Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-24

.be Ruler of the universe, by general
never bv direct interference: that, un-
%@'Trbed in his Almighty equanimity,
fl. sees. alike. the God of all,
hero perish. and sparrow fall"
:. may be so but the assertion of American
;aian.ndcnce. and the appearance of Wash
:'-,dp upon the stage, that most fortunate
5,.rgence of the time and the man-pur-
s3, me that there is "a Divinity that
'bare, our ends" And though it may not
.Iwsv. seem good, for reasons known to Him
" i'ns that His imtcrposition should be dis
,,rnibIe by mortal sense, yet it always ex-
-. WHY did the wild savage select him in
'";n q. rhc mark for his rifle? The Deity
S,s;,ned him AS the special instrument for
~. fn,ure great work. His shield was over
linn and Washington himself could see the
'Iodov Of the hand that ruled his destiny.
History NAV have recorded the names Of
s,me who were greater cOnquerors in the
iaId but of none who were better advisers
IN the tent. The secrets of science have
been more disclosed by those whose time and
r,len,s were spent in such researches: but
from none can the practical man learn more
>, oude him in his affairs of life The
nower of eloouence has been often given in
much greater degree to others; but it is
n. actor on the stage of life, and not the
,rator. who leaves his impress on the world
CIR the good of future generations. Philan-
ibmpists have spent their lives in efforts
for the Increase of human happiness, and the
,lleyiation of human suffering and the ben
off Of their labors will be felt when them
selves are forgotten. But the memory of
the man who has given, and perpetuated, to
his country freedom, and republican insti-
buttons. though no monument should ever
testify its gratitude, will live in the recollec-
ton Of that country, and in the hearts of its
people. fresh and green, until the closing of
the book of time.
Great was his love Of freedom and his
love of country, but equally as great was
his love for, and faith in, republican in
stitutions. Who but he ever relinquish-
ed power when he might have kept it?
Except, perhaps, the German emperor, whose
biographers tellus was imbued with religious
Gnaticism at least, if he was not otherwise
insane. Who but he ever refused a crown
from those who had the power to give? And
he refused it Indignantly. And remember
that YOU look upon this act with republican
eyes, but he was born under monarchy, and
had served king. 1t was an unsolved
problem whether republic could stand
Until then. experience had proved that linn
tied monarchy afforded the best government
upon the earth; while every republic had
been evanescent in its existence, incapable of
affording political liberty to its citizens, and
tragic in its close. Even if a republic might
permanently exist, the experiment was un-
tried whether it was adapted to the genius of
our people. A commonwealth had once been
attempted in England, the nation of our
fathers, and she had returned to the govern
ment of a king. And even at this day, al
though there has been, and still is, going on
in the world a steady advance in the social
and political position of man, republic is
not practicable with all nations. Look at
France. one of the most enlightened nations
of the earth; within few years she has sur
rendered q republic, and at the same time
thrown away her political liberty; and now.
through violence fraud, and perjury, des-
pot sits upon her throne. How great was
his faith in the power of this people for self
government We have hitherto afforded, and
there is no fear but that we shall forever az
ford, the most conclusive proof of the uner-
ring sagacity of his judgment.
In obedience to the call of his country,
like Cincinnatus, he came from retirement.
In uncompromising integrity, and incorrup-
table honesty, he was the counterpart of Fa-
bricius In his judicious restraint over the
precipitous ardor of his soldiers desiring
battle, although urged on by his civil rulers,
and his opportlne advances against the enc
nv, he was at once like both the Roman
consuls Fabius Maximus and Marcellus, the
shield and sword Of his country. Like
Hannibal. he knew how to gain victory;
but unlike him he knew how to use it. In
stern republicanism, and hostility to all ty-
ranny Of kings, he was the compeer Of Bru-
tus. In the combined virtues of them all, the
world has never produced the parallel to him
self While in any single department there
may doubtless have been as great, perhaps
greater men than himself, vet for the Won
derful combination Of the greatest and best
qualities. which ever adorned the soul OF
man, and places that man in position next
10 his Creator, his name stands IN history
solitary and alone.
The value of Washington to this country
was, in my opinion, not greater during the
war of the revolution than after its close
Freedom was obtained-republican institu-
tions secured-but there was yet that want
ing which was to give us high position
amongst the nations of the earth---a union
of these States In the council, as in the
field, was the vigor of his intellect exerted,
and the weight of his influence felt.
The union of these States was the consum-
nation of the western drama; and we enjoy,
to-day, as many blessings from that union,
as from the war of independence ITSELF
Without that union we would have remained
thirteen separate. discordant States, each
watching with such Jealousy the advance
mcnt of the others as to retard its own. In
harmonious amongst ourselves we would
have been powerless abroad. But with that
union we have grown into mighty people.
felt and feared amongst the great nations OF
the earth; We have expanded into mighty
country.
Whose empire DER shadows Atantic's wide
breast,
And opes to the sunset its gateway Of gold.
In the Farewell Address which was so
well read, and ably commented on to-day, by
nv friend, we have heard the value OF the
Union inculcated upon us in words OF I'M
pressive eloquence They sound to me like
the voice of wisdom from the spirit land
There is no measure by which to calculate
Al v.,An IN -