The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-04-29

100 minute lot nls personal inquiry anu cou-
tinued supervision and, at the same time,
be comprehended events in their widest
aspects and relations. He never seemed
above the object that engaged his attention,
and he was always equal, without an effort,
to the solution Of the highest questions, even
when there existed no precedent to guide his
decision.
In this way he never drew to himself ad-
mration for the possession OF any one quail
" in excess, never made in council any one
suggestion that was sublime but impractical
bic, never in action took 10 himself the
praise or the blame of undertakings aston.
ishing in conception, but beyond his means
of execution. 1t was the most wonderful
accomplishment Of this man that, placed
upon the largest theatre Of events, at the
head Of the greatest revolution in human
affairs, be never failed to observe all that
was possible, and at the same time 10 bound
his aspirations by that which was possible
A slight tlnge in his character, perceptible
only to the close observer, revealed the re-
gion from which he sprung, and he might be
described as the best specimen OF manhood
as developed in the South; but his qualities
were 50 faultlessly proportioned that his
whole country rather claimed him AS its
choicest representative, the most complete
expression Of all its attainments aud aspra-
tons. He studied his country and con
formed to it, His countrymen felt that he
was the best type of America, and rejoiced
in il, and were proud OF it. They lived IN
his lie and made his success and his praise
their own.
Profoundly impressed with confidence in
Gods Providence, and exemplary in .bisre-
spect for the forms of public worship, no
philosopher of the eighteenth century was
more firm in the support of freedom of reli-
gious opinion none more tolerant, or more
remote from bgotry; but belief in God and
trust in His overruIing power formed the
essence OF his character. Divine spirit not
only illumnes the spirit it inspires the will.
Washington was man Of action and not OF
theory or words; his creed appears 10 his
life, not in his professions, which burst from
him very rarely, and only at those great mo.
ments OF crisis in the fortunes Of his country,
when earth and heaven seemed actually TO
meet, and his emotions became too intense
for suppression but his whole being was
one continued act Of faith in the eternal, in
telligent, moral order of the universe. In
tegrlty was SO completely the law of his ma
ture, that planet would sooner have shot
from its sphere, than he have departed from
his uprghtness, which was so constant
that it often seemed to be- almost impr-
sOnal.
They say OF Gioito thai he introduced u
goodness into the art Of painting Wash.
ingtOn carried il with him TO the camp and
cabinet, and established new criterion Of
human greatness. The purity of his will
confirmed his iortitudc aud Us he never
faItered in his faith in virtue he stood fast
by that which h. knew to be just free
from illusions, never detected 10y the appre
hension OF the difficulties and perils that
went before him, and drawing the promise
of success from the justice Of his cause
Hence he was persevering, leaving nothing
unfinished free from all faint OF obstnacy
in his iirmDess seeking and gladly receiving
advice but immOyabe IN his deyo,edness t.
right
or retiring modesty and habitnal re-
serve. his amblllon was no more than the
consciousness OF his power. and was subor.
dnate TO his sense OF duty; he took the fore
most place, for he knew from Unborn ma ma
nmlty, that it belonged TO him, and be
dared not withhold the service required oil
him; so that, with all his humanity, be was
by necessity the first. though never Tor him
a., IL. III fan
the approval Of coming generations, the
, good opinion Of his fellow men Of his own
time aud he desired TO make his conduct co
inclde with their wishes; but fear OF ceDsure
not the prospect OF applause, could temp,
him 10 swerve from recttude, and the praise
which be coveted was the moral sentiment
which exists in every human breast, and
goes forth only 10 the welcome OF virtue.
TLerc have been soldiers who have achiev'
ed mighter victories in the field and made
conqnests more nearly corresponding TO the
boundlessness Of selfish ambition statesmen
who have been connected with more start
ling upheavals ol society; but 1t l. the
greatness Of Washington, that IN pubhc
trusts he used power solely for the public
good that he was the lie and moderator
and stay OF the most momentous revolution
ID human Affairs. It's moving impulse and IL
restraining power. Combining the ceItrip
e,al and the centrifugal forces in their ut
most strength, and in perfect relations, viii
creative grandeur oi instinct he held ruin II
check. and renewed aud perfected the insti
tuition. Of biz country. Finding the colo
MES disconnected and dependent, he lef
7 them such a united and well ordered com
monwealth as no visionary bad believed t.
be possible. 80 that i, ma. been truly sa'd
be was a. fortunate a, great and good.