The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-12-16

Amohe oue poHtc'ans OF WestChe5ter ana ~
nam counties. The HERALD has been uaneees-
sari.y lps,red into this business by the mean ms.
lice and sinister influence OF Greeley and his
confederates Same parties who encouraged
of Fry for an independent criticism on his ma
naecment Of the Opera few years ago. There
is not meaner sneak in politics or journalism
than Greeley, or some of his associates, as will
turn out in the end As to Haskin himself we
never knew him, nor cared about him, nor
thought IL worth while to say anything, good,
bad or Indifferent, about him.
THE MOUNT VERNON Fusp-NArIoNAL CELE-
DRAmoNs.-The festival in aid Of this patriotic
fund commences on Saturday next, and from the
array Of distinguished names published as Its
patrons, it promises 10 be one of the most bril-
liant and memorable affairs Of the kind that has
ever taken place in this country. 1t is hardly
necessary for US to recapitulate the circumstances
which led to the formation of the Mount Vernon
Association. 1t is sufficient to state that it is
composed Of the most distinguished ladies Of New
York and other cities of the Union, who have
patriotically enrolled themselves into society
for the purpose of raising fund for the purchase
OF the home and tomb Of Washington. This-our
only great national slrine-thcy seek to place
beyond the chances of Dissertation, by securing
il in fee to those who have the strongest interest
in such a memorial. As it is impossible for
Congress to establish a precedent 80 likely to
lead to abuse by the appropriation Of money for
such purpose, these ladies have periodically
taken upon themselves this labor of love. No
body of men could have worked more energetical-
ly have exhibited greater fertility of resources
than they have done. Means which the other sex
would perhaps have overlooked have been turned
TO account by them with success which can
only be attributed to their personal influence
and their earncstness Of purpose. Amongst the
numerous expedients hit upon were the calling
into requisition, as lecturer, Of Mr.. Everett,
one of the most distinguished orators Of the day;
the eccentric but happy notion of employing the
pen of the same gifted writer in the pages Of that
popular weekly, the New York Ledger; and
lastly, this mammoth festival, the precursor of
a number Of similar yf1tes which it is proposed
to give all over the country.
AS national anniversaries may be said to con-
stitute the landmarks in the history Of people,
il is to be regretted that hitherto 80 little re-
verence should have been paid to the memory of
the events and epochs which have signalized the
growth Of our independence. All other coun-
tries have their jours dc fae, concentrating
some passage in their national history, which it
affords qualification TO the popular mind to look
back TO. With the exception Of the Fourth ofJuly,
we may be said to be utterly destitute in this re-
spect, although our annals are rich enough in
memories and traditions to furnish rs full
calendar Of celebrations rs that Of any people
even the most catholic.
II is gratifying to find that the Indifference
hitherto manifested on this point has been
warmed into enthusiasm by the appeal made to
our sentiments Of national pride by the Mount
Vernon Association. All classes, with a single
exception, have eagerly rushed forward to partici-
pate in this tribute 10 the memory Of the great
man who was the principal instrument of our
independence. All the most distinguished and
estimable Of our citizens, the leading members
OF the bar, the officers of the army and navy
resident amongst us, the presidents Of the banks
and our wealthiest merchants, have zealously
concurred In this movement, and will
by their money and presence contribute
10 render il one of the most imposing and success
full on record. The only exception to this univer-
salty Of sentiment is that Of the clergy. They
have given no sign which can he construed into
an evidence Of approval. Had the object Of the
festival been niger sympathising dcmonstra-
ton, We should to certainty have heard all the
pulpits in the city ringing with the voice Of help
aboliionism or the alarm Of invaded clerical
privileges which can succeed in waking up the
energies OF the priesthood. They have no
patriotism, and the memory Of a statesman Is
with them only TO be cherished when allied with
bis services TO the church.
This Festival will, we trust inaugurate new
order Of ideas amongst us, and add something TO
the reverence Of great names, in which, up 10 the
present time, we have been far too deficient As
il is intended to extend this great national and
patriotic experiment 10 all parts Of the country,
il Is TO be hoped that the qualification and enjoy
ment that will be derived from II will lead 10 lbs
pcrpctuation on Washington's birth day, and is
imitation on the occasion Of other anniversaries
On the refining and elevating influences Of such
gatherings il is not necessary for Us 10 enlarge.
They exhilarate the spirits, promote social inter
course between the different classes, encourage
art, and teach men that for patriotism there are
more cheering rewards than the cold isolation Of
the tomb.
MoRE FRAuns IN TUE CrY TREASURY
CURIOUS CoNDUCr or SoWH or rHE COMMON
Council We publish in another column
report Of the Joint Committee Of Accounts.
which was prepared abou. a month ago Cor pre-