The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-07
THE FOURTH OF MAY.-The recurrence


,b;s anniversary of memorable event brings To the
mind crowd ofrecolleciions--a succession OF images
.hch mass in review like the rapidly shifting visions
Of dream. Within the last twelve months what
changes have we not witnessed! Through what va
,ous steps have we passed Of hope and uncertainty,
Of confdence and doubt Of national triumph and ma
tional mourning
The morning Of this day, one year ago, witnessed
scene at that time novel and unprecedentedhe first
grand act Of drama, the prelude of which began at
Harrisburg some months before. The Convention OF
The Fourth OF May, iS40 was the first great Assem-
bly ofthe People-and its voice went forth through
all the land as when
Jura answers from her misty shroud
Back to the joyous Alps that call TO her aloud !"
Who that witnessed that extraordinary convocaton
can ever forget the It presented For days be-
fore hand what Aocking hiher from all quarters
what greetings and salulatons though old acquain
tances were met. Then came the stir and hustle and
the swnrming forth on the morning of the appointed
day--the gallopng of marshas to and fro with bright
sashes fuerng in the airthe lively strains of music,
in every direction, the various detachments moved
to the rendezvous, and the heavy shouts with which
each advancing column was observation-disclosures that
were as heartily returned What display OF banners
and what inscriptions, emblems and devcesl The
spectator rs he noted the vast procession moving
ward, might count the standards of twenty six States
The march was like triumphal procession-and il
was such in advance. The power Of strong enthu-
siasm anticipated events and caught glorious pre-
sentiment Of what to follow.
The rapid succession Of events which after
wards-the excitements of a vigorous canvass--the
agitations that shook the public mind 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 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 II seems long short the mind
happens to view it--ior there is a unity running
through the whole succession incidents which marks
as one epoch yet various were the events and
important, that each in detail TO claim apoch
for itself
There is indeed one point upon which the attention
is arrcseda point which suddenly stops the onward
current Of thou hit and recollection, and which may be
considered the abrupt termination of the last years
panorama. The course which began with the pa
geantry of the Fourth of May closed by the yet
recent, solemn obseques of a funeral The champ-
on who led on the great army ofthe country deliver
has faen-but il was in the arms of victory and
with the wreath on his head. While this mournful
visitation subdues the exuation Of triumph let
hope that it will also give the sanction ofthe departed
patriots name to the great reform which his heart
was set on accomplshing-and haow in the hearts
Of his countrymen the idea Of public virtue for which
he beloved and which is essential to the safety of
a Republic.
But with regard to the great Convention fine
Fourth Of May, its results will be ofa extended
and far reaching importance than any probably
imagined when it first projected They will ex-
tend beyond the present conflict of parties, and per-
weighty particulars. The direct and immediate action
of the People was never fully developed that
occasion in connection with the political affairs Of The
Union Such vast masses 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 Of
her freedom The vast extent of territory offers
the fewer obstacles this sort of progress since the
modern improvements in travelling have completely
changed the old relations of time and space. If an
exciting canvass twenty wears henGS shall ranse the
oflS40 will be mere groups in comparison with the
assemblage which will then be congregated together
The people met last year in their primitive assem-,
blies TO concert measures and unite their strength
to reform the Government-to plrce in the adj
ministration whose honesty and well tried integrity
whose patriotism and simplicity Of character the
chief qualities that drew towards him the confidence
and attachment of his countrymen. What future inn
pulses will actuate the masses when they shall meet
again in redoubed numbers to sway the of state
future times alone disclose Ii remains only for
hope the best and TO discharge the duties Of
good citizens to give only guarantee in power
for the perpeuation of our noble Institutions Bah-
American.