Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-02-22
The rusntx-,econa Of Fahrnnrr.

The twenty-second of February has been obsery-
ed and celebrated as National anniversary ever
since the foundation of the American Union. There
was wisdom, well gratitude, in instituting it
as one Of the days Of special observance by the
American people. No man has ever lived, or ever
will live, who deserves and receives a higher hon.
age, a sincerer affection and mere gratefulremem-
brance from the people who inhabit the old Amer.
lean Union, divided as it now is Into two distinct
Ccnfederaeies, than GEORGE WASHINGTON; because
no man ever exhibited, or ever viii exhibit, char
acter of sterner or purer mould, heart Of lofter
principles, and q more evenly balanced head,
in the great career of defender, benefaetor,
and founder of the American people and the Amer
lean Government
Now that the Union, of which he was the most
conspicuous founder, and whose earliest Chief Ma
gistrate he was, has been snndered IN two, by the
great evil against which he most solemnly warned
his countrymen in his farewell address, gsograph-
zeal party it is difficult to estimate how mach of its
elevation glory, respect abroad and prosperity and
tranquility at home ii owes to the influence OF his
lustrious example. Certain it Is that the standard
of public and private excellence which he inaugu-
rated has had perceptbe and remarkable tenden-
CIV to inspire good actions and to prevent de-
eseneracy in his successors and in the public
men of the country Associated as ne was
200. with the birth of the Constitution, men
have naturally identified him with that which
bore distinctly the traces of his wisdom ana Vlr
tue. Hence his name has ever added stsOil'y 70
the Union. And hence while it has thus served as
an anchor to the Union from tie storms OF lae
tons it is not strange that it has also been invoked
by the worst of men for the worst of purposes
When we find character Of sEch extraordinary
lustre an example of such lasting influence, u is
beneficial to inquire and ascertain what was ths
great element that gave to it its brightness strength
and mower What was it that attached to the man,
the love. Affection and admiration of mankind and
eubalmed his memory in their hearts for study
and imitation Though kis character was possessed
of great roundness and perfection, yet it is not
dicult task to learn that It the heroism, patri
otisu, and magnanmity of his nature that elevated
him SO far above his compeers. lie was above the
termination to bride. He was incapable OF yield
eng to fear. He abandoned one OF the ioVeness ana
desrest of houez sacrificed its luxuries and s en-
dearments and tore himself from the wife oil hla
bosom to espouse eaase which was destitute OF
resources which was condemned and desplsed by The
nations Of the world and for which he incurred the
remuneration of rebel and rendered hiFsseh LIABLE TO
Ghe penalties of treason The cause 'oas jaSt.
Here lay its paramount attraction N has eye.
He stopped not to inquire what amount o.
danger, prisation suffering he Would
have to endure, TO reach the goal Of independence
which he set out to att2in. He listened not to the
tory cry Of the jsckas Of the British lion that he
vas arebel, traitor and usurpsr. He needed that
-'sVlL, small voice" which cane up from Month
cello that rebellion againststyrants as 0beaiaPee to
God knd prepared to contest the issue Of treassa
with his good right against those who set
price upon his head. He was chosen as the instru-
pent Of the united colonies for Yindicating their