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

petition! 1t our example shall prove I'd Oe oiie'
not OF encouragement, but ot terror-Dot NJ 10
be initiated. but fit only 10 be Stunned, where
else shall the world look for free modei.s u
this great Wesfern Smn be struck out OF the mr.
mament, at what other fountain shall the Lamp
Of Liberty hereafter be Iighteds What other GRO
shall emit ray, to slimmer even' on the DARK
ness of the worIdl
Gentlemen, there is no danger oil our overrat-
ing, or overstating the important part "h'cn we
are now acting, in human affairs. IL snou,u "o'
iatter our personal self-respect but 1t should re-
animate patriotic virtues. and inspire US WIZ"
deeper and more solemn sense ooth OF our Pri-
yileges and of our duties. We cannot wish bet
ter for our country, nor for the world. than that
the same spirit which Influenced washington
may influence all who succeed him; and that that
same blessing from aboye which attended his ell
forts may also attend theirs.
The principles of Washington's Adm'nlstra,
ton are not left doubtful. They are to be found
in the Constitution itself-in the great measures
recommended and approved by HMM his
speeches to Congress, and in that most interest.
ing paper, his Farewell Address to the People oil
the United States The success Of the Govern
ment,under his, Administration ia the highest
proof Of the ;sosndness Of his principles. And.
after an experience of thirty-6ve years, what is
there which an snemv could condemn-wEat IS
there which either his friends, or the friends ut
the country, could wish to have been otherwise!
speak, Of course, of great measures and lead
inf principles.
In the first place, all his measures were right
IN intent. He stated the whole basis of his own
great character. when he told the country. in the
lonely phrase of the proverb, that honesty is the
best poioy. One of the most just and most strik.
Ing things eyersaid Of him, is. that she changrd
npaeakiud's idea of political greatness" To com
manding talent, and to success. the common ele-
ment. of such greatness. he added disregard OF
self, spOtlessness.of motive, steady submis-
sion to every public and private duty, which threw
far into the shade the whole crowd of vulgar great
The object of his regard was the whole country
No part of it was enough to fill his enlarged pa
triotsm. His love of glory, so far as that may
be supposed to have Influenced him at all.spurned
every thing short of general appreciation 1t
would have been nothing to him. that his parti-
sans or his favorites outnumbere,l, or outvoted,
or 0utmanaged. those of other leaders He had no
favortes he rejected all partlsanship; and, act.
ing honestly for the universal good. he deserved,
what he has so richly enjoyed the universal love-
His principle it was. to act right. and to trust
the People for support; his principle it was not,
to follow the lead of sinister and selfish ends, and
to rely on the little arts of party ds usion to OBJ
tain public sanction for such course. Born for
his country. and for the world he did not give up
to party what was meant Tor mankind. The con-
sequence Is that his fame is durable as his prin
ciples, as lasting as truth and virtue themselves.
While the hundreds whom party excitement, and
temporary circumstances, and casual comblna.
tons. have raised into transient notOriety,
sink again, like bubbles, bursting and dis
solving into the great ocean. Washington's fame
"a like the rock, which bounds that ocean, and
at whose feet its pillows are destined to break
harmlessIy for ever.
The maxims upon which Washington conduct
ed our foreign relations were few and simple
The first was, an entire and indIsputabe Impair.
tialy towards foreign States He adhered to this
rule of public conduct, against very strong in
ducements to depart from 1t, and when the popu-
lariiy of the moment seemed to favor such de-
parture. In the next place, he maintained true
dignity. and unsuilied honor, in all cummunica-
tions with foreign States. 1t was among the high
duties devolved upon him, TO introduce our new
Government into the circle of civilized States,
and powerful nations. Not arrogant or assuming.
with no rnbecoming or supercious bearing he
vet exacted for it, from all others, entire and pune
tious respect He demanded. and he obtained
at one. standing of perfect equality for his cOun
try. in the society uf nations; nor was there
prince or potentate Of his day, whose personal
character carried with it. into the intercourse with
other States, greater degree of respect and We
neration.
He regarded other nations only, as they stood
in natural relations to us. With their internal
affairs, their political parties and dissensions. he
scrupuousIy absrained, from all interference; and
on the other hand. he spiritedy repealed all such
Interference by others WITH US or our concerns
His sternest rebuke. the most indignant measure
of his whole Administration, was AIMED against
such an attempted interference. He felt it. as
an attempt to wound the national honor, and re-
sented i, accordingly.
The reiterated admoniions in his Farewell Ad-
dress. show his deep fears, that foreign influence
would insnuate itself into our councils. through
the channels OF domestic dissension, and obtain
a sympathy with our own temporary parties -
Against all such dangers. he most earnestly en-
treats the country to guard itself. He appeals to
,ts natriutsm ~ ts respect, to its own honor to