Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1847-11-18
INsrAHrLIrx or cRrArNrss

late visiter TO Ashland speaks OF various
portraits hung around the rooms, aud. among
others, one OF the late President Harrison. the
brow sarmounied by a srrsatk Of ,cifhered tictc.
ers- WHAT an eloquent, tho silent, common
tary upon the litileness Of human ambition
The world has rarely witnessed more
striking illustration Of the instability Of hu-
man things than was afforded 10 the history oi
the patriot HARRISON. Looking back upon the
scenes which preceded his election, the uni
versai enthusiasm now seems almost like IDOL
airy, and the wonder is that his mind could
have at all preserved It's equilibrium amid the
intoxicating incense of nattery and applause
which daily and hourly assembled at his shrine.
We were CHANGING, short time since. at a
glowing account OF the Inauguration ceremo-
MES OF March 9TH, lS4l. when the President.
whom the people bad elected by such major
ity as was never before witnessed in a politi-
cal contest. advanced TO the capital amid a III
umphal procession of his counirymen, and
was invested with the functions OF the highest
office known 10 men. There he stood. on the
very summit OF the tall pinnacle Of power, the
battle ended, the victory won, the garland OF
fame and honor green and fresh upon his brow.
A short month elapsed, and the whole splen-
did pageant had passed away. The smiling
lips of friends and kindred were clothed in sad
ness. The strains OF joyous music were sue.
ceeded by the melancholy lament Of the funer
al march. The chief actor in the grand fes-
tival was in the dust. His wreath Of flowers
was witheredl
And yet, scarce a moments breathing spell
occurred in the fierce struggle ofparties and of
aspirants for power. As soldiers in the thick
fight rush recklessly over the bodies OF their
fallen comrades, so the tide of political strife
rolled on its unbroken course over the graveo
the fallen chief. Ambition learned no moral
from his fate, and eager hands still clutched
FOR the same rich fruit that had turned to ash
es in his grasp.
But short time since, another memorable
example occurred in the sudden death of one
who stood at the Threshold ofthe Presidential
arena, and whose lofty abilities. integrity OF
purpose, and moral excellence commanded the
admiration Of political adversaries as well as
friends. Another monIton has fallen from the
lips oil that most eloquent of teachers, Death.
Yet, who needs the Iesson2 Who chas,ens
his ambition, though taught by the events Of
every day, tina, disappointment hovers about
the path Of man. and that the fondest hope of
the heart often returns from its weary fight o
yer the waters of life, baffled in its pursuit.
and unable 10 find stable Ararat amid the
fluctuating sea.
Happy the statesman who serves his coun-
try from pure and disinterested motives, and
looks Tor his reward only to the approval of
the man who, taking Duty as his
polar star. ''would rather be right than Presi-
dent" Popularity may pass away, and even
public odium gather upon his name, but il
cannot take from him that chiefjewe, his self
respect, nor diminish that unfailing fountain of
conientment, the consciousness of noble and
patriotic purpose If he must descend to the
tomb plain and untitled citizen, he may vet
be cheered by the thought that the verdict of
posterity will make amends for his wrongs,
and that even the regrets of the present age
will be mingled with the sad remembrance Of
injustice to one VINO had deserved ouly the
friendship and reverence of his country
Rich. Rep.