Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-17


to mankind. He was, indeed, precious gift
a most beloved refortner Shall we not, then,
while weeping over his loss, offer thanks to the
giver Of every perfect gift, for having permitted
him to live
But my countrymen we have stiil further rea-
son for the deepest gratitude. he had not yet.
finished his memorable efforts IN the cause OF
human liberty-the Temple had been reared,
but it was yet exposed TO violent assaults from
without-those principles which in former a.
ges had defeated the hopes OF man, and had
overlhrown republics, remained TO be hunted
out, exposed and guarded against. 1 he most
powerful Of these was the concentration and
perpetuation of wealth in the hands o! parhcu-
lar families, and the creation thereby OF an d1er-
weenng aristocracy. The fatal influence OF
this principle had been felt in all ages and In all
countries. The feelings Of pride and haughi-
ness which wealth is SO so well calculated to.
engender, anG the homage which mankind arc
unhappily So much disposed 10 render 1t, caus-
es the perpctuation OF large fortunes IN the
hands Of families, the most fearful antagonist 10
human liberty. Marcus Crassus had said that
the man who aspired to rule 4 Republic, should
net he content until he had mastered wealth
sufficient TO maintain an army-anc Juius Ca
sar paved the way 10 the overthrow oil Roman
liberty by the distribution, from his inexhaus;i-
bic stores, of lafgcsses to the people. Mr.. JET
ftrson saw therefore The grea. necessity for re-
formation in our munich pal code, and the act
abolishing entails and that regulating dcscents
are in all their essential features, the offspring
of his we'll constituted intellect. He has acted
throughout on the great principle OF the equal
ity of mankind, and his every effort has been
directed to the preservation Of that equality a
nong his couDtrymen How powerful in its
operation is our descent law in producing this
effect Founded on the everlasting principles
Of justice, it distributes among all his children
the fruits of the parents labor. The FIRST born
is no longer considered the chosen OF the Lord.
but nature asserts her rights and raises the last
TO an equality with the first. Thus 1t is that
the spirit of proud independence, so auspl-
cious to the durability OF our institutions, is en-
gendered in the bosoms OF our citizens; Thus
il is that we are under the influence Of an agra
rian law in effect, while nature instead of being
violated is protected, and industry instead Of
being suppressed is excited by new stimuli
The great lawg iver Of Sparta in vain sought to
pcrpetuate the principle OF Equality among the
citizens of tha, renowned Republic, by various
here is measure which cannot fail--a measure
which depends not upon veneralion for the
character of any one man, but lays hold of the
affections, and records its own pcrpetuity in the
great volume OF nature--a measure which will
every day more conspicuously develope its
beautes-one without which the blood shed in
the revolution would have been shed in vain
without which the glores OF that struggle
would fade away, or exist but as another proof
Of mans incapacity for selfgovernment. What
more shall say of il? May not call it that
great measure, which to our political. like the
sun 10 our planetary system, imparts light and
heat, unveil, all its beauties and manifests lis
strength. Tell me then We destinies that con-
trout the future, say is not this mans fame in
scrbcd in adamant Say men of the present
age, yc lovers ofiiberly, ye shining lights from
amid the gloom Of the woyd-say does Virgin
ia claim too much when she pronounces her
Jefferson wiser than the lawyers Of antiquity?
FELL me then men Of America, have you not
lost your father, your benefacto:, your best
friend? And you The men of other countries,
whe,e the light1f his example is now but
dimly seen--you who constitute the salt Of the
earth, will you not hindie your lamps in the
mighty blaze of bis fame and distribute the
blessings OF his existence around you!
Here might stop. The cause Of this mourn
full procession is explained. The picture might
be considered as finished, His claim to The
gratitude Of mankind is made manifest, and his
title to Immortality is established. But his la
bors did not here ceasc--I have still to exhibit
him TO you in other lights than those in which
we have regarded him.-to present other Claims
to your veneraiion and gratitude. Passing over
those incidents which history has already re-
corded, let US regard him while in that station
which now fill more by the kindness OF the
public than from any merit of my own-we here
recognize in him the able vindicator of insuted
America against the sarcasms Of European phi
losophy Indulging in the visions OF a fallaci-
ous theory, it was attempted TO be proved that
the flush and glow which nature assumed on
the other side Of the Atlantic, was converted
on this continent into the cadaverous aspect oil
disease and deeencracy-that while she walked
abroad over the face of Europe in all her beau
,iful proportions, here she hobbled on crutches
s deeenerated into dwarf. How successful
he threw back this SANDER upon our Calumnia-
tors let the world decide His Notes on Virgil
,ia will ever bear him faithful witness. SLAM
ders upon nations make the deepest and most
lasting impression. They fall not on on man,
but a whole people, and if not retuted, tend to
sink them on the scale of existence. If, under
any circumstances, they are to be deprecated;
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