The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-05-22

dom. Far different is the radiencc which
surrounds his name and fame. 1t shines
mildly and equally, and guides the phi
lanthrophist and citizen in abe path OF
doty andit win guide them long after
those false lights, which have attracted
too much attention shall have been ex-
tinguished in darkness.
In the grave before us lie the remains
Of lis mother. Long has it been un-
marked by any monumental tablet, but
not unhonored. You have undertaken
the pious duty oferectIng a column to her
memory and of inscribing upon it the
simple, but affecting words, Mary the
Mother Of Washington No eulogy
couldbe higher, and it appeals TO the
heart ofevery American.
These memomrlals of affections and
gratitude arc consc Grated by the prac-
tice of all ages and nations. They are
tributes of respects to the dead, but they
convey practical LESSONS of virtue and
wisdom TO the living. The mother and
son are beyond the reach of human APP
plause. But the bright example of par
entail and ilial excellence, which their
conduct Sfaruispes, cannot but produce
the most snlntary effects upon our coun-
trymen. Let their example be before
us, from the first lesson which is taught
the child, till the mothers duties yield
to the course of preparation and action,
which nature prescribes for him.
The address which we have heard,
portrays 10 just colors this most estima-
Bile woman. Tradition says, that the
character of Washington wds aided and
strengthened, if not formed, by the care
and precepts Of his mother. She was
remarkable for the yigor of her intellect
and the 'firmness Of her resolution. Left
in early life, the sole parent of a young
and numerous family, she devoted her.
self with exemplary fidelity to the task of
guiding and educating .hen. With Inn
tied resources she was able, by care and
economy to provide for them, and to
ensure them u Respectable entrauce upon
the duties of life. A firm believer in the
sacred truths of religion, she taught its
principles to her children and inculcateI
an early obedience to its injunctlons.
1t is said by those who knew her that
she acquired and maintained wonder
nbIe ascendency over those around her,
This true CHARACTERISTIC of genius atien-
ded her through life, and even in its de-
cline, after her sou had led his country
to independence, and had been called to
preside over her councils, he approached
her with the same reverence she taught
how to exhibit in early youth. This
course of maternal discipline, no doubt
restrained the natural ardor Of his tsul-
permanent and conferred upon him that
EpQwer OF. self comWand, which was one
t6Yvne rl5oss 'roszws s6ssivs-~;sss<ki -. .siss-
ractel.
In tracing the few recollections, which
can be gathered Of her principlse and
conduct it is impossible to avoid the
conviction that these we're closely inter-
woven with the destiny of her son. The
great points Of his character are before
the world. He who runs may read them
in his whole career, as n citizen, SOL
der, magistrate. He possessed an
unerring Judgment, if that term can be
applied to human nature; great probity
of purpose, high moral principles, per-
feet seIfpossession, untiring application,
an inGuiring mind, seeking information
from every quarter, and arriving at its
conclusion with full knowledge of the
subject and he added to these, an in
ficxibility, of resolution which nothing
could change but conviction of error
Look back ut the life and conduct of
his mother, and at her domestic govern
ment, as they have been this day delin-
Gated by the chairman of the monumen-
tai committee, and as they were known
to her cotemporaries and have been de-
scribed by them, aud they Will be found
admirably adapted to form and develope
the elements of such a character. The
power of greatness was there, but had it
not been guided and directed by mater
nal soliciiude andjudgment, its posscssor,
instead of presenting to the world exam
Piles of virtue, patriotism, and wisdom,
which will be precious in all succeeding
ages, might have added to the number OF
those master spirits, whose fame rests
oponthe faculties they have abused, and
the injuries they have committed.
How important to the females Of our
country are these "reminiscences Of the
early life Of Washington, and of the
maternal care Of her upon its future
course depended. Principles, less firm
and just, and affection, less regulated by
discretion, might have changed the cha
racier Of the son, and with il this desti-
MES Of the nation. We have reason to
be proud Of the virtue and intelligence
of our females. As mothers and sisters
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