American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-11-08

! stance; its excellence was adapted to the
Just and true moral taste, incapable of
change from the varying accidents of man
ners, opinions and times. Gen. Washing
ton was not the idol of day-but the he
no of ages ........
"Plared in circumstances of the most
trying difficulty at the commencement of
the contest, he accepted that situation
which was Pre-eminent in danger and re-
Sponsibilty. His perseverance overeame
every obstacle; his moderation conciliated
every proposition; his genius supplied ev-
cry resource; his enlarged view cod plan.
revise and improve every branch Of civil
and military operation. He had the supe-
rior courage which can act, or forbear 10
act, as true policy dictates, careless OF the
reproaches OF isnorance%-either in power
or out of power He knew how to con-
quer by waiting. in spite Of obloquy, for
the moment of victory and he merited
true praise by despising undcserved cen
sure. In the most arduous mUments Of the
contest, his prudent iirmuess proved tho
salvation of the cause which he supported.
ellis conduct was, on all occasions,
guided by the most pure dsinterestelness.
Far superior 10 low AMI grovelling motives,
he seemed even to be uniuhuenceI by that
ambition which has Justly been called the
instinct Of great souls. He acted even as
if his country's welfare, and that alone,
was the moving spring. His excellent
mind needed not even the stimulus of am
bilion, Or the prospect of fame. Glory was
but secondary constellation. He per.
formed great actions, he persevercd in a
course OF laborious utility, with an equa.
nimity that neither sought distinction, mol
was a4ttered by it. HIS reward was il
the consciousness of his own rectitude, anL
in the success Of his patriotic efforts.
LAS his elevation to the chief power
was by the unbiased choice of his coun
trymen, his exercise Of it was agreeable tc
the purity Of It's origin. AS he had nethei
solicited nor usurped dominion, he had nei
ther to contend with the opposition Of ri
walls, nor the revenge of enemies. AS hi.
authority was undisputed, 50 itrequired ne
Jealous precautions, no riyUtouS severity
His government was mild and gentle
was bene6rent and liberal, it was wisl
and just His prudent administration con
solidaIed AID enlarged the diminion of al
t infant republic. In voluntarily resignin!
the magistracy which he had filed viii
such distinguished honor, he enjoyed tn,
unequaled satisfaction of leaving to til,
Stale he had contributed to establish, tn,
fruits of his wisdom aEd tho exlmpIe o
his virtues.
at is some consolation. amidst the vic
lence Of ambition and criminal thirst o
power, of which so many instances orcu
around us, TO find character whom it i
j honorable to admire, and yirtuous to imi
late. A conqueror, for the freedom Of hi
county! A legislator, for its security! A
magistrate, for its happiness. His glore
Were never sullied by those excesses, int,
which the highest qualities are apt to de
generate With the greatest virtues, h,
was exempt from the correspoh ling vices
He was a man in whom the elements were
SO mixed, that Nature might have stood
up to all the world and owned him as hel
work. His fnme, bounded by no country
will be confined to no age The character
Of General Washington will BE- Transmitted
to posierity; aud the memory Of his vir
, tues, while patriotism and virtue are helt
sacred among men, will remain undimin
ished. - Southern Literary Messenger.