfully bore
themselves, But ii was in good cause,
and they have acquired that, which is more
desirable than wealth or pleasure they
have gained what is more than equivalent
10 all they endured they are blessed
and venerated by their country.-When
each one So feels tSe imposing influence
Of he oCcasioi,, shall not have the rash
ness 10 attempt to add 10 1t. When early
IL
warmest gratitude unite IN connecting
with the birth day Of Washington. all that
Is nagnanirDous---all HAT is great Il good,
and desirable, il would require master
spirit to increase tie feeling. Any at
tempt OF sn unssisiul hand to heightrn the
colouring, or 10 give a boider rellet from
the canvass, would kut diminish the pow
esiui effect it already produces:--it would
bat destroy the commanding attitude
which nnow presents.
shall not undertake 10 sketch q char
acter of tine man, whose merits would be
datracted from by my enune ration wbose
dispositions, and whose talents we're SO
happily poised, that no oDe predomiDated {:
the faculties OF whose mind were so just
ly elected, that no one shone brightest -
who was the most distinguished in wha,
ever situation he was placed;--whelker as
commander of the armies of the con;ede
Tacy, or Chief Magistrate OF its civil estab-
ishmea';-wbether while ne was prctec-
tor Of The republic against is nemies. or
lis triends;-whie he directed the ship OF
sia e through the storms OF war, or through
a season OF peace, more fesriully teGpes-
tlnus than war itself.
shall leave for silent and awful rever-
ence, the history of the man, whose men,
DRY has halloNed this day.-But We have
his counsels and his example we have
the legacy which he bequea.hed to the
ccuntry, whose Interests and best welfare
were entwined with every ligament of bis
heart. When he could no longer be pre-
sent to guard ard advise US, he gave as a
monitor tor our public policy. the result oil
his experience and observation, He point
ed out the dangers which threaten US, and
the advantages which we possess he
Showed wbereio the best interests al the
republic lay; what were the surest means
OF making the people virtuous--re ndering
Us independent OF other na,ions-preserv.
ing our Liberties notwithstanding re-
spect 10 tie national character, and draw
ing Tore closely the bands G! union around
the members OF The confederation,
Let US then examine these counsels and
our past conduct: let VI see whether We
have been inaue0eed, 90 we should be, by
bis advice and whether those subjects,
which so involve ourgeDersi & individual
welfare, command the interest and receive
the attention which are due TO them.
The principles OF this Society are such
as enti'le il to the patronage of Washing
tom, name They are in strict unison with
his sentiments and hs objects are among
those which be had most at heart. 1t has
been established to advance an institution,
which be founded here tor the education
Of the poor; to afford to those who are in.
digeRt, an opportunity OF securing the
means Of happiness and virtue, and adj
vancement in life He considered Gin
s,i,u,ions for the general diffusion Of know
ledge as OF primary importaDce* TO he
co,emuni'y," by fitting IFS members bet
Ter. not only Tor The performance of their
social duties, but tor the enjoyment oil
their political privileges While educa-
ton eniarges the sphere Of individual &C,
ton and influence by eliciting faculties.
which without 1t would lie dormant; il
promotes The public good BY expanding
the views, exciting the enterprise, refining
the feelings. and correcting ibe opinion.
OF the people. II makes iheu appreciate.
the advantages OF their civil institutions,
and more wsichul to ereserve in their pu.
ri'v the establishments, by which these are
secured. II 'nstIs correct moral prinei-
~Farewel Address.