The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-03-20
From Me Boston Courier.


Could nations but see themselves in the volume
OF future history, how many a page Of that book
would be unstained by the follics and crimes that
dishgure 1T, while blind passion, instead Of clear
foresight, prompt the deeds that make history
What George Washington did for his countrymen
and for the world, his countrymen and the world
well know; but does the world recollect equally
well that Washington had his detractors and his
enemesf viii his countrymen Of the present
day profit sufficiently by this knowledge to ask
Themselves what history will say Of their deInean-
or towards one whose name will stand that
page by the side Of the name Of Washington :
If history is philosophy teaching by example, I"
can they be taught by more pregnant example
than these names suggest? When the American
Plutarch arises, most assuredly his first parallel
will be that Of Washington and Webster
The anticipated parallel suggests a few thoughts
which have great practical significance at the pre-.
sent moment We zee in the case Of Washington
an illustration Of a remarkable fact in history
that Of individuals rising up above the masses Of
men, in notable periods Of revolution and progress
and drawing towards themselves universal atten-
ton. These men exercise a mighty sway over
public opinion, and control human affairs with a
power that nothing can check. Sometimes they
are presentations Of their age, and are, there.
fore, sustained by the collective energies Of the
world. At other times, they seem to stamp them
selves on a surface and material, with which, at
fret, they seem 10 have no affinity. Doubtless,
there is propensity in the human race to defy
man. that men may have ready and pslpabe
object of worship. and feel themselves exalted in
the homage they pay to follow-msn. There arc
currents in society where, as in the ocean, many
drops are seen going in the came direction, inn
PEELED by an irresistible force from hidden causes
The power Of sympathy is great, and, as a ma 2.
net, one mind of peculiar attraction draws others
to itself and absorbs their influence
In our own day and country many illustrations
abound Of this character There is one name now
before the American people, almost as conspiou-
Gus, as respects individual influence in the prescr.
walton Of the Union, and potent exertions to uphold
the Constitution Of the country, as that Of Wash.
ington. Upon him the friends of Union in all
parts Of the land, without distinction OF party, re
ly, as upon tried and Trustworthy leader. To
him expectation turns beyond the sea, in nations
who look with hope to the West, and desire to sec
skilu pilot at the helm Of one of the noblest vcs-
sells ever launched upon the ocean Of time. Daniel
Webster is a personfcation Of the mind and heart
Of the larger and best portion Of the American peo.
pie Like Washington, too, he has perilled his
reputation, and lost friends, in opening bis great
heart of nationality, and in his self sacrificing la.
bors for the peace and welfare Of the whole of this
great Republic
Who doubt that the divinity that shapes our
ends" a nation, the same watchful Providence
which raised up Washington at the critical pc
Rod of our national history, has also prepared a
Webster TO interpret and defend the Constitution