The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-03-06

Mr.. RosELIUs' LEcTuRE.--Ths third lecture of
the for the benefit of INDECENT Widows was
delivered last night at the Armory by c. Roselus.
The subject was the influences of the American
revolution. There numerous audience,
| more than half of which composed of ladies'
The lecture itself of course cannot attempt to
give in detail, but only present our readers
| with a sketch of the lecturers remarks, which
were delivered in clear sonorous voice, and with
very agreeable accent.
Mr.. Roselius commenced his lecture by descrb-
ing the condition of the ancient republics. Greece
and Rome were not free, but on the contrary were
at alternate periods oppressed by cruel oligarches
or licentous mobs. Those who devoted themselves
to their country were generally repaid with ingrat-
itude, as the examples of Mitiades Arstides, De-
mosthenes, and the Gracchi might testify Since
the ages Of antiquity up to the period of the Ameri
revolution, the history.of the world presents an
unbroken spectacle of hopelessness and misery.
Coming down to the discovery of the western
world, we find the wids of America cooniZed by
a people deeply impressed with the vital impor-
lance of civil and religious liberty. The Colonies
always claimed and frequently exercised the rights
of selfgovernment. The lecturer adverted to the
courage, constancy and endurance of the men and
effect from of Patrick Henry's celebrated
speeches The apostles of the new political faith
were worthy of their position and Washington,
the model for succeeding generations, and his COM
panions, stand out in bold relief from the his
toric page.
The contrast between the social and political
condition of our people and those of the European
nations was then shown in a forcible manner. In
European the masses are in a most debased cOndi
ton, while in our country, even one may enjoy all
the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life
The difference is easily accounted for. In mon
arches the deffilsion of knowledge among the peo-
pie is restrained, while here 1t is encouraged
Among us no large military force is necessary,
while where the people are kept in subsection by
the powell of physical force, standing armies must
be maintained TO uphold the tvrants; the conse-
quence that in this country every willingly
obeys the laws they have participated in making.
But the absence of standing army does not sub
ject the American people to any danger from the
assaults of foreign powers for at the first blast of
war every man is ready to take the field. The
sneers with which citzen-soldiers were. for
merly spoken of by Europeans, have given place to
admiration, and the battles Of the revolution, of
New Orleans, of Monterey, Buena Vista, Cerra
Gordo, and Mexico bear testimony to the bravery
and skill of our volunteers
Mr.. ROseGus then went on to speak of the Won
derful growth of our country in population and re-
sources, and adverted to the proud names which |
adorn our literature. Prescott has no superior as
a historian, and Irving no rival as biographer
But the influence of the American revolution |
was not confined to one portion of the globe, but
through the whole civilized world it shook the faith
in the divine right of princes. The despots of Eu- |
rope in vain endeavored stop the progress of the
alarming heresy, which in three-quarters of a CEN
fury has swept over the earth, prostratng princes |
and potentates, kings and thrones The French |
revolution was the first offspring of the American,
and of the great event the lecturer proceeded to |
give a glowing description. The days of mon
archy, said he, numbered ; and he would be
no bold prophet who should predict that in fifty |
years there will be ..ings in the civilized
world. The liberty of the press was set in motion
by the American revolution, and it is an engine of
such vast power that tyranny cannot exist where
i is left unshackled
AT the conclusion of his remarks and during their
progress, MIR. Roseiius was repeatedly appauded
~ the audience, who left the room seemingly
highly delighted with what they had heard