Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-12-17
VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

REMARKS or HOS. WV. C. E1vEs
Mr. RSes, on taking the Chair President OF the So
crty made the following remarks.
Before proceeding to the business of the EVENING al
10" me TO congratulate you, gentlemen that after the
pfetcrmssion OF our last annual meeting we are nov
aeDeu under circumstances so propitious the H..
tu7e prospects Of the Society We are now met under
the same roof and in close and intimate associ,,i,
with the industrial commercial and municipal interests
OF the capital OF our State. In government like ours
no enterprise however merorous or praiseuo-tb, - l.
SELL can hope Tor permanent success unless il is
by the public sympathy aud announcement UitLer,n
the operations Of Society have been conducted
we're IN corner remote from general observation and
attracting but little Of the public attention Novy H.,
We are brought into immediate contact with The cve
day pursuits and practical interests Of our fellow tzen
may we not hope to be cheered aud warmed bv tbe3
countenancc and appreciation.
may be pardoned for saying 10 those who ho,o- "a
with their presence this occasion that there can b
greater mistake than 20 suppose that the lessons of his
tory are for the scholar literary man alone On de
contrary, there Is no portion Of human knowedpe which
comes more directly or universally to the business and
bpsoms OF mon, than history So much IL tbis the c,s
That one Of Tie wisest men Observation-Disclosures state
uanorator OF Rome-calcd IL the aisirsts NJ Iif If
t. be true with respect history IN general IL il for
osn history.
We may say, think without presumption that there
are few histories richly fraurbt with civic and no
ca a. vel as moral instruction. than that Of our.ovu
state Where shall We fad more numerous or ,rorc i'm
W'sTe examples Of patriotism and virtue of the lovc
or uffy ana order, Of iOr'fulc and rmursa n adve~s
w. Of wisdom and foresight iu council Of gallantry and
conduct u The field Of setpossession and elevation Of
sfI 200 every emergency than among our noble ances
Who contributed more or indeed 20 much a. thee
di, 70 the formation aud establishment Of at f,I,rio
constitution which called into lie and activity Inc proc
le' YET d0nsut energies Of this mighty continent
constitution which unless marred by the passions ana
loy o men, must stand forth IN the ewes Of the world
h' pronde't fabric Of civil and political liberty the ust
mastery ana profound adjustment Of the checks aud bal
a'es oi rec government that the wit Of man ever con
u"cn. VINO have shown more loyalty and devotion 10
tle union OF the states, Who have rallied with more
Wonptinde and real 70 avenge the violated rights Of
u'r i'UoW citizens Of every section who have made lar
grr or MORE generous sacrifices Tor the harmony sr I
lcruve good ri the coufederscy: or vbo whom orrsi
L'' required. have brought vigilance and
hnne' ~ Tho defence Of The reserved rights Of m Nom
b o. hud 90 The protection Of The common liberty gai,
r.stora OF our. ''''''' WI.
Too Che vigis.ifIdrs and trrll7 through which ,b;
900 career conducted them they have isr us ,y49t.
.IFg'e 70 every variety Of circumstances fn which 40
WN Pc placed. ln ths unhappy times ON which $50 ..
N"" ihI'i, %" one can iufe-cc Boo which Of thssn .,,
F'' We are % BOD our rule of conduct fr ,,r,ipg,r
l'i vaguely lowering over the future H., n, -.
dy aud ponder them 3D. and NJ r,r ss ,,.,,.. ..
CO. VIII permit lot i1 action unite and ,a,ti,.
h'W "l oi ono thing we may be- assured ,bs,
u" more We look back into our usst bi.,,,- ,t
more We penetrate ourselvcs with the spirit ,,J .
"Pe oi our exalted progcIiors the better VIC shan b
W pared TO play. with beudd frmDess and ,,fs5, a
e'run part chat Providence may cast upon NJ amid ~
SITUATIONS aud eonvulsops vita which the wild rss;on
OF men or parties may visit distracted country
D"' mu' nos detain yoq longer from the rich lea,,