Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-02-26
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When we consider, my fellow-citizens, the
strong and permanent influence which the
founders Of States have uniformly exerted on
their character and destiny, we cannot too
h;ehlv appreciate the felicity of our own lot
snarta long preserved III her institutions the
stern and inAexible spirit Of Lycursus, and the
CITY of Scion reflected, in her more humane re-
eulations, the philosophic temper and placid
dignity of her sage. But the Republic OF A
merica, more enlightened and virtuous than any
that precede it is indebted for its virtue and its
wisdom TO a name which is exalted above all
the renown Of ancient or Of modern times
Could we accurately and closely investigate
the internal history of nations, and carry back
our inquiries through that long chain OF causes
on which human events depend, we should Oft
en- find that the progressive decline and t'nal
subversion of States has resulted from some de-
fective policy originating in the character OF
the founder Not only would this appear IN
those more fragrant instances, where ambition
has concentred in itself the general forces OF So
ciety, but in cases, little suspected at the time,
some ruling propensity would be found to have
silently transferred itself from the mind OF the
legislator and to have infused into the spirit OF
society that fatal passion or inhrmity, which
continues ever after to distinguish it.
But the origin of most nations is too obscure
sfrSesio6: IS only in rhe scenes that pass be-
fore our eyes, or in those whose agitations have
scarcely yet subsidized, that we read those dis
tinct and unambiguous lessons, which 1t be-
comes us to improve by an application to our
conduct, and our interests.
In the world around us, we perceive the eXis-
tence of two distinct and hostile systems, each
vast in extent, and each involving questions
which import no less than the happiness and
safety of the species, The one, fortified by
custom, and consolidated by age, has fer its OBJ
iect the subsection of man to the arbitrary pow
er of his rulers: the other, comparatively re-
cent in its origin, and first established by the
hardihood and independence Of few pilgrims
on wild and unknown coast, aims to restore
mankind to the enjoyment of freedom and e
quality The first is mirror in which Prin-
ces NAV observe their harsh and unrelenting
features: in the other, we delight to contem-
plate the serene and living lineaments OF our
Industrious Washington OF his character the
noblest elogiura is the history Of his country,
and the highest relief in which it can be placed,
is that afforded by the history of tyrants. In
. what manner, then, can we better improve
few moments, dedicated to his memory, than
in briefly reviewing those events, which have
applied the last proof to his immortal institu-
tons, and in comparing that republican sys-
tenn which he founded, with those systems,
however called, which have embodied the spi-
rit of despotism, and waged war with the secu-
rity and welfare Of mankind.
A few years only had elapsed after the estab
hshment Of American independence, and Wash
ing,on was still enjoying the sublime evening
Of his heroic life, when Europe became the
scence of drama, upon which the attention OF
the world was fixed with breathless and alb
sorbing interest. France, the land OF Bayard
and De Folk; the nurse of chivalry, the home
Of LOYALTY, was suddenly transformed to re-
public. The knel of her slaughtered monarch
echoed through the walls of every European
palace, and monarchy seemed every where to
totter on its throne The ancient systems oil
Europe, secured by the grey and reverend au-
rhority of thousand years, shook through
their whole extent. Hitherto, princes alone
had occupied the stage, and had filled each sue
cessive act with kingly and imperial follies.-
1t now seemed that the catastrophe of the dra-
ma had arrived, and that the people, hitherto
unseen in the representation, was about to as
cend like destiny, with terrors for the wicked,
and compensation for the just. The friend of