Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-05-27

chiyalry, and shows that the Republic
was safe in his hands; his indications o.
policy in regard to the Aborigines develop
his humanity; his admonttions to bis
countrymen Of the danger Of high party
spirit, following IN this matter the lead o.
Washington in his f4reweli Address
prove bis sincere regard for them; and
last, though not least, as his expressions
of reverence for the Christian religion,
and his firm belief in its truths, are clear
indications that his heart was not stran-
ger TO the Impressions Of pieiy. All these
principles and sentiments are contained
in the Inaugural Address! VIVA; a
document is this 1t glows with patriot
ism, virtue, and religion Its teachings
are inscribed upon the alter Of the temple
ofliberty, and the sons Of freedom, in their
deyotiors at her shrine, will catch Their
inspiration, and be guided by them 10 po-
ltical virtue aud distinction
The short time the President lived at
ter his inauguration was periodically and
industriously devoted 10 the duties OF his
high office. And so far as could be
known, his administration ptesaget great
usefulness TO his country. But he was
cut off in the midst of his labors On
the morning Of the 4th of April, ls4l, he
who when youth of nineteen was seen
in the Army Of Wayne gallautly fighting
for his country Whose voice, fresh IN
youthful yigor, was heard above the tn.
multi of the bloody strife, urging "the
troops TO press for victory;" after u long,
honorable career, life Of glory, at the
advanced age Of sixty-eight, the chosen
Chief Magistrate ofthe Nation, in the Pre-
sidentia Mansion in Washington City,
closes his eyes on time But, while the
lamp OF life was pickering in lis socket,
that same voice, shattered and enfeebled
though i was, which echoed on the bat
tie ground, uttered its last tones. And
what were The last words Of William
Henry Harrison These "Sir, wish
you 10 understand the true principles Of
the Constitution wish them carried
out ask nothing more" His country
was the Alpha and Omega of his life =
Love for it, his "ruling passion" was
p" strong in DEATH" His remains now
rest in the Metropolis of the Capital, but
these words will live long as the pulsa-
tons of freedom vbrate in the Nation or
the Constitution endurts
We have thus, lellow-citizens, very i'm.
perfectly, we are aware, presented TO
your consideration the character OF Will
liam Henry Harrison. As a military
man, you have seen him rise from an
Ensign through the grades OF Lieutenant
and Captain to the rank OF Major General
in the Army. In his civil capacity, you
have seen him Secretary of the North
western Territory, its first delegate in
Congress, Governor Of Indiana Territory,
Commissioner TO treat with the Indians, n
member of the House Of Representatives
Of the United States, member of the State
Senate, member Of the United States Sc
nate, Minister Plenpotentary to Colon
bia, and finally Chief Magistrate of the
Republic. How various were the official
relations he sustained And with what
signal ability and integrity were they dis
charged We can scarcely turn our at
tention to department OF the National
interest that does not bear the impress OF
his great mind. He filled the most re-
sponsble Offices Of the State with unsul-
lied honor. And the verdict of his coun-
try in retrospecting his services, now that
he has ceased from his labors, and de-
seconded TO the tomb full Of years and rich
IN fame, is, well done good and taiLful
servant"
There are lessons Of instruction to be
derived from review OF the history oil
this great man that should not be lost
sight Of. Ard there is moral IN the uni
versal mourning on account OF bis death
which illustrates not merely nations
grief, but, al 50, TIE homage which is pail
to virtue. If we inquire for the cause of
his eminent success in life, we shall find
that it consists not so much in the posses
sion of any one distinguished trait only,
as in the combination Of sundry good
qualities. Not so much in brilliant, over
topping, over. powering genlus-for what
is such genius without virtue, but fire
that exctes to destructlon-as IN strong
intellect, cultivated by education and i'm
proved by close observation OF men and
things, united with strict integrity and re.
gard for religion, ardent patriotism, per-
severlng industry, and untring devotion
to the interests of his country in whatever
capacity no was called on TO serve 1t.
These were the architects Of his great
fame. We need not wonder neither al
the symmetry nor the soldity Of the struc-
ture, nor the uncommon power OF his
character. 1t may have appeared strange
at first, that one who for years had lived
in reliremen. should have been fixed upon
for the highest Office in the gift Of the
people. But there is nothing remarkable
in it. The merit of his deeds imprinted
upon the Nations history, drew attention
to him. These were the magnet that at.
tracted the affection and confidence of his
countrymen. And sanctioned, as they
were, by a life of unbending integrity,
their influence was IRRESISTIBLE Mere
art and policy may prosper for moment,
but their success will be Of short duration
before free and intelligent people. The
only sure guaranty OF commanding repu-
tation, is inhexble integrity. Though 1t
may pass unnotced for time, yet, asso-
ciated with the requisite qualities of intel
hgence and zeal, it will ultimately ,ri-
umphl A cloud may rest for the present