Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-09

yelled against Us. Drowning men. tbs
said. will catch At s,rsws; the adage is
peculiarly applicable here-pro,ected
as We are. n citizens Of this wise and
happy republic. the spleen Of our enc
mics will be exhibited in every pos
sible manner thstit dare assume tow ards
US as freemen. But. If we only let our
department in public life be correct.
though prosecuted by the ignorant and
vicious. We will eventually gain the
Appreciation Of the wise and good
Our keeping is In our own hands
Brethren, what incentives! Can these
reflections fail to have weight on every
Clansman Of McIvor. Forbid il, spirit
ofthou god-like man. on whose nativity
We have assembled! am no visiona-
~, yet when looking forward into the
future. I am delighted with the pros
pect that probability unfolds as the des-
tiny of this charming village. this spot Of
our origination-renowed IS il has ever
been for its stupendous specimen. OF
great natures handy ~ ork and the mag
nificence ofits natural scenery. Hav-
ing IN contemplation and already COM
menced systems Of the most useful in =
ternal Improvements, already the life,
activity and generous excitement Of a
little city. have banished the quiet and
dull montony ofthe village. l free my
Imagination (! Fancy uncontrolled. scars
at villa few more years are added to
the swelling numbers Of the past, and
Mclvorship has gone abroad. Like
messengers Of peace and consolation,
lis members have unfurled the broad
and stainless banner Of GOOD WILL TO
MAN AND UNIVERSAL BENEvoLrNcE TO
THE WORLD. When the wise and
virtuous. the patriot and sage have en-
tered their shrines, and added more
strength TO the cause Of man and hu-
maniiy-and this institution has taken
her place among the most benevolent
and beneficial Of all socitles Of its kind
then, indeed. will the romantic village
OF your nativity. within whose swelling
course Of hospitality I now stand, go
dowL TO posierity and fame. with
the enviable distinction Of having pro-
duced this philanthrop;c society. But.
iellow-clansmen. transported IS am
with this view Of the ultimate fate Of
our brotherhood. happy ! am, still TO
say. another objectthan a mere define
alton Of our character to the world. has
caused us TO assemble 10 this temple
Of thanksgiving and prayer. l look
around this respectable auditory. and /
behold eyes fired with virtue, sparkling
in heartfelt Joy and enthusiasm. lis
ten. and hear the voices Of generous
freemen, as the lofty blood Of patriotism
crimsons their cheeks. in gratitude as
cending on high. And. why is this
What thought pervades the breast, what
feeling thus monopolizes each pulse oil
the living soulI What magic is there
in the twenty-secoad day Of February
! pause but not long am I unanswer.
ed. Do read it. my Brethren. in thai
smile of transport that sheds its Ugh,
IN every countenance. that tinge Of
conscious pride maotling on every
cheek Yes. those looks give full re-.
ply Still. if were incredulous, othel
tones are thrilling, other voices speak.
ing. / ask-each native and adopted
son Of this beloved land, and the gentle
winds that play around those walls, bear
me answer. | ask agaln-and the null
tiiudinous inhabitants of the universal
world, where e'er the gladstone sound
Of liberty has fallen from enlightened
Europe. to despotic Africa. sirainins
their gaze towards the land Of Colum-
bus. IN voices deep aud strong as the
mighty waters Of the ocean. proclaim
the natal day Of GEORGE WASHINGTON,
This day. then, so hallowed in every
lreemah's soul, so enshTined ia every
heart. is the l05th anniversary Of ths
suspicious era that gave a saviour e
America. a heartfelt lesson to Europe
and a glorious example TO the world
Despo,s may triumph in their powers
and boast Of the subjugation Of hearts
born 10 be free. yet when the immor
tai yindicator Of his countTy's rights IL
named, like him Of old whose destiny
was written on the wall. a universe
tremor shall possess their souls. and III,
scepire OF ~ rannic sway fall from the
neTvelcss grasp Of guilt and blooc
stained power. In speaking of the IL
lustrious Washington, ! should indeed
feel myself highly presumptuous, weT'
] to attempt to pronounce an eulogy tha
would show forth more IorcIbly hi
merits, or sketch history that woul,
more endear his memory TO your hearts
"a a native. born son Of Columbia. Prou,
am | 10 know, that the task would b,
IDLY vain. II is the gif, from SIRE Z,
son. The parent experiences holy jol
IN relating to bis ohspring. the tale o
our glorious contest for freedom ant
independence, and the history Of ib'
man fret IN var, first IN peace. ans
frsi in the hearts Of bs eountrymeh =
II grows with the youthful blood untl
u becomes part Of the heart and soul
NOtwithsisnding, countrymen j, woul'
be vsniiy for me 10 attempt an eulogl
Of ouI great bensfaoioF. when the 70
rum has echoed with his worth and N,
pulpit rang With his praise. . part o
THIS days celebration requires me q
give his vaFiOus walks through life