The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-02-09
gwrntp- Atoenth Congress
THIRD SESSION
wrDSrsDAs, February 8, lsi3.
SENATE.

SENATE
COMMUNICATION Win PANAMA AND oHAGhEs
Mr. BUCHANAN presented memorial from
merchants Of the city of Philadelphia asking for the
establishment of regular line Of packets TO Cnagres
aud and an overland mail TO Panama. lie said II APP
peared very strange indeed, that the mercantile inle-
rest had never before urged this measure, now, TO
communicate with the Pacific, they had to pass round
Cape Horn, when, by the route suggested, there
would be saving OF ton twelve thousand miles in
the passage lie would be glad, so FAR his OPT
mons concerned to urge The importance of this
| subject on the Committee on Commerce
And on his motion, the memorial was referred to
that Committee.
| THE SWORD or WASHINGTON AND THE STAFF OF
FRANKLIN.
Nj ST.. CLAIR CLARK, Esq, appeared at tho door of
the Senate, and announced message from the House
of Representatives. that they had passed joint reso-
luton presenting the thanks of Congress Samuel
T. Washington, of Virginia. for the present Of the
sword of General Washington and the staff of Benz
Franklin, in which they asked the concurrence of
the Senate
The SERGEANT. AT ARMS Of the House then ad-
yanced and laid the sword and staff upon the table of
the Secretary.
Mr.. ARCHER moved that the Senate proceed TO
the consideration of the resolution and there being
no objection, it was read and
The PRESIDENT pro tenn. stated the question to
be upon the passage Of the resolution.
Mr.. ARCHER then addressed the Senate as fol-
lows:
Mn. President 1t is known to all who have read
the will of General Washington, that he left four
| ncphews TO each of whom he bequeathed sword.
| The one now before us worn by the Father of
his Country through the whole period of his glorious
military life from the moment, when mere boy, he
entered tie Colonial service until his subsequent
proceedings crowned ms name with immortal glory
This sword was the painest, and considered intrin-
sically the least valuable of the rest but in my
opinion, (and this would be conceded by the Senate
and the country) it was by far the most valuable for
it was the battle sword of this great during the
whole period Of the war of the Revolution. There
| question OF its identity if there were could
find argument, satisfactory to my own mind in its
simplicity, characteristic of its former posses
| sor
| 1t may be thought by some unbecoming the dignity
| of the Senate, TO thus consume moment Of its
time; but j, sir, am not of them In other
| climes and ages of the world those who were the
precursors in the career of liberty, honored by
their country after death with marble statues to
their memory and although such evidences of the
nations gratitude with regard TO Washington and
Franklin nowhere meet the eye, yet, in my opinion
| these memorials-the sword, the staff-excited
| emotions in our bosoms far sublime and
grateful 10 the heart than the towering monu-
ment or mausoleum. They bring to our view,
it were the images OF the statesman-warrior and
the sage, and inspire us, IN degree, with the
spirit which produced the achievements for which
they eminently conspicuous benefactors
Of their country. But who the persons and
what the names with which these memorials of
the past are associated Washington when that
name is ,ntioned We should be presumptuous were
to attempt to add any thing to his fame of whom
one OF the most eloquent men, who welded the scep
tire of a monarch, said that among the inspired men
his was the greatest Of ar And il is for
allow me TO say that If il were possible for a man as
eminent in wisdom and virtue Washington was TO
appear in this world he would not be regarded in SO
suspicious light. And why Because circum-
stances must form the element of greatness and be-
cause man living be placed under circsm-
stances similar those connected with the history Of
Washngt n. There have been other men who were
regarded the founders Of liberty in their own
country and cline but never there be another
man beside Washington, who will be regarded a. the
founder Of liberty for the whole human race and
unless shall prove recreant TO the auable bless
ings which he and his associates have committed 10
our trust, the character of Washington will merit
and receive, in all aztec time, the highest generation
from all nations of men; aud among the thou
sands of races which will spring into liberty
on the face Of the earth, e great exam
PIE Of Washington VIII plant the germ Of republ-
can government, which will increase and ex pand
its branches, under which millions will shelter and
while they partake Of IFS pleasant fruits they will
claim Washington, as do, the beneiac-
tor of their freedom.
Associated by circumstances seemingly so fortu-
tous to the Father Of his Country Franklin was the
second man in achieving the independence OF the
States; TO him will cence long be indebted for his
discoveries in electricity, which, in this particular
especially, will establish his fame OF the great
est benelactors that ever moved on the tide Of time
i'm Wasb
said that If itwere scep,rr, he had meri,od IL and
would become II. Washington had not on merit
ed, but had gained a sceptre-his throne in the
hearts Of his countrymen. But, sir, take my seat
simply TO give place 10 the tribute Of respect which
all are anxious TO bestow the memory Of those
great and good men.
The resolution was adopted unanimously and the
Senate adjourned.