Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-06-06

Jour view Character upon winch we can
dwell with such entire and unmixed admi
ration.
The long lille of General Washington is
unstained by single blot. He was indeed
man of such rare endowments, and such
fortunate temperament, that every action he
performed was equally exempted from the
charge Of vice or weakness. Whatever he
said. or did, or wrote, was stamped with a
striking and peculiar proprieiy. His quail
ties were so happily blended, and so nicely
harmonized, that the result was great and
perfect whole. The powers of his mind,
and the dispositions of his heart, were ad-
mIrably suited to each other. 1t was the
union Of the most consummate prudence
with the most perfect moderation. His
views, though large and liberal, were never
extravaganza. His virtues, though compre-
hensive and beneficent, were discriminating,
judIcIous, and practical. Yet his character
though regular and uniform, possessed none
of the lit,ieness which may sometimes be-
long to these descriptions of men. 1t form
ed a majestic pile, the effect of which was
not impaired, but improved by order and
symmetry. There was nothing in it to daz-
zle by wlidness, and surprise by eccentrlci-
ty. 1t was of a higher species of moral
beauty. 1t contained every thing great aud
elevated, but it had no false aud inseI orna-
ment 1t was not the model cried up BY
fashion and circumstances its excellence
was adapted TO the true and just moral taste,
incapable of change from the varying acci-
dents of manners, of opinions and times.
General w ashinglon is not the idol OF
day, but the hero Of ages Placed in cir
cumstances OF the most trying difficulty AT
the commencement of the American con-
test, he accepted that situation which was
pre-emineut in danger and responsibility
His perseverance overcame every obstacle
his moderation conciliated every opposition;
his genius supplied every resource; his en-
larged view could plan, revise, and improve
every branch of civil and military opera
ten. He had the superior courage which
can act or fnrbear to act, as true policy olc-
ta,es, careless of the reproaches OF igno-
rance either in power or out of power. He
knew how to conquer by waiting, in spite
of obloqny, for the moment of victory; and
he merIted true praise by despising unde.
served censure. In the most arduous mo-
ments of the contest, his prudent frmne>s
proved the salvation of the cause which he
supported. His conduct was on all occa-
sions, guided by the most pure dlsinterest-
edness. Far superior TO low and grovelling
motives, he seemed even To be uninfluenced
by that ambition which has justly been cal
led the instinct of great souls. He acted
ever as if his couulry's welfare, and that
alone, was the moving spring. His excel
lent mind needed not even the stimulus Of
ambition, or the prospect of fame. Glory
was secondary consideration. He per-
formed great actions; he persevered IN
course of laborious utility, with an eq1anim-
NY that neither sought distinction nor was
llitered by it. Ills reward was IN the con-
seriousness of his own rectatude aud in the
success of his patriotic efforts.
As his elevation TO the chief power was
the unbiased choice OF his coun,rymen. his
exercise of it was agreeable TO the purity OF
It's origin. As he hal neither solicited nor
usu. ped dominion, he had neither 10 Con-
tend with the opposition of rivals. nor the
revenge of enemies. AS his authority was
undlsputed, so it required no jealous pre-
caution, 10 rigorous severity. His govern
ment was mild and genlle; it was beneti-
cent and liberal; it was wise and Just. His
prudent administration consolidated aud en-
larqed the dominion of an infant republic.
involuniarily resigaing the magstracy
which he had filed with such distinguished
honor, he enjoyed the unequalled satlsfac-
ton of leaving 10 the state he had contrib
u;ed 20 establish, the fruits of his wisdom
and the example of llis virtues. 1t is some
consolation. amidst the violence of ambi-
lion and the criminal thirst of power, of
which so many instances occur around us,
To find a character whom it is honorable to
admire. and virtues 10 initiate. A con-
oneror. for the freedom of his country a !
legislator for lis security magistrate for
its happiness His glores were never sui
lied by those excuses into which the high
est qualities are apt 10 degenerate. With
the greatest virtues, he was exempt from
the corresponding vices. He was man IN
whom the elements were SO mixed that Ma
ture might have stood up to all the world,
and owned hun as her work. His fame,
bounced by no country, will be confined to
no age. The character of General WASH
ington, which his contemporaries respect
and admire, will be transmitted to posterity |
and the memory Of his virtues, while patrI-
otis,n and virtue are held sacred among men
will remain undiminIsbed."