The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-02-01

CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHING
TcN.-The Union Safety Committee have made an
appeal to the people in behalf Of a more fraernal
ceiling than has existed for the past TWO or three
years, between the various sections of the Union.
They conclude their address as follows:-
The birthday of Washington approaches let us
unite in celebrating that day. let t be day Of uni
versal reoicng let us all call to mind his many vir-
tues let us BILE in every city every every
village, and every hamlet throughout this vast coun
hear the Farese Address Of the Father his country
read TO sseem bled citizens Let mediate upon his
words OF wisdom let us drink largely from this orig
nal fountain Of patriotism and cannot doubt that
the effect Will be- not perhaps to make us argue more
scutely but to make feel like Americans and under
thie feeling to r.pudatc alike NIL disorganzers to
make feel that are truly people, and that
such united under one government, We hold trust
tor ourselves, poeterity and mankind OF vs.
lue than WAS ever committed to any other nation.
This is happy suggestion, and should be car
rie 4 out everywhere, with an enthusiasm that may
have permanent Influence on the dispositions of
the whole people, who have too long been hurried
forward into party tolls, and made 70 contribute,
by political org inizsiions to conduct which no
lover of his country can Justify desire. We
cannot too often read the Farewell Address of the
Father of his couatry, or too often refresh our me-
mories with the history of his life and of his SER
vices 10 his country.
Al first made President of the Convention, he was
afterwards, in 1859, called TO act as Persistent of
the United States, and cheertuly devoted all his
influence for the formation of the new government.
Surrounded by the disheare ming difficulties which
occurred at that time, from differences of opinion
among the people, a large number OF whom were
unfavorably disposed towards the measures adopt
ed, the national government must have persisted
bur for the decision of character and wisdom OF
&c. 81. u
convulsed VITA the French revolution, and his
moderation and prudence were severely tried
Genet, the Minister of the French republic, with
his adhsrents, assailed him in official papers, in
hoes, and in noisy public meetings He stood
firm, however, during the storm, and in the course
OF the struggle his personal character gave to
the government that dignity and force which could
not be derived from the legal powers of his Office
Such a can never be forgotten wale lber-
ty has foohod on the earth; and it is well for
Us, on the al niversary of his birth, to come
together al our political affairs, to quicken that
leve Of country which the dangerous tactics of
party politics always tend TO destroy.
The hI.tcry Of o man that this country has pro-
duced, can furnish an example for our admi,a-
ton equal 10 thai which the conduct and character
Of Washington inspire. We owe the Union under
which flourish his sagacity, foresight, dscre-
ton and welLtempered zeal. His correspondence
furnishes US with keys to his character, with
which we cannot be two well acquainted. He did
more for US than all the other patriots Of the
volu,ion. John Adams had less of national
character, and Jefferson was in France whea the
provisional government Of this country was tolter-
ng end in danger, and without power or promise.
The extension of liberty, and of our popular form Of
government, sprung from the Revolutionary Con-
gress, which was established by delegates from
conventions of the people. A national union, for
nsuonal pu toses, now arose from he. chaos OF
theories, and he supeTsiructure Of the liberties
and indeper dence of the United States was settled
on firm foundation. At bis residence, IN Mount
Vernon, in March, l7ss, the first idea was started
by Washington of revival Of the articles Of
confederation, y an organization differing from
that between The Stat. Legislatures and their dele
gates in Congress. This eventually led to the
convention q May. l7s7, at Philadelphia, where
our pr sent constitution originated. The const-
tuen, sovereignty Of The people was then frs, re-
cognized, end power yielded to right. State
sovereignty fell back The Union now exhibited
it.ef free from the sgonies WI oh threatened its
existence, and every day served to add to it's
strength dignity and efficiency.
Surely, then, sf:er such services to his country,
the name o. Wa .hington should be spell to arouse
every national feeling, and 10 unite the people in
enc solid 'aanx Of patriotism, 70 break down
the traitorous compsets Of parties by which our
existence has been too long threatened. Let the
twenty. second ~ February, then, be everywhere
made a day sacred TO new hopes ard new deter
limitations in behalf Of our common country.