The New York herald., 1862-02-20

not enter the ports of the United States except
under the same restrictions they have imposed
on our vessels-of-war. This would be the proper
way to treat government which, in defiance
of all justice, is continually perverting the
laws of nations so as to adapt them to its owR
peculiar views and interests
THE CELEBRATION OF THE TwENrY-sEoOND or
FEBRuARY.-In another column our readers will
find the proclamation of the President calling
upon the people of the United States to ceie-
brate, with appropriate solemnities, the aP-
preaching anniversary Of the Birthday Of the
Father of his Country. We would that this
proclamation might be respected, and this anni-
versary observed throughout the whole length
and breadth of this great country; that North
and South alike might join in reverent remem-
brance of the great patriot, soldier and states
man who gave them their liberties that
rebellion might throw down its arms and trea-
son renew its broken allegiance before tho
mighty'memory of the first and best of Ameri-
cans; and that on this birthday of liberty
all factions, sections and animosities might
be forever forgotten in cordial hearty and
perpetual reunion. But we may wish in vain.
President Lincoln's proclamation reaches only
the loyal North. The memory Of Washington
is lost amid the ruins of his cherished hopes in
the disloyal South.
But if the whole country cannot respond to
this invocation to celebrate the Birthday Of
Washington, we can at least celebrate with il
the bright prospects of speedy termination Of
our civil war and speedy reunion OF our df-
vided republic. If the land of Washington il
rent in twain, we cannot better honor tho
name of our great father than by exerting our
utmost efforts to restore the ascendency Of his
government and his flag over that portion
which ia in rebellion. In this view, nothing
can be more appropriate than to add
the celebration of the recent glorious Union
triumphs to the solemnities betting the Birth
day of Washington. Roanoke, Fort Henry and
Fort Donelson are electric names. If Wash
ington had lived in these clouded times ho
would have achieved these victories for us.
They honor his memory. Their celebration will
give additional and appropriate eclos to tho aa-
niversary of his birth.
The President suggests that the immortal
f8rcWell AuQTcSo Ok oouluBtOu Uo ICuu II
every public assembly, and be made promi-
nent feature of the days celebrations. We en-
dorse this admirable idea, and suggest also that
the Address be published simultaneously in
every paper in the country. We are glad to
say that from every part of the loyal States
we are receiving assurances that the day will
be celebrated az it has never been before. Tho
civic professions, the military parades. the ora
tions, the laundering sslutes, the waving aags.
the closed stores, the pomp and circumstance
of the greatest festal day Of the nation, will DO
invoked to make this return of q national ami.
versary remarkable throughout all time. To
make up for the reasonable forgetfulness oi
the South, the patriotism of the North will be
displayed with redoubled fcrvor. II the great
fathers memory be cherished in fewer hearts
than before, it shall be cherished hero moro
ardently than ever. The growth of years has
only checked the pulsations Of the national
heart. Now, tried in the fiery furnace of war,
it has lost its dross, renewed its patriotic p,t.
rty, and beats firmly and strongly again. On
the Twenty-second Of February, then. lot us
remember the example and the advice Of Wash.
ington and celebrate the victories we have
gained in his name. Then, inspirited by his
noble memory, let us press forward until tho
flag he raised floats once more over the whole
of the republic he founded.