Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-12-17


ed within three figures OF arithmetic. The
case Of the learned is quite the reverse; for one
way or another, they are all provided: so that,
though the toll Of soldier is greater, his re-
ward is much less. To this observation, II
NAV be replied, that it is far more easy to re-
ward two thousand scholars than thirty thou
sand soldiers; for the frs, are accomplished
with Offices which must, Of course, be bestowed
on people Of their profession; whereas, the
others can enjoy no reward, except share OF
the property belonging to their master whom
they serve; even this i,npossibi.ity strengthens
my asseveration.
sBut waving that consideration, which would
lead us into most intricate labyrinth, let US
return TO the preeminence which arms have
over learning, point hitherto undecided; of
such force are the reasons alleged on both sides
of. the question; one OF which in favor Of The
last, is, that without, letters, the profession Of
arms could not be supported, because there are
laws 10 which war itself is subject, and all laws
fall within the province of letters and learned
men. To this observation the prrtisans OF
other opinion reply, that no laws could be
maintained without arms, which preserve the
constitution, defend kingdoms, guard cities,
scour the highways, and clear the seas OF the
piratica corsairs. In short, that without arms,
all republics, kingdoms, monarchies, cities
,ourncs by land, aud voyages by sea, would be
exposed TO the horror and confusion that attend
unbrided war, while il contlales in all lis IL
centous privilege and force. IL is general
aud established maxim, that every thing ought
10 be esteemed in proportion 10 what 1t costs;
now, to become eminent in letters costs the
student much time, watching, hunger, naked
midi 81 IN
quences, which are in part mentioned above;
bu, to acquire, in regular manner, the charac.
ter Of good soldier, man must undergo all
th, Sc Inconvenience in an ineomrarably great
or degree; because he is every moment in dam
ger of losing his life. What fear Of indulgence
and poverty can seize and harass the Students
apprehension equal TO that which must possess
the soldier hesieged ib fortress, who being
placed sentinel or guard in some ravelin or ca
WALLER, perceives The enemy at work undermin-
ing the very spot wherein he stands; wi,hou:
daring to stir from his post, or avoid the dan
ger by which he is imminent.y threatened?
All he can do, is to give notice Of what passes
10 his captain, who must cndeavor TO battle the
foe by some countermine, while he remains
upon the place in terror and expectation of be-
ing suddenly whirlcd alofi into the clouds with
out wings, aud Of falling thence 'headong into
the profound abyss: if this danger seems in
considerable, let US see whether il be equallcd
or exceeded in the graphing Of two gallies, by
their prows, in the mids. Of TIC extended ocean:
when they are locked and fastened into each
other, and the soldier hath not an inch more
Than two feet Of the beak 10 stand upon, while
he sees himself threatened and opposed by as
many ministers Of death as there are cannon
in the enemy's vessel, and these within spear
length OF his body; and is sensible, that il his
feet should chance 10 slip, he would Instantly
visi, the profound bosom Of the sea, yet, never
thcless, with an intrepid heart, melted and
transported by honor, he bears the bruni OF
their whole ariIinn.-- 81 aA,lpaunrE by IL at
narrow passage TO board the adverse vessel;
and, what is very much 10 BE admired, is, III a.,
as soon as one falls, never TO rise again till
the general resurrection, another occupies his
place, and should he also drop into the sea,
which like enemy gapes 10 devour him,
another and another still succeeds, without the
smallest intermission; an instance OF ga!lanfry
and boltlness, the greatest to be found in all the
extremiies of waf. Happy were the ages past.
while strangers 10 those internal instruments
of artillery, the a.thor Of which is, firmly
believe, now in hell, enjoying the reward OF his
diabolican invenlion that puts II in the power
OF an infamous coward, 10 deprive inc most va
ent cavalier Of life; for often in the heat OF that
courage s. resolution that fires and animales the
gallant breast, there comes random ball, how or
from whence no man can tell, shot off perhaps,
by one that fed and was afraid at the flash OF
his own accursed machine, and in an instant,
puts an end to the schemes and existence OF a
man who d., .crved to live for ages. This very
consideration makes me almost own that | am
sorry for having chosen the profession OF
knight errani in this de,cstabe age; for though
no danger can iaunt my resolution, it gives
me some uncasiness to think tina, powder and
shot may deprive me Of the opportunity OF
making myself famous and renowned through
The whole globe, for the vacr Of my arm and
the keenness of my sword: but let the will OF
Heaven be fulfilled; if ! accomplish my aim, |
shall be more esteemed, because | have faced
more danger than ever was incurred by the
knights erran, in ages past"
STATE OF IRELAND.
To lie Editor Of the London Morning Chronicle.
SIR-Seven millions Of Irish Catholics, con-
stitu;inp seven Fights of the population OF that