Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1826-08-19
PROVIDENCE.
REVIEW.


EXECUTIVE OF THE CoMMoNwEALTH, and the
CITY Council and inhabitants Of Boston. BY
JOSIAH QUISCy, Mayor Of the City, Delivered
at the request and printed by order Of the City
Council Boston, TRUE GREEN, 1926, p. p. so.
In this performance there is much to admire,
and so little to condemn, that must confess that
the task of reviewing it is pleasant one, for it
is always more agreeable TO condemn than to ap-
plaud.
The Lar Critigue, as established by British
views-and heaven knows we do not aspire TO the
majesty that adorm their names, teaches that we
should never undertake TO review a work, which
cannot be censured or condemned. The severity of
this statute-a statute which owns Clifford and
Jeffrey for ITS god-fathers, would forbid our taking
hold of Mr.. Quincy's o. rator, were we not dispos-
ell to deviate, now and then, from the Law Crtque,
as well as the Law Morale.
1t was this that induced The British reviewers to
handle Scotts Lady of the Lake, and Byron's
Giaour with gentleness, and they knew that
whatever censures they might bestow on these two
inestimable performances, would not be taken for
sterling coin, or swallowed with avidity they pru-
jently chose, for their regulations sake, TO make
their reviews q kind of fnon-descript-a thing with
out meaning-.without name. Now, although
we profess to be somewhat independent in our feel
ings and disposed to speak sentiments on all
.ubjects with great freedom-with great candor-
hasten to point out the peculiar beauties and
faults Of Mr.. Quincys Grafton f; and if we fail in
the task which we have voluntarily assigned our
II. hue ~ 4 az han h., lol
by the thought that we do not stand alone, and
cheer ourselves with the reflection that greater
han zoe have failed in completing tasks Of greater
magnitude.
We like Mr.. Quincy at the very onset, because
ne does not tire with long and duh exordium
10y the way brevity is the life Of defamation, as
we'll as of witt but in the twinkling Of rush-light,
'Ie tells us what he intends to be at. We must
confess, however, that a chase exordium and pero-
ration, add much TO the beauty Of an Grafton.
But we hasten to make an extract from this ex
cellent production, and here we lay it before our
readers:
"On the iitieth anniversary of the Independence
Of our country-on the great day of our fathers
glory-we assemble to speak concerning their vir
e
they gave existence to our nation.
More than half the term, allotted, IN the ordi-
nary course o: Providence, to the longest human
lite has elapsed, since that event. Those, whose
age or experience, guide the affairs OF the present
tune, then children, or youths; witnesses,
without being partakers of that struggle. How
natural and suitable is it, such an anniversary,
for the fathers the present day to speak concern
Jag the fathers of former days, to one another and
to their children who are destined to be the IA
theirs of the age which is to come!
1--WE are, then, fellow -ctizens, assembled-not
to take part in light aud VAIN show-but to per-
form a solemn, and somewhat religious duty
Parents and children, we have come to the altar Of
our common faith, not. like the Carthagenian. to
swear enmity to another nation but in the spirit Of
obedience and under sense Of moral and religious
obligation, TO inquire what II Is to fulfill well our
duty to ourselves and our posterity. And while
we pass before our eyes, in long array, the out
spread images Of our fathers virtues let US strive
to excite III ou, own bosoms, and enkindle IN each
Others that intense and sacred ZEAL by which their
patriotism was animated and refined. Fifty years
alter the occurrence of the greatest OF our national
q, ents, we gather, with our children, around the
tombs of our fathers, as we trusi-and may heaven
so grant fifty years hence, those chiluren Will
rather around ours, in the spirit oil gratitude anu
honor TO contemplate their glory to seek The
lessons suggested by their example ;-and to exam
inc tho principles on which they laid the founda-
tons of their country's prosperity and greatness.
"But it, as Americans, it be natural aud suitable
to consecrate this day in our affections, how much
more as citizens of Observation-Disclosures OF that clty,
known To the world. as the cradle OF American lib
erty standing as we do, under the canopy OF that
sacred temples which was honored, in the most
irving times of our Revolution, by he boldest
breathings of our chiefest patriots wlclr>was pol
luted, in the most disastrous times, by the war
horse which neighed and stabbed, in this sanctuary
surrounded as we are by the direct descendants OF
of those who were FIRST and most fearless in the day
Of severest trial!
"Where shall the memory Of the great men oi
our Revolution be honored if it be not IN THIS city,
in this temple, and N this assembly?
% What future age what distant region, hearin.
of the American Rev olution, shall not also hear o.
" Faneuil Hall, and Of The Old South :" where
the early spirit of American liberty stood in dignity
fidelity and fearesne.s; while sentries, with fixed
bavone,s were at our State House doors while
Bo.ton was but n garrison its island. and harbors
possessed by a vipdic,ive and indignant foe IFS
trade SUSPENDED by British cruisers famine threat
ened bv British edcts and the blood OF 1T.
slaughtered citizens flowed, like water, In its
streets
"Io what land, where the American name is
known. are not-and shall not forever be-known,
The name, of those citizens of Boston, who were the
strength and lights OF their time, and the eter-
ual glory Of their country: Adams-and sfancock
and Ots-and Warren and others OF scarcely
less celebrity
Especially shall not be forgotten,--now, or ever
that ancient citizen OF Boston, that patriarch oil
American Independence, of all New-Engl glands wor-
L.. ~..la q