Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1846-02-27

Friends and FelE01c- Citizens =
1t is indeed grateful 10 the feelings of every
true American to turn aside from the business
scenes of lile and to assemble together with his
Countrymen, in order to commemorate an occa-
sion like the present. The birthday of our own
illuslrious Washington Tie most distinguished
parsonage that any country orany age has given
birth to. The man whose character is held upby
the Just and good of every nation or cline, as the
only model OF true greatness and patriotism That
the world has ever afforded. We might avail
ourselves of the opportunity which well presents
itself here, 10 dwell for few moments upon some
OF the remarkable incidents OF his truly eventiul
and glorious career, but 1t is deemed useless, be-
cause it can hardly he supposed that American
citizen is ignorant OF the history OF one, To whose
instrumcntality he is so largely indebted Tor the
freedom which lie now enjoys. The mentioning
Of the name of Washington, however, brings to
our minds some CirCumsaCes and reflections to
which it may not be improper for me, briefly, to
allude. On such an occasion as THIS, we are ma
turay lead to compare the present condition of
our common country, with its condition when
Washington surrendered the reins OF government
into the hands Of another. And in dong so, how
forcibly are we struck with our rapid growth to-
wards the perfection of civil and religious liberty
towards the attainment OF that emnence
amongst the civilized nations of the earth, which
indeed is: perhaps less matter of wonder to our
selves, than source of anxious concern TO the
mnnarches of the European continent This
thought Of itself causes our hearts 10 swell with
emotions of PRIDE and us TO eXult in the name
"Amcrican."
At the close Of Washington's administration,
the original number Of thirteen States composing
the coniedcracy at the time of the adoption OF the
federal constitution, had not been increased
That portion of our territory which was under Or
ganized governments, was still chiefly confined to
the Atlantic coast. But behold what change
has been effected in the short space OF fifty years!
State after State has been added to our federal
Union until now the number is more than double:
While our population, spreading ar-tar TO the
West, has been quadrupled since the year 1871
But above all, when we contrast the condition of
more than twenty millions OF souls i'll the full en-
oyment OF that civil and religious liberty, that in
estimable blessing resulting directly from the re-
publican form ofour government, and whichcannot
be too highly priced, with the oppressed and
Wretched condition OF some of those who are still
the subjects of that monarchy whose tyranny and
oppression we so successfully resisted and then
reflect that this too may have been our condition,
had not the efforts of our Patriot Army" lead by
aWashington, been crowned with victory,-how
deep and lasting should the memory of his
name and Unreasonable services be impressed
upon our gratefulhearts! Whilst we thus attri-
butte to the valor, patriotism and discreet counsels
OF Washington chiefly the progress of our great
ness and happy condition as nation up to the
present time, we EEL confident that we have, in
noble character, sure guaranty for the perpetui-
ty.of our increasing greatness. The purity of
his life, and his example as officer, will ever be
check to the corrupt and selfish, anda rebuke
to the ambitious and designing.
But let us turn again to the contemplation of
our country at the close of his public career. We
were then suffering under the unredressed wrongs
which we had sustained at the hands of a foreign
power. And although we were in state of ex-
IRENE infancy as a nation, yet there were 'smany
voices for war; And many supposed that such
the critical condition of our foreign relations
that war would inevitably ensue. In this think
see striking similarity to our present situation.
The unsettled condition of our relations with Eng
land is the theme of much speculation with both
parties. The whispers about war may be heard
from every quarter of the Union. The spirit of
resistance TO British erosion already aroused
And requires but the first hostile demonstration
to put every Eot;f1lteer Company in the Union,
In motion to meet the enemy at the very thresh-
hold. Bntsitis hoped that this calamity may be
ayerted We go for peace; but It must be an
honorable peace. And should we be unable to ac-
complish this. then let us follow the advice the
Father of our Country, bequeathed to us in his
= Farewell Address: which i shall now read in
your hearing, adopt as our motto, "a unity of
sentiment, unity of counsel, and unity of action
alst was celebrated the birthday of Washing
: t0n, because The 22d came on the Sabbath.