The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-09

sed among that small number, whose
names and genius descend, along the
course OF generations. as permanent jim.
sii;u,ions and influences in the world.
But we think too, that the leaders Of
the opposing host were not worthy OF the
odium he sought TO cast upon them while
they lived, and upon their memories after
they had died. Accuser and accused
once associates and compatris,s in the
work of the independence OF America and
OF Americans--are now all gone 10 the
bourne. where the mighty events-as zoe
esteem them-of this mortal life are re.
metnbered. if remembered at all, but as
empty pageants and fitting shadows
The memory of these augus, shades is all
tbet is LETT us OF them except their works;
and the fame they have left is more our
property than theirs. And justice TO our.
selves and to the truth of history. requires
the declaration, that a nobler band OF pa.
triots, than those. who stood around the
first and second administrations of the
Government, never lived. If they erred
abou, modes of adm.nist, alton, theirs was
an honest error; and, inheriting our prin.
ciples from the victors, we need not take
them with the incumbrance OF their per-
| sonal or party prejutices; for tho Liberty
we hold, was it not beque aihed equally by
victor and vanquished?-by FederalisI
and Republican? se i,.eE
There is enough Of glory for them all!
Honor to every hand that was raised in
,ha, holy fight Honor to every tongue that
spoke word in season for the faith!
Honor to the PEN, that drew the Declara-
lion WHICH pronounced US free! Honor to
the LIPS. aife with Liberty. that seconded
and supported its adoption! Honor TO the
stainless SWORD of the boy.votary, who.
side by side with Washington, through
'he long war. strove TO mske that Decla-
| ra,ion good! And honor in the highest
save 10 God. to the auGUsT CHIEF who was
th. presiding Genius over Camp end
Council; winning our freedom in the field
aud perpe,usting it in the cabinet!
4, last, We have brought our weary task
TO its close We return from the twilight.
which envelopes. in gray shadows. every
wear growing thicker. The men and deeds
of the HExolc AGE. and we come back to
the open liRh: and tus'ling activities OF
this stil,stian day. We would fsin hope
our labor hss not been quite in vain. 1t
will not have bs-n. il ssperlties. long in
dulged. and prejudices. Tagging far behind
Justice. have been at all alayed or dissi.
psted. At all events. our task, in part.
ha. been a grateful one; and it was meant
throughout to be impar,ia!ly performed.
We have stolen out from the busy en-.
pleym.n,s OF this progressive time; from
among The multitudinous IN aierial objects,
which spring up, in rank luxuriance.
around our free institutions; from the
throng of men. the scream of the engine.
the stree, roaring with the tides Of life--to
visit the quiet cemetery, where the patri-
| archs. the martyrs. and the fathers OF the
Re public repose; and. like "Old MORTAL.
ty," with mallet and chisel in hand, bend
ing over the tombs in pious reverence.
have sought 10 remove the moss which
time. and the mould which mistake or
calumny have gathered on their ames.