Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-21

House Of Delegates Of Virginia, what the Legis-
lature of his native State thinks Of the proposition
for the removal of the remains of Washington. -
The House has unanimously protested against
the measure, and requested the proprietor of
Mount Vernon not to consent to the exhuma-
ton.
The Speaker presented the following message
from the Governors
Executive DEpARrEENT,1
Feb. 18th, 1882.
TO me House Of Delegates
feel it nv duty to informy pu, that amidst the
preparations now going farward to celebrate the
centennial brth,da Of oar cpuntryman, George
Washington, Ihave heard. with painful emotion,
that the Congress of the United States are about
10 cause the remains of that distinguished citizen,
should permission BE- obtained from the proprie-
tor of Mount Vernon, to be disnterred, with
view to carry them away beyond the limits OF
Virginia. and have chosen his birthday as the
time for that ceremony
I cannot on this occasion feel other than
marked dsappr)batiOn of such step. Ii Is the
province of Virginia to watch over the remains OF
George Washington--the utterance OF whose
name alone. carries to the hearts OF freemen all
that the eloguence OF Patrick Henry could con-
vey--a name. the brightness of which sinks into
shade the splendor of thrones, and into utter
darkness all the studied titles of the Universe.
To YOU appeal With confidence, to prevent.
if possible. such a measure-yOu, the descend
ants of those men whose blood was poured out
and mingled with the soil of Virginia, in defence
of liberty-that cause of which Washington was
the soul-a cause which made YOU freemen and
rendered his name title of greatness, which no.
thing bat his name can express.
II has long been the pride of our citizens, to
feel and know that the last wish of Washington,
the patriot warrior, was complied with In his NJ
terment. In locking through the tong vista OF
time, to contemplate the mausoieums of heroes,
ard the tombs of nations, Virginia has felt that
amidst all the changes to which human institu-
tious are liable to her peculiarly belongs the sa-
cred duty of guarding and honoring the remains
Of herson duty which piety and patriotism en-
Join, she will perform. JOHN Floyd
Mr. Bryce, Of G. said that This message was
addressed to feeling natural to every member
of tins House. feeling which theg had nourlshs
ell IRON their Oirth-veneratlon tor the name and
the memory at Washington. His name was as
sociatcd in the breasts of Vrginians With the no
blest sentiments O the human heart. Shall the sons
of those, said MIR. b., with whom he was associ-
ated. and who mingled their blood with his in de-
consent tfat his remains shall be en,o,ed from
the territory of Virginia; that lis honored bones
shall be placed in the hands If strangers, and
their shrine be transferred to another soil? He
moved that the communication Of the Governor
be deferred to a Select Committee, with leave to
sit during the session Of the House.
This motion was agreed to, and the following
gentlemen we're appointed Committee: Messrs.
Bryce, of g.. Newton. Bali, Randolph, Mellow
ell, Williams. GoOde, Preston, Richie, Carter,
Of X. and shields.
The Committee retired, and. after short ab-
sence. returned TO the House, when Mr.. Bryce
reported the following preamble and resolutions:
The General Assembly of Virginia. view with
painful socitude the efforts now making by the
Congress Of the United States. to remove from
siou nj Vernon the remains Of George Washing
ton. Connected with Virginia in his life, he
should mt be separated after death. A native
OF the State. the companion. friend and command
of our fathers. when they poured their ming
linz blood TO seal the charter Of our liberties
presented to the first grasp Of infant affection
in every nursery, consecrated under growing
know edge Of his character aud deeds, in the
more ardent sympathies Of our youth aud our
mauhOod. revercd in our memories with the mag
es of our fathers the tomb that enshrnes him
ia sacred tn Virginia. 1t is more especially
sacred as the spot Of final rcpose selected by
THE diving patriot himself In the name of the
good people of this Commonwealth. we solemnly
protest against the contemplated removal OF has
remains from our territory
Therefore Resolced, That the present proprie-
tor of Mount Vernon be earnestly requested, in
the name of the people of this State. no, to con-
sent 10 the removal Of the remains OF George
Washington beyond our territory. That # their
repose shall be disturbed. the iial hands OF Nir
sinia's sons shall alone touch and guard them.
Resoired, That the Governor Of the Common
wealth, forthwith make known the feelings and
wishes of the General Assembly upon the sub
ject in the most appropriate manner to the pre-.
sent proprietor of Mount Vernon and the Con-
gress of the United States.
In presenting this report, Mr. Bryce said that
he would only appeal to the feelings and the heart
of every Virginian in the House to sustain the
decision of the committee on this most interest
inv subject.