Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1856-03-21


to the first point the speaker maintained that the alb
sence OF dazzling traits which strike the magma
ton, so far from needing an apology, was in reality
one OF the chief eIceencies of the character Of
Washington. They are in reality defects, and wopld
impair the beauty OF well.balanced character
Such character also includes the sober and little
popular qualities-such prudence justice, common
sense-which, although by far the most useful uua-
ties in public man. neither win applause nor strike
the Imagination They place their possessor howev
er, in harmony with the great powers which govern
the universe, material and moral, which, the higher
We rise in the scale of being are the more chsrac.
terzed by quiet equilibrium and silent energy.
But the pure morality Of Washngton's character
was the most important feature and Mr.. Everett. da
clared it to be his decided conviction "that it was an
important part Of the design of Providence in raising
up Washington to be the leader of the revolutionary
struggle and afterwards the first President of the
United States to set before the people of America in
the morning Of !Luir national existence u living ex.
ample to prove that armies may be best conducted;
just wars most successfully fought, and governments
most ably and hOnorably administered by men Of
sound moral principles to teach to gifted and aspiring
individuals and the parties they lead that, though
hundred crooked roads conduct to temporary success
the one plain and straight path Of public and private
virtue can alone lead to pure and lasting fame and
the blessings Of posterity."
The speaker then glanced at the course Of Wash.
ington in moral point Of view, beginning with his
nurture as "good boy" by a mother worthy to be
named with the nobest matrons of "Rome and Isra-
e" on through the varous stages Of his career and
asked whether the judgment Of mankind was 30 de
praved that they would withhold their admiration
from such man and bsstow it on men like Alexan-
der, Cesar and Marlborough whose characters ana
conduct were briefly passed in review. In this con-
nection, Mr.. Everett described Blenheim Castle the
splendid palace erected to perpetuate the fame Of
Marlborough, compared with Mount Vernon, the mo.
dest home Of Washington, and contrasted the oppo.
site feelings which they awakened in the mind of the
observer.
Finally, Mr. Everett observed that it was peculiar.
ly incumbent on the citizens OF America, as deposi-
tories Of the memory and fame of Washington, to fol
low his advices and obey his counsels, especially as
contained in his Farewell Address. The most impor.
tant of his e1hortatons was that which epjoins the
preservation Of the Union. This the thought and
care WHICH lay uedItSL ouu IL
this whether the United States shall be broken up into
group Of independent military governments, vast
ing each other in perpetual border wars, or remain
great powerful aud prosperous confederate republic
If ever his parting counses, this head, should bt
forgotten, on that day may truly be said that Wash
ington had lived in vain Such calamity, however
the speaker exclaimed. should never be permitted ie
take place while the memory of the glorious day
and deeds of the revolution remained.
At the cloee of Mr. E.'s speech, Governor WISE
returned the thanks of the ladies to the distinguished
orator, to whom also he paid an eloquent compli
ment.
E1.Presidsnt Tyler was next loudly called for, ane
in few very felicitous remarks, spoke with fervo
and feeling of his delight to welcome his tried ant
rsspscted friend, Mr.. E.. to Old Virginia, in so hol,
| q csa5e,
Rev. Mr.. Reid closed the ceremonies with bene
| diction.
! The Annory Band did good service. performing
beautifully some fne airs, commencing with the "Pil
grim Fathers" and ending with the Star Spangle
Banner"
Take IT all in all, we never enjoyed more delight
full and inspiring intellectual entertainment.