Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-01-15

aSaAAsy stnaOP0st W ~ pGkiuuuG6 III OUT tFhHSdC-
lions with the world, a close approach to
those Distinguishing traits which signaIizedl
the character OF our illustrious patron, in
whose life and conduct the pristine beau
ties of brotherly love, relief, and truth,
were displayed without q single interven-
ing cloud to shadow their effulgence from
the delighted view of an admiring world.
Il must be obvious to the most inattentive
observer that there is material distinc-
ton between this and almost every other
public celebration known to the present.
age. We are not assembled TO Immortal
ize the distinguished achievements Of
conquoring general, or to rejoice at the
results ofa fortunate victory over an OPP
posing enemy; but we are assembled to
commemorate the reign of peace and to
cherish, cultivate, and improve those re-
firing virtues of the human heart which
always avoid the pomp Of public show,
and hence, in our exhibitions, there is
nothing the most remotely calculated to
awaken up the strong emotions of the
soul, or to arouse the passions of the
heart. The wild and destructive tornado,
which levels with the earth whole cities,
and submerges beneath the oceans wave
entire navies, strikes upon the mind hor-
ror whose impression nothing can efface,
while the common air which keeps the
mysterious machine of life in motion, and
lis every where disseminating health a.
broad, scarcely excites thought The
towering mountain, whose lofty brow is
wrapped in volcanic flame, and is ever
and anon emitting its destructive streams
of molten lava, seizes the imagination
with an intensity which no object howe
vcr beautiful, pleasing and delightful, can
divert, while the extending plain beneath,
whose fertility fruits and flowers, bring
wealth and competence, pleasure and hap
piness to all around, is viewed without
emotion, and passed by without reflection.
But in still more essential point, is this
anniversary distinguished from those
which are of a political or purely national
character. If we assemble to commence
rate the achievements of the commander
who by prowess, slaughter and conquest,
has added to national fame the cannon's
roar, the victor's shout, and extended do.
minions, necessarily and mavoidably as
sociate with them the thoughts of embat-
tied field, contending hosts, and thousands
slain. Is the banner of victory unfurIed,
imagination beholds, in IFS train, pesti.
lence and famine, the sword and death
Do we gaze with rapture upon the laurel
which encircles the conqueror's brow,
the ecstacy is repressed when fancy views
it crimsoned with the blood of the slain
and embracing in its tendrlls the cypress
that mourns over the devoted destiny of .
, vanquished, perhaps noble and generous
foe. Even on our own national festival
whose annual return brings to mind oul
happy and glorious deliyerence from the
CALLING expressions Of a foreign yoke, the
: angry recollections of cruel, tyrannica
and vindictive foe, mingle in our most pi
/ Gus and fervid gratitude to Heaven anC
I colcrs it with dark hue of revenge; blu
j far different are the "reminiscences which
r this celebration induce. The emblem
r which we display, speak alone of tn,
], lpeaceful triumhps of virtue over vice, an,
f indicate a charity as wide in IFS contem
: plation and action, as the earth ITSELF
Z Delineatedsupon our masonic dress, is tn
: great temple of masonry It's ample de
e mansions and imperishable foundation
r reach from north tosouth, and sweep from
east to west. Its expanded gates are epeI
s to receive the just, the pure and upright il
Q heart, of every tongue, kingdom, countr,
I and cline, and its arms encircle IN thei
9 benevolent embrace the whole family 9