Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-03-23
ALEXANDRIA, DC.
TUESDAY MoRH,Ns,. MARCH %. 1880. ~

sincethe subject of removing the remains Oh lie
beloved Washington from their present resting
place has been agtated, no voice has been fais-
ed in opposition to the measure. why this Is So
we cannot tell.-Certain we are, that to us It's
improperly is manfest-and we would not wlsh
TO see it carried into execution. We would ra-
Their that the hallowed spot now consecrated as
his sepuchre should continue to be the shrine,
where the pilgrim Patriot can offer up his vows to
the spirit of Liberty Where he lived In the pride
of his virtue. his honor. and his fame,-where he
died in the enjoyment of the best feelings OF MS
countrymen-there let his ashes remain.-Let
not Mount Vernon cease to be regarded as the
burial place of Washington.
| Should it be determined that the gratitude OF
the nation is to be expressed in raising marble
column to his memory, ought it not to be erected
over his grave?
The cuIpable neglect on the part of those who,
above all other men should not have been neglect
full, cannot be atoned for by this tardy acknow-
ledgment of and compliance with resolve of
Congress, passed Immediately after Washing
tons death. Years have rolled by, end the body
of the Chief has been ..left alone to its glory"
with hardly any covering beside the green sods OF
his native hills. His humble tomb has been the
theme of reproach, and the object of derison with
foreigners. 10 American, no friend to IL
bertv ever yistetit but with feelings of the most
profound respect and veneration; it is sufficient
for them to know that the great Washington lies
there. Each successive year has done some
thing to halow the spot. There, daily, the sub
jects of foreign kings come to admire the indy
ing glory of the Republican Hero. There, Anne
ricons come to learn lessons of Patriotism from
the conduct of tho Father of his Counrry-there,
La Fayette has knelt and '.kissed the sacred
earth'' and there. finally, the former partner of
his bosom, and others who were dear to him while
living. rest with him in death. To destroy all
these mournful but consoling arrangements-to
break up all associations connected with them
seems to be unnecessary. and improper.
Doubtless the present measure arises from feel
ings every way honorable and praiseworthy in
its projectors. They are anxious that the Capt.
tol of the Nation should contain the relics of Him
who was its founder, and under whose auspices
their country began to flourish and increase
We think, however, as events have happened,
that his ashes should not be disturbed. "Let
the majestic column of glory be piled to the
clouds,'' over the lap of earth where now rests
a. LOT
erto the oppressed of other nations, and the free
of our own, gather around and learn to initiate
his example, and study his virtues.
-sna5esas-
There is moral sublimity in the spectacle of a
great man "struggling with the storms of fate"
unsurpassed by any other in the world There
is something noble and elevating in the thought,
that, although the clouds may lower and the
storm burst, virtue and genius will rise superior
to, and triumph over their violent efforts. Every
generous, honorable mind, sympathizes with OPP
pressed innocence, and loves to support injured
rectitude.
| 1t is under this consideration that we believe
that distinguished but prosecuted statesman,
Henry Clay, will, in the end, have justice done
to his motives, and honor conferred upon his &C
TONS
Mr.. Clay, undoubtedly, at this moment, is
placed high in the affections of his countrymen.
Envy and malice may misrepresent, and hate
may blacken-but truth is powerful, and will
prevail.-And who deserves the gratitude of his
countrymen more than Mr.. Clayl He is empha-
tically, above all others, the man of the people.
Born with no other heritage than poverty, he has
climbed the hill of fame by the force of his own
talents.-His native genius, warmed by the ardor
Of exerton, has carried him to the goal of his ex-
pectations.-His laurels are not wet with blood,
the noise of tumultuous war, and the shouts of
victorious armies do not follow his march-His
fame is that of the great civilian--the eloquent
orator-the accomplished statesman-the sue
cessful advocate-the honest man. These are
the trophies which he has won-these the tri-
I I.-I l.