The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-05-21

n ~ -, for the spirit OF democracy.
Mr.. ED1roR: The inhabitants Of billy
and mountainous regions have, in all ages
been remarkable for their attachment to
their native land. The Swiss live amongst
the Alps, where as Campbell says they
"drive their yenturous ploughshares to the
Steep" Goldsmith says The only wealth
their barren soil affords, is man and steel;
the soldier and bis sword" Better soldiers
never shouldered musket or welded
spear; yet in foreign service they often die
Of home sickness. The simple tunes
learned in artless infancy, the wild airs of
their own mountain homes, when heard in
far foreign lands inspire them with uncon-
trolable desire to behold again their native
glens. And as high sense of military
honor forbids even thought of desertion,
they pine and die Of broken heart For
this reason the playing of Swiss tunes has
been strictly prohibited amongst the Swiss
regiments in the French and Austrian
service. If my memory is not greatly
at fault the little air called "Rans des-
vacbes" was one Of those most carefully
prescribed. The Scotch are sagacious
and energetic people; they often emigrate
from their native hills; but generally with
an intention to accumulate riches and then
return.
The western counties of Virginia. and
the eastern counties Of Ohio have no AL
pine scenery. They consist of an almost
unbroken succession of gently sloping,
wooded hills and beautiful, picturesque
Wales, intersected by the "silver shecn' Of
CLASSY rivulets. Hence the local attach
ments of the inhabitants are much stronger
than those OF the inhabitants OF the flat
level portions of those vast States. In
fact the inhabitants of level districts have
never been remarkable for strong local at
tachments. As to the cause OF this phe-
nomenon in mans natural history. shall
not speculate. Perhaps the man of the
hills, with his robust health, his strong
frame and an equal and abundant flow OF
animal spirits, enjoys in reality more hap
pness, than the sckly inhabitant of the
wide plains. Be this as it may appeal to
every man, who has spent few months in
the vast and rich levels Of the western
States, if the tameness and monotony Of
the landscape have not at length become
intolerably disagreeable and irksome =
The following little effusion, was an i'm
composed one evening during
a long absence from "Good old Monroe"
1t is submitted as a mere poetical trihe,
but interesting to the author from the home
feeling in which it originated. At, home
and surrounded by friends, we like to re-
collect the feelings of the stranger in a
strange land. In bar Of all severity of
criticism, repeat that it was mere tram
sent effusion of feeling unstudied, unpre.
mcdtated. But my young literary friends
in this vicinity, if they cultivate their fac.
ulties, will be able 20 send out productions,
which may safely defy the severity of crit
icism.
Here's health, health for Old Monroe,
For her blooming sons and daughters,
For her glens where the sweet, wild roses
blow,
For her bright and sparkling waters.
We love her green and wooded hills,
Her rich alluvial meadows,
Her flowery wales, her silver rills,
Her passing lights and shadows.
We covet not the extended plains,
With their herds prepared for slaug hter;
We hasten back from the wide champaign
To the land of the sparkling waters.
In Old Monroe we spent our youth,
In pure and healthful pleasures
Where generous friendships, love and truth
Supply their richest treasures
When e'er 10 distant lands we 60,
Far over the hills and waters,
Well kindly speak Of Old Monroe,
Like filial sons and daughters.
OSCAR.
MARKETS.
New York, May 16, 1851.