Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-03-08

ton Of human character and human affairs shai,
be made on this theatre Of the Western world; II
it be true that
'The four first acts already past,
ga fifth shall close the drama with the day;
"Time's Modest offspring is the LAST
how could this imposing. swelling, final scene
be appropriately opened, how could its intense
interest be adequately sustained, but by the in
PRODUCTION Of just such character as our Wash.
ington?
Washington had attained his manhood when
that spark Of liberty was struck out in his own
country, which has since kindied into fame,
and shot its beams over the earth. In the flow
Of century IRON his birth, the world has chang
ed in science in arts, in the extent Of commerce,
in navigation, aud IN all that relates to the civil
lization of man. But Il is the spirit Of human
freedom, the new elevation Of individual man. in
his moral, social and political character leading
the whole long train of other improvements.
which has most remarkably distinguished the era.
Society. in this century, has not made its pro-
gress, like Chinese skill, by greater acuteness
of ingenuity in trifles; il has not merely lashed
itself to an increased speed round the old circles
of thought and action; but 1t has assumed new
character, 1t has raised itself from beneath Go
vernments to participation IN Governments; II
has mixed moral and political objects with the
daily pursuits of individual men. and. with
freedom anil strength before altogether unknown,
it has applied to these objects the whole power OF
the human understanding. 1t has been the era,
in short, when the social principle has triumphed
over tn. ieudal principle; when society has main
tanned its rights against military power, and es-
tahlished, in foundations never hereafter to be
shaken, ITS Complementary to govern itself.
II was the extraordinary fortune of Washing
ton, that, having been intrusted in Revolutlona-
~ times with the supreme military command, and
having ful filled that trust with equal renown for
wisdom and for valOr, he should be placed at the
head OF the first Government IN which an attempt
was to be made on large scale, to rear the fab
rc of social order on the basis of written con-
stitution, and of pure representative principle.
A Government was to be established, without
throne. without an aristocracy, without castles,
orders, or privileges; and this Government. in
stead of being democracy, existing and acting
within the wallis of single city. was to be ex-
tended over vast country, of different climates,
interests, and habits, and of various sects and
sentiments Of the Christian religion. The expe-
riment was entirely new. A popular Govern
ment, of tins extent, 1t was evident. could be
framed only by carving into full effect the prn-
ciple Of representation. or of delegated power.
and the world was to see whether society could.
by the strength Of this principle, maintain Its
own peace and good government. carry forward
its own great interests. and conduct itself in
political renown and glory. BY the benignty of
Providence. this experiment, SO full OF interest
to US and to our pOsteriy forever. full OF inte
rest to the world. IN its present generation, and
in all its generations 20 come. was suffered to COM
mence under the guidance of Washington -
Destined tor this high career, he fitted for 1t
bv wisdom, bv virtue. BY patriotism. by dscre-
ton. by whatever can inspire confidence in man
toward man. In entering on the untried scenes,
early disappointment and the premature extinc-
ton of all hope ct success. would have been GER
TAIN had il not been that there did exist through
out the country. in most extraordinary degree,
an unwav.rine trust IN him whose hand held the
helm of affairs.
remarked gentlemen, that the whole world
was aud is interested in the result of this expert
ment. And is il not 50? Do we deceive our
selves. or is it true, that at this moment the ca
resr which this Government is runnings among
the most attractive objects to the civilized world7
DO we deceive ourselves, is it true that at this
moment that love Of liberty and that understand
ing of it, true principles. which are flying over
the whole world.as ON the wings of all the winds,
are really and truly Of American orignl
AT the period Of the birth of Washington, there
existed IN Europe no political liberty. in large
communities, except the Provinces of Holland.
aud except that England herself had set a great
example. 50 far as it went, by her glorious Re.
voiu,ion of 1858. Every where else. despotic
power was predominant, and the seudal Or mill
tary principle held the mass of mankind in hope.
less bondage. One half Of Europe was crushed
beneath the Bourbon sceptre, and no conception
of political liberty, no hope even Of religious to
leration. existed among that Nation which was
Americas frs, ally. The King was the State,
the King was the country. the King was all -
There was one KING, with power not derived
from his People, and ton high to be questioned;
and the rest were all subjects, with no political
right. but obedience-All above was intangible
power, all below quiet srbjsction. A recent &C.
curresce in the French Chambers shows US how
human sentiments on these subjects have chang
ed A Minister had spoken Of the - Kings sub
jects." "'fhere are no subjects" exclaimed
hundreds of voices al once, lin country where
10 aLot -