Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-06-28
PLAQUEMINE, PARISH OF IBERVIE, La. JUNE 28, 1851

pcct. His own character gave character to the
foreign relations of the country. He upheld
every interest of it, in even the proudest ma.
| tons of Europe; and, while resoutely deter
mined that no plume in the honor of the coun-
try should ever be defaced, or taken from its
position, Washington was cautions and pru-
dent; no scltseeker; giving information to Con-
gress, according to the Constitution, on all
questions when necessary, with fairness and
frankness claiming nothing for HIMSELF exact
ing his own rights, and preserving the dignity
of his station; but taking especial care to exc
cute the laws as paramount duty, and in such
a manner as to give satisfaction to everybody;
and, to be subservient to that end, it was al
ways remarked of his administration, that he
filled the courts of justice with the most spot
less integrity, the highest talent, and the purest
virtues And hence it became a common say
ing, running through all classes of society,
that our great security is in the learning and in
tegrity of our judicial tribunals. This high
character they justly possess it in an eminent
degree, from the impress which Washington
stamped on these tribunals at their first organi-
zation. Gentlemen, patriot President of the
United States is the guardian, the protector, the
friend of every citizen in it. He should be,
and he is no mans prosecutor, no mans enemy;
but the support and the protector of all and
every citizen, so far as his support and protec-
ton depend on his faithful execution Of the
laws. But this especially combines the great
dea which Washington presents, and which
should be presented and fulfilled by every man
in high office who means to resemble Washing
ton. 1t is the duty of preserving the Govern
ment, Of suffering, so far as depends on him, no
one branch to interfere with another, and no
power to be assumed not belonging to each,
but to preserve and carry it On for the benefit Of
the present and future generations.
Gentlemen, wise and prudent shipmaster
makes il his first duty to preserve the ship that
carries him and his merchaudise-to keep her
afioat, to conduct her to her destined port with
entire security of property and life-that is his
first object and that should be the first object,
and is, of every chief magistrate of the United
States who has proper appreciation of his du-
ty. 1t is to preserve the Constitution which
bears him, which sustans the Government,
without which every thing goes to the bottom;
to preserve that, and keep It, to the utmost OF
his ability, off the rocks and shoals, and away
from the quicksands; to preserve that he exer-
cises the caution of the experienced shipmaster
He suffers nothing to betray his watchfulness
to draw him aside from the joint interest com
mitted to his care, and the great object in view
"Though pleased to see the dolphins play,
He minds his compass and his way;
And oft he throws the weary lead, .r
|. To see what dangers may be hid
At helm he makes his reason sit
His crew of passions all submit.
Thus he steers his bark and sails on upright
keel as = Il qa 10
And meets the gales!' all. ..-....-a. ...a
Now, gentlemen, with this steadiness of pur'
pose, this entire and devoted patriotism Of mo-
tive, Washington reached that which only ar
emulation Of his example will enable Others tc
reach !; and he lived to see his country great
prosperous, and happy. He reaped rich re-
ward in the gratitude of his countrymen, and
we are enabled to read his history in nations
pride. ~ t'--.[--
Mr. Webster here retired from the stand
amidst tempest of applause.