Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-02-24
GRAFTON.

4
tinguished for its pious zeal, and to be addee
to the number of your orators, is an honor j an
proud to acknowledge. I might, however
despair of being listened to on an occasion
which has employed the first talents of the
country but there are some things which
need not the charm of novelty. Such are the
works of genius, the monuments OF art ane
the memory of the great.
The immortal Had has not been impaired BY
time. Though nations have heaped on it then
admiration, though it has passed through
tract of centuries, it is still our early study
and the generation of our after life.
II so with the relics Of ancient art. Tho
the cities which they once adorned are sunk
/ in ruins--though the crowds which once sur
rounded them are vanished, their solitude l:
still visited from afar. Many cross vast seas
and desert countries to view them, and delight
the world with their description.
It is so with the illustrious dead. Every
year seems to deepen their impression, and in
proportion as their period grows remote, we
regard them with aublimer contemplation.
Much interest then must still attach to this
annual commemoration ofthe great and good
of one whose memory is wrought with the
honor and success of our country. For what
ever may have been the lot of other reformers,
we at least have been successful. Various o.
pinions are held of the French Revolution;
ours has been hailed with unlimited approba-
ton. Some admire the former, for introdu-
cling those principles which must eventuste
in the freedom of Europe; while others con-
tend it has retarded its political as well as civil
improvement, by reducing France to secon-
Diary power, and giving the ascendancy to
Russia, the most barbarous and tyrannical Of
all. But we are remotely concernedm these
speculations. That colossal power which
hangs with dread portent over Europe, ex-
tends not its shadow to us. They must pass
an immense ocean to reach u.s. They must
do more-they must subdue that sceptred isle
which gems the ocean with all that's precious.
They must penetrate into that capital, which
never since the time of William the Conquerer
has been insulted with hostile hoof. They
must blot out with the blood of Englishmen,
that charter which is dearer than their lives.
Our politicians turn from this subjectto rest
upon the prospects of America. Not content
with describing our present happiness, they
have the brightest visions of the future. We
are promised degree Of National splendor,
and of civil improvement beyond the expe-
rence of the past. They are opposed by @
theirs who describe us differently, and whose
genius colours our future with sombre hue.
1t is certain every thing excellent is the More
endangered by the sources Of evil which sur
round it. Society is composed OF the same
materials now that it always was. Every 60
vernment contains its propensity to self-de-
struction, in spite of the best organization l
wish not to discredit the fair theories OF my
countrymen. But they may be disappointed
and cannot be verified. without popular learn
ing and internal improvements. 1 shall offer
some remarks upon these topics, as somewhat
connected with favorite object this society;
as incidental to the birth day Of Washington,
vet warm with his reflections and interesting
to his fame as invoked by the present situation
and proceedings Of our country.
think as our fathers did of the vast impor-
lance of our union: and if ever that union is
dissolved, an ignorant populace will be the
elements, and the wcst VIII be the scene Of
the enterprise. 1t will not be when science
has spread through our country, and made the
desert smile;-it will not be when the noun
tain stream is ruffled by our commerce. No;
undertake to say, that if ever any popular de-
magogue or military asprant shall succeed to
blot out the fair stars from the banner of hber-
ty, he will do it before that period.
There is something in popularlearning sym.
pathetic with popular liberty. The material
improvements of the British constitution,
sprung not from her darker ages. The French
revolution was Immediately subsequent to the
most brilliant era in her literature. In the little
republic ofSt. Marine, We are told by Addison,
that every one was tinctured with learning. The
distinguishing feature of our nation is sef-go-
yernment. The theory of our government as
sumes the intelligence Of the people. Asst
makes them the origin of power, its spirit must
be virtually imperative if they be disqualified
to Judge its policy. While buried in igno-
rance, can they examine the measures, or avail
themselves of the responsibility oftheir.o organs
They are entirely Influenced by their passions,
and distinguish not between anarchy and IL
berry useful energies Of government, and the
abatement of their rights They must either
slumber like many princes on their thrones
while their boosted Liberties are stolen by some
wild usurper, or they may become the point
cal apostates of some rich corrupter, as inlet
tered as themselves-or they may be wrought