Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-31

drawing 10 close"
that from the frs, Monday in December to the
l4th of May, there were not many days OF lei
sure, in which they were not engaged in their
"ayduous d,.ties," besides Sundays. What did
they do with themselves on the variQLs Satur-
days when Congress was not in session? You
saw ''the occasion was calculated to draw forth
not only the tenderest ard most grateful feel
ings Of the human heart, but carried with it
those moral reflections inculcated by the sub
lime doctrines of the christian religion. With
these sentiments the visit was undertaken, and
the day assisted to inspire those recerentidl and
religious feelings, without which the Tomb Of
Washington ought never TO be approached"
Did the occasion draw forth from these ho-
norable visitors, "lhe tenderest and most CRATE
full feelings of the human heart?" Ifit did, how
did they shew them! Did they not proceed, af-
ter being informed, and that before they reached
Mount Vernon, of the objection OF the propri-'
etor to steam BOAT parties, anc particularly on
the Sabbath day? Was it an evidence OF the
tenderest and most grateful feelings, 10 send
deputation to the owner 10 induce him to sus-
pend his prohibition in their favor, and after
this was refused, to land'-and in defiance OF his
decided objection to proceed 10 the Tomb, and
while there, 10 add 10 that defiance, by sending
their names 10 him, in order that they might be
considered the responsible persons; and even to
state that they would indemnify the Captain for
having aided them in committing ire spass
upon the private property of a CITIZEN? Is there
any thing in this conduct like tenderness for the
rights or feelings of others? Do they pretend
that direct violation OF the Sabbath day evin-
ces gratitude to the great giver OF all our bless
ings? Is il all evidence of veneraton for the
principles and memory Of the man, whose I omb
bis made the pre,ext Of pleasure parties on Sun
day. Was there any thing. in any part oftheir
then and subsequent conduct on this occasion,
which shews that this party was under the in
fuence "of those moral reflections, inculcated
by the sublimest doctrines Of the christian re-
ligion?"
If such conduct is the effect of the religious
doctrines which these visitors profess, am at
loss 10 find from what portion Of the holy
Bible they draw their religious principles
That book tells US, we must "keep holy the Sab
bath day" Let their conduct at Mount Yer
non, and after their return, demonstrate how
holy they kept day sanctihed by those princ-
piles Of religion which are now invoked to ex-
cuse trespass upon the property, peace and
quiet Of an amiabie and distinguished citizen.
Did these gentlemen, "with reverentisi and re-
ligious feelings" approach "the Tomb of Wash
ington" when, in tne act of landing and go
ing to the Tomb, they were violating, not only
one of the positive commands of God, but trans
crossing the laws of the land in committing
trespass, and wounding the feelings Of the pro-
prietoI, by disregarding, in his presence, his di
rect prohibition? How unlike is this deport-
ment TO what might reasonably be expected oil
those who really feel, and are Influenced by
"those reverential and religious feelings, with
out which the Tomb Of Washington ought ne
yer TO be approached" How different was the
conduct Of the great La Fayette when he visit
ed Mount Vernon. He. acted, as he protested
to feel. He neither selected the Sabbath for the
time of his visit, nor did he 60 with crowd.
He asked 10 be allowed to pay his visit accom-
panied by few chosen friends and by them,
to be allowed TO approach the Tomb alone: a
conduct which must have been the effect Of
"those reveren,ial and religious feelings, with
out which the Tomb Of Washington ought ne
YER to be approached
BY The statement for "the truth Of which"
you "vouch," ii appears, that lone or two" OF
the party, even before it was formed, knew that
the proprietor would not permit passengers to
land rom steam boats, and Of which the whole
company WAS informed after the boat had pro.
ceeded some distance; but how far, whether as
far Alexandria or below ii, is not stated
On which being known, the gentlemen who
had set out with "religious, AID reverential feel
ings" on this pious pilgrimage, held an imme-
diate consultation: About what?-Not what as
meek and retiring christians, it was the duty OF
persons inspired with "reverential and religious
feelings" to do, but to devise how such distin-
guished Senators and Representatives ought TO
proceed to effect their landing, contrary TO the
known prohibition of the proprietor. They
appointed three Of their own body, who land
ed, and by so doing, the moment they touched
the shore of Mount Vernon became IN the eye
of the law, trespassers They went to the house
where it seems, the Judge not only kept them
waiting "a few minutes upon the pavement"
but advanced to where they slood;" to whom
they were introduced by their names and STA
tions in public Hts" Why were their stations
mentioned to him Was it supposed that the
Judge would SO far forget his principles as to
yield 10 them privilege which he would not
allow to any other citizen, under similar Cir
cumstances, merely because they were mem
bers of Congress- Did they suppose that as
they had forgotten what was due to their sta
tons, and the principles which ought to inhu-
ence those who hold such stations, he could be
induced to abandon what he deemed the course
Of duty? | rejoice to find, in this instance,
they were disappointed. They were refused
i