Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-03-14

Upon the conduct and writings OF T. Waugh, IN refer
ence to the "Amercan Grammar"
The production which has direct reference
to the book in question, has the appearance oil
prophecy The writer now, as did Apollo IN
ancient DAYS, presides over the Republic OF let
tiers. Hence, he styles himself"A public lecturer
ON grammar 1t appears that this public oracle
has been consulted as to the ultimate success oil
the american Grammar. Upon this consulta-
ton, he repairs to mount Parnassus, and IN
session Of nearly flee weeks, with the nine Mu-
ses, he predicts that at some time during his
ensuing vacation, the american Grammar" will
be laid in ruins. This prophecy carries the
marks of much reflection, and deep agitation
of mind. And, if these traits in pubic oracle,
presage amy thing. the community may expect
that at his ensuing vacation, this tower OF Babel
in its fall, will constitute memorable event.
Philology is then to be shaken till the hgatHres
of the science give way; ard the plain Of Shinar
covered with the bones of Grammar
But when is this ensuing vacation TO be /!
and of what, is il 10 consist vacation Is
a suspension of some common employment -
And what is the vocation Of this literary A jax.
He represents himself as public lecturer on
grammar and as he is no,c public lecturer on
grammar, it cannot be thar the vacation alluded
TO is TO be temporary cessation OF this high
p.6lic function: for the very labor which is to
accomplish this predicted destruction, must con-
sist in public lectures on this science. But va
cation may be considered in another point OF
view. A temporary cessation oil intellectual &C
ton, may be styled vacation. And IN this hight,
we are to consider it as alluded 10 in the pre-
dction Of this "pu6E,c lecturer on grammar. -
.
tai vacation, may look for an ayfst change. The
eerulean sky that now hangs smiling over the
hill Of science, will then thicksn 10 clouds OF
let. The minds Of men at this strongly mark
ed period, are to take the refrogrode course-yes,
in the literary vehicle OF Noah Webster, drawn
by this .alsrandrian classic Apollo, they are to
be nheeled back 10 their .4ngLo-Soron condition.
But after all, there may be saving clause
somewhere: and, if there is, Community thus
situated, should know it at once. live have
properly located this ensuing vacation, there is
lutte danger that the present age will undergo
the change which is to be wrought by this mo-
dern Hercules For as the first vacation Of his
mind, is not yet oUer, th,s generation may sttH
hone TO enjoy the blessings OF the present en-
frightened state of the world
Having spoken of this production in its pro-
nhe,ic character, il is due to MIR. Waugh that
should make few remarks upon It's literary.
lam not a fit person to pass suitable eulog-
nm upon this rare emanation Of learning and
,,a And really hope that some one ,ceH qua
lifted for the delicate task, will soon raise mo-
nunient TO this mass of learning that II may be
remembered and viewed as a complete model
of elegance i'm style and suarity in Gictlon. But
i'm the mean time, lest the rapid current oil Lethe,
should steal away this production, 1t may be
nraiseworthy in me to erect even rough stone
10 perpetuate its memory. But, ere long may
it be rased till its towering head shall reach the
fame Of him whose works it preserves may
il be polished till its glitter shall match the re-
splsndent dapples which so brilliantly bedizen
hiAHteyary career; and in memory Of his stern
stabiHtu, NAV it be immovably fixed in the rock
of truth; but, above all, in reference to his
goodness of heart, may some p'ous gem, like the
guardian angels that preserve the saints from
the assaults Of sin, defend this statue from harm
The commencing period Of this produc-
ton. shows a logical display OF thought, anc
an aytfa arrangement OF words. And each
successive sentence seems only the first s6ag"Ay
changed and quantity modified to suit some no
bler views To the silent reader, il is charming
10 listen 10 the current of thought as It rlpples
through the Lingua veins of this body OF learn
ing. And to the audible, it is truly captivating;
the piece in all, seems full choir Of rhetorical
music. The prominent features OF this produc-
ton, are rare genius and profound erudiuon.-
The reader commences as with common
newspaper communication; but, before he gets
through The first period, he becomes attached
TO spot so consecrated to science-it is with
difficulty that he passes on to the second SEN
tence. In this, however. he discovers nothing
remarkable except the event of discussing two
uuconneeted subjects in the same period Bat
as he advances upon the scale If climax from
one pente cliff to another, he finds himself up
ON a Throne in France!! Here he sees learn
;np and genius vieing one with the other for
v;ctory-at length, as though the powers of
learning had been artfully reserved for the close
Of the Combat, he beholds kind OF classic car
over which the spirits of TooKE and WEBSTER
seems hoyering-genius, as though nature her.
.eIfbad become insolvent, talters; and learning
ends the brilliant conflict by bearing away the
PALM.
But this. as well as every other rare etfuslon
of learning and ,oit, must from the fact OF being,