Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-01-21
Mount Vernon.

/ A JOINT resolution was offered in the House
OF Representatives on the 18th instant an
thor1zlng the Secretary of the Interior Il
contract with the estate of Monnt Vernon
the old homestead of George Washington
me faIher OF his Country-aptly termed by
Gen. Taylor, 1.-THE Mecca of the States
lfue, most true, it is "the Mecca of the
States," towards which every patriots eye
turns with profound veneration, and every
PATRIOTS heart throbs with more powerful
emotions, as it recurs to the matchleess
character, the rare prudence. the indomita.
| Die decision, the just, the true, the glorious
traits OF him, who combined in his own per-
son so many of the element Of greatness,
purity and fidelity, that the noble phrase
applied to him by an eloquent eulogist, that
ne was " First in war, first in peace. and first
IN the hearts of his countrymen," hardly
come up to the standard of his excellence
1t is hard to do justice to George Washington
by comparison for, take him all in ALL no
mere human being ever Appropriated his
real greatness. They have been greater
statesmen, more brilliant orators, and Gene.
rails OF perhaps more magnificent achieve
ments. But show US the man who was
statesman without desiring reward, who
spoke that his country might be benefited
solely: who risked his life for the enfran-
cfflsement OF his nnative land simply to
promote the welfare of his kind and when
the battle was fought, the victory won, his
country free and independent, recognized as
such among the nations of the earth. wished
to turn his sword into ploughshare, retire
to his farm, and spend the remainder of his
days in the Tranquil delights of obscure &C.
equations! The parallel cannot be found in
either ancient or modern history. Cncin-
natus approaches closer than any other illus
trlous name we can now recall. but Cincin-
natus was no Washington. neither was the
Rome OF the oden times like the Colonies of
1776, any more than the degerate, declining,
impoverished Rome, of the present era. is
like the prosperous wealthy, and growing
United States of America.
But we are wandering somewhat from the
point. However, on such subject any
depression is permissible. Nothing definite
was done with the resolution to which we
have called the attention of our readers.
After good deal of debate, it was passed
over to take up the regular business ON the
Speakers table.
We cannot close without giving express
SION to our ardent wish that the presen;
Congress do something that will render
Mount Vernon the property Of the nation.
i should belong to the nation-be deemed
he most sacred property the nation can hold
N trusf-be looked upon as priceless as
nestimable. Human events may throw it
INTO The hands of mercenary strangers, or
men devoid of soul, pride or patriotism, who
nay turn il into. a specuation-make the
esidence Of Washington sort of exhibition.
shoc ground at SO much per head! 1t
vonld be a splendid venture for some soul
ess Barnum. Let Congress not permit this.
Che purchase of Mount Vernon. on almost
my terms. could be universally popular.
Dur national Legislators cannot do anything
hat would give more satisfaction 10 the
,eople.-N q. Bulletin.