The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-08

THE FOURTH OF MAf.-Ihe recurrence OF
this anniversary of memorable event brings 10 the
mind crowd ofrecollec,ions- succession OF images
which pass in review like the rapidly shifting visions
of a dream Within the last twelve months what
changes have we not witnessed! Through what va
rious steps have passed of hope and uncer anty,
ofconfdence and doubt, of national triumph and ma
tional mourning
The morning of this day, one year ago. witnessed
scene at that time novel and unpTecedented-the frst
grand act ola drama, the prelude of which began at
Harrisburg some months before. The Convention OF
the Fourth Of May, lS40, the first great Assem-
bly, ofthe People-and its voice went forth through
all the land as when
---a Jura answers from her misty shroud
Back to the joyous Alps that call 10 her aloud /"
Who that witnessed that extraordinary convocation
forget the il presented For days be-
fore hand what focking hither from all quarters
what greetings and saluatons though old acquain
tances met. Then came the stir and hustle and
the swarming forth the morning of the appointed
day-the galopng of marshas TO and fro with bright
sashes utterng in the arthe lively strains of musis
to the rendezvous and the heavy shouts with which
zach advancing column was received shouts that
were as heartily returned What display of banners
and what inscriptions, emblems and devices The
spectator he noted the vast procession moving
ward might count the standards Of twenty States.
The march was like trumphal procession-and it
was such in advance The power of strong enthu-
siasm anticipated events and caught glorious pre-
sentiment of what was to follow.
The rapid succession OF events which came after
wards--the excitements Of avigorous canvass--the
agitations that shook the public mind one State
after another cast her vote until the voice Of New
York at last proclaimed the final and browning tri-
umph- all those now seem, as one looks back, like
things of yesterday. II is difficult to apply the ordi-
nary measure Of duration to the period Of the last
twelve months. It seems long short as the mind
happens to view it--for there is a unity running
through the whole succession fncidents which marks
it epoch yet various were the events and SO
important that each in detail to claim apoch
for itself
There is indeed one point upon which the attention
is arresteda point which suddenly stops the onward
current Of thou hit and recollection and which may be
considered the abrupt termination Of the last
panorama. The course which began with the pa
geantry of the Fourth Of May was closed by the yet
recent, solemn obsequies of funeral! The champ-
who led on the great army ofthe country deliver
ers has faen-but i was in the arms Of victory and
with the wreath on his head While this mournful
visitation subdues the exultaton of triumph, let
hope that it will also give the sanction Oft departed
patriots to the great reform which his heart
was set on accomplishing hallow in the hearts
Of his countryInen the ideaof public virtue for which
he beloved and which is essential to the safety Of
Republic.
But with regard to the great Convention Of the
Fourth Of May, its results will be of extended
and far reaching Importance than any one probably
imagined when It first projected. They will ex-
tend beyond the present conflict Of parties and per-
haps modify the nature of our government in some
weighty particulars The direct and immediate action
Of the People fully developed as on that
occasion in connection with the political affairs Of the
Union. Such vast were never before brought
together TO listen to the harangues of orators With
in the last twelve months democratic America has
made large strides towards assimilation with demo
cratic Athens the latter existed during the days
her freedom The vast extent of territory offers
the fewer obstacles to this sort of progress the
modern improvements in travelling have completely
changed the old relations oftime and space. If an
exciting twenty years hence shall the
popular feelings the recent did, the gatherings
ofl840 will be mere groups in comparison with the
assemblage which win then he congrcgated together
The people met last year in their primitive assem-
bliest TO concert and unite their strength
to reform the Government-to plrce man in the adj
mnstration whose honesty and well tried integrity,
whose patriotism and simplicity of character were the
qualities that drew towards him the confidence
and attachment of his countrymen. What future inn
pulse will actuate thesmasses when they shall meet
again in redoubled numbers to sway the of state
future times alone disclose. II remains only for
to hope the best and discharge the duties OF
good citizens to give the only guarantee in our power
for the perpetuaton our noble institutions. Bali
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