American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1856-07-19
Mr.. wILLEY's ADDRESS:
CoNCLUDED.

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measures enumerated. L may admit
them ali to be good. But what has
been therosult? Tox, etpr0etcrqa nihu! |
Men were wantcd--such men as you
may be if you will--mon Of action.
will not be understood rs dccry-
ing the value OF sound principles. No!
Every thing depends on the prevalence
of sound principles. But whore shall
we findthom? And how shall we main.
tain thcm? In the enlightened minds,
aud by the hearty support of wise and
sound men. This is a free country.
Public opinion7--the will of men, after
all, is the paramount law. it makes
and unmakes our laws, organic and mu-
nicipal. Wise policy, therefore, pre-
supposcs wise politicians. Good mon
are condition precedent 20 goodmca-
surcs. Popular intelligence and in
tegrity, are, therefore, the best guar
antics Of the public welfare. There
can beno wholesome progress, or endur-
ing prosperity, where these are want
ing. The mere cnunciation Of axioms
and political distractions, how .vor
perspicuously expressed, or orthodox in
principle, will never retrieve the for
tunes of Virginia. She wants men;
intelligent mcn-men Of wisdom and
integrity--mcn ofaction--mcn of prac-
teal patriotism. She wantsmore than
abill of rights. The personal charac-
ter, the spirit Of the people Of free
state Is the true source Of its power.
Population, wealth and territory arc
mere incidents--mero consequence
What was it which enabled Leonidas
and his 800 Spartans, to withstand
Xerxes and his millions, three days, at
Thermopylac? Will you say that it
was only his strong position in the
Pass? How, then, will you account
for the victory of Mltiades and his II, )
600 Greeks over DQtis & Artaphernes
and their 100000 or GOO, 700 Persians
on the open plain of Marathon?
Tho hope of Virginia is not in nero
legislation, or declaration of rights or
manifestos Of public policy. It is in
the personal character Of her people,
especially Of the young men who must
soon assume the direction Of public af-
fairs. If these shall be endowed with
the proper degree of intelligence, and
the proper sentiments Of patriotism-if
they shall be men of enlightened minds
and loyal hearts-right measures Of
public policy will prevail as necessary
results. '-.....
If, therefore, gentlemen, / am correct
in these views, you see what important
responsibilities, your position, as edu-
Gated young men, involves. The re-
generation and future glory Of Virgin
III, depend upon you and your compecrs,
10 you she makes her appeal. She
calls upon you, by your reverence and
admiration for the memory and char
actcr Of her immortal dead, to "Quit
yourselves like men, and shcw that
You are the worthy sons Of worthy sircs.
And whilst you arc buckling OF your
armor for the battle, allow me to com
mend, as the rule Of your action, the
principle so beautifully expressed by
Wordsworth
"Who is the happy warrior? who is he
hat every man in arms would wish to be
'Fis no
v no fixes good on good alone, and owes
.. 10 virtue every triumph that he knows
Who IL he rise TO station Of command
Rises by open means, and there will stand
On honorable terms, else retire,
y nd in himself posses his own desire
Who, therefore, does not stoop to lie i'll wait
For wealth or honors, or for worldly stotc---
Whom they must JoiOp-on whose head must
fall
Like showers OF mama, If they come at all
Who while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
Ills breath in confidence OF Heavens applause;
This is the happy warror--this 10 he
Whom every man in arms should wish TO be-"