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

ests OF the State.
1t is with sincere regret that we part with the
bers Of both Houses with whom we have had so
many pleasant and instructive associations in public
and in private. We wish them all a safe and pleas
ant return to their families and their constituents.
Mr.. EVERETrS GREAT GRAFTON.
Over thousand persons were delighted last night
in Rev. Mr.. Burrows Church, by Mr.. Els truly
grand and noble oration on the character of Wash
ingon, delivered at the request of the Ladies of the
Mount Vernon Association 1t was in every respect
a magnificent address, and delivered with exquisite
eloouton.
The ceremonies opened with prayer by Rev. Mr..
Burrows. The Mayor then happily introduced Mr..
Everett who spoke for nearly two hours on his grand
theme.
In commencing his address, Mr.. Everett observed
that be was fully sensible Of the nature of the tack
he had undertaken. 1t not without peculiar
tons that he to speak of the character Of Wash
ington before the citizens Of his native State forever
memorable for the birth. place, tho home and the
grave Of Washington Of which many portions
closely connected with him by some personal asso.
citation. The subject, under any circumstances, was
difficult as it important, and this difficulty arose
with which it has already been treated. On the death
of Washington in 1899, on the recommendation of
Congress, 10 pursuance of report of committee,
of which Chief Justice Marshall Chairman, eulo.
gies were delivered the 22nd Of February next
following by some Of the abes speakers and writers
Of the country and on the annual recurrence of his
birth day, the same subject has been discussed in
every part Of the Union. Many of these discourses
have passed into the literature of the country and are
familiar to all.
The more obvious and appropriate topics Of dis
this great tbemea narrative of the life of
Washington, and discussion of bis principles and
policy-hsd been exhausted in the performances al
uded to. Mr. Everett would not attempt to say over
n other words what had already been said so we'll by
bis distinguished predecessors, but would endsavorto
take somewhat different view Of the subject, aud
would offer some reflections upon the relation Of
Washington, not merely to the United States but to
the age In which be lived, and then attempt to ind-
cate the true nature and moral foundation of his
greatness.
After further remarks Of personal character,
Mr. Everett remarked that the occasion was one of
more than ordinary interest 1t twas not only near the
anniversary the birth day Of Washington, but Of the
completion of century since his first appearance be-
fore the country large in the last week Of Februs-
ry 1856.
The seven years war had not then been declared
in Europe, but hosites had been carried for two
years upon the inland frontiers of the British colonies
in America.
Washington had already distinguished himself he
was preserved by a manifest Providence at Brad.
docks defeat, and young he was, had bscome the
| of iptsr md
came with one or two brother offers to con-
suit Governor Thisbey upon the question of rank
and the general arrangements of the war. He was
then twenty-four years old-s model Of manly vgor,
grace and beauty. His second appearance before
the country at large was the Commander-in-C Chief
of the American armies in July l775, and the third,
in April, l7ss as first President of the United States
unanimously chosen in the hearts of the people in
advance, not merely Of the constitutional forms of
election, but of the poor machinery of caucuses and
conventions by which, ir later times, it has been
found convenient to relieve the people Of the trouble
Of choosing their rulers. The relation Of Washing
ton to the country these three visits was briefly
alluded to.
The speaker then quoted remark of Lord Brough-
am, that Washington was "the greatest of
own or any other age adding that if the frat part OF
this remark true the last must be equally 3d. in
asmuch as the period dating from the commencement
of the last century unquesonaby the richest in
great events great and the general progress of
intelligence in the history Of the world. To illus
trate this remark and show that Washington was not
like Alfred or Cbarlemsgne, bright light shining in
dark age, but the principal ornament of an age in
almost every respect the most distinguished rapid
survey was taken by the speaker of what may be
called the age of Washington, commencing with the
eighteenth century. The entrance of Russia into the
European system-the foundation OF the British En-
pire in the East-the commencement Of the great
Australian system-he colonization and civilization
of Africa-the downfall Of feudasm-the estabsh-
msn of the liberty Of speech and the press-the de-
velopment of journalism-the growth of manufac
tures-he applications of the steam engine the pro-
of science and the great moral enterprises Of the
age were alluded to 10 this connection. Of all the
great names connected with these events, although
many sbone with brightness, each in its peculiar
sphere, Washington, by general admission on the
WHOLE outshone them all. This position was further
illustrated by comparison of Washington, ndividu'
ally with the three persons who in this period have
received the designation Of great" viz: Peter the
Great of Russa, Frederick the Second Of Prussia,
and Napoleon.
The speaker observed, however, that though Wash
ington great in age Of great men, his great
ness was not borrowed nor reflected, but original In
common With his distinguished associates be derived
but little aid in the formation of bis character and the
grandeur of his from the preceding century.
In this respect bis position widely different from
that of the men ofhis age who are so amply furnish
ed with examples and illustrations Of every kind,
from the revolutionary and constitutional period
There was no Washington in the seventeenth centn-
| rv ON the model of whom the Washington OF the
| eiphteepth could form himself There was none In
America, there was none in Europe; there was none
iu the modern world; there was none in the
ancient cast my eye tsaid Mr Everett)
along the far stretching galleries Of history
l behold with admiration the statues OF the
great and good with which they are adorned
Hampden, Alfred, Cato, Timoleon, Epsminondas-
but sse no other Washington.
MIR. Everett then passed to the enqury-ln what the
true greatness of w ashngton consists and admitted
that be found it difficult to furnish answer to the
question: which fully satisfied his conceptions
After the usual points of great character we're emu
nerated' there was still something in Washington that
escaped analysis as there was an ndescribabls charm
in his portraits by Stuart imparling an interest to
the but which it was not easy to refer to it's pre-.
| else course.
There could, however, be no doubt that the es-
sence and strength Of Washingtons character lay in
two things; frst in his possession in due propor-
ton each, in the golden msan of all the powers and
qualities required for the useful and honorable dis
charge of the duties of life and second in the pure