Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-29
PATRIOTISM THE WASHINGTON
WITH MONUMENT.

A visit to the Washington monument, and
an inspection of the various specimens of mar
bic and granite sent from the different coun-
tries, States, territories, and societies, to be
worked into that stupendous structure, are well
calculated to inspire lover of his country
with a sense of her growing greatness.
1t is pleasant to withdraw the mind from the
consideration of the many exciting topics that
now disturb and distract the country, and fix
it on the contemplation Of some object, in re-
gard to which, all minds and all feelings can,
and do harmonic.
Such an object is the Washington monu-
ment Patriots can all meet and mingle here,
free from the rude clash Of antagonistic opin-
ions, prejudices, and passions. Men Of all di-
versities Of creeds, of every complexion of poll
tics, can here meet in brotherhood dwell with
out distrust, and converse without acrimony.
One block is sent by democratic society, one
by wing association; one by slave-holding
State, and one by a non-slayeholding State.
The Mormons have sent their tribute, Indians
| have sent theirs. The masons, the antimasons,
odd fellows, colleges, schools, institutes, cor
porations, and associations of almost every
conceivable character have contributed to this
monument. Nothing can give better idea of
the diversity of our population and their pur-
suits, than an inspection of the numerous con-
tributions to it. Nor does anything more dis
tinctly manifest the deep, glowing, and all-per-
yading patriotism Of this nation.
However factions may rage and parties wran-
gle-however demagogues may rant and pc.
litical incendiaries threaten-there will be but
little danger Of disruption and severance, so
long as the American people retain their cha
racteristic patriotism.
Washington is bond Of union between all
parties and all sections. He is the great EN-.
bodiment Of all the elements and attributes
that make up American character. Monuments
to him, are monuments to the heroism and to
the patriotism of the country.
1t is meet that long buried quarries in re-
mote and but recently known territories should
cope their ponderous and marble jaws to
honor him. 1t is meet that States and cities
should compete with one another in their con
tributions to this great national monument.
We are not of those who desire to see {
speedy completion of this great work. The
/ longer It is kept on hand, the larger win BIZ
the contributions to it. One generation can
not contribute to it as much as several genera
! tons can. The greater the number of persons
laid under contribution to it the more magnif
cent can it be made.
We have been told by a traveller, that il
Cologne is cathedral that was commenced
twelve hundred years ago. 1t is unfinished
now. Age after age, generation after genera
ton, has contributed to it. 1t now requires
some millions of pounds sterling to complete
it, and when completed, it will be, perhaps, the
grandest edifce in the world. This may be 3
travellers tale, but our informant is a very
truthful gentleman. However, even if this be 6
fiction, il serves to show that an undertaking
aided and sustained by many generations, car
be rendered much more imposing, grand, anc
magnificent, than one that receives support
from one generation only.
The memory Of the Father Of his Countr,
should never die. Whatever tends to keep
alive should be done. Monuments erected t
his memory, and intended to perpetuate hi
{ glory and the gratitude Of the nation, shoul
receive their support from as many as possible
BY this we do not mean that the monument il
reference to which we are speaking, should neve
be finished. What we mean is, that it shout,
not be finished until it shall be worthy o
Washington and worthy Of America. Suppos
Il takes ten years--twenty years--aiy years
What are they in the history Of a nation?
As we have witnessed its commencement, W,
| wnnld be clad To witness its completion--bn