The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-10-06
ALEssoN FROM HISTORY.

. Strange as it seems now no man has ever lived
in America who was more thoroughly denounced
and abused than George Washington was at one
time. 1t was not at all likely that sach charac-
ter should appear at any period above the public
horizon, and especially period of great political
CONFUSION, without exciting jealousy, miscon-
struction, envy; hatred; malice, and all uncharita-
bleness We defy any public man to pass through
the world without enemies who discharges his
duties without fear, favor, or affection. George
Washington, whilstShis shoulders were broad
enough to carry through such war as the Amer
can Revolution, by his almost unsupported
siren 9Th bore himself with such proud dignity and
reserve, held so tenaciously to his own convictions
of right, and had such an infexible will of his
own; that he was never, till he had completed his
great work, in much danger Of the "Wo unto you
when all men shall speak we'll Of you" which the
Gospel pronounces. For seven long years he toll
ed and struggled not only against British arms
but against the detraction, and open and secret
opposition of his own countrymen. Not only his
political, but his military character was aspersed
it was said that he had never gained battle, thai
he was always retreatiDg, and others were men
toned, who were SAID to be much filter than him.
self to lead the armies and guide the affairs OF
State Even some of his own friends deserted
him, and at time his majestic form stood almost
alone, bat still proudlyerect, selfreliant and hea
ven supported. Even after he had delivered the
nation from the house of bsndage,. there were not
wanting many to mulmur against him, as, the' Is
raelites did against Noses and as man kind in every
age have murmured against their greatest benefac-
tors. He was accused of being IN the interest Of
the very country from which he had wreSted the
Independence OF America, aud of desiring to inI-
pose Government akin to monarchy upon the
United States. sAll these assaults and precautions
however, did no damage except to their authors,
never disturbing for a moment the e9uanimi Of
him against whom they were aimed; but it was not
until death consecrated his labors and his name
that the tongue of calumny was hushed, aud the
clouds, which had rainly sought to eclipse the
mighty orb, were scattered from his path, and were
compelled themselves to reflect the glory Of the
setting sun. - 40
But the treatment received by Washington is
by no means peculiar. "The multitude" the
eminent Dr. Blair observed seventy years ago
s'are always prone to find fault with those who are
set over them and arrai On their conduct; and toe
often this spirit appears when public dangers
ought to silence the voice of discomfort, and TO
unite every heart and hand in the common cause.
How long the first Revolution was >protracted by
the discussions among its own friends, and the
want of confidence too often manifested towards It's
illustriousi Chief, We can never know. But that
the enemy derived great aid and comfort from
Cnese ubSeemly anu ihlPoittie NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Jun
not be doubted. We, who embarked in a ST.
cond and more gigantic Revolution should learn a
lesson from the past. We are strong enough, if
united to achieve our independence; but the house
that is divided against itself cannot stand. At all
events if we desire that this shall not be even
longer than that of rs, we must work together,
knowing that in union is strength, and that in dis
cord and chickering's is weakness, discouragement,
and peril Let US seekto inspire each other s
hearts by mutual confidence; to invigorate each
others arms by mutual cooperation, and thus to
convince our advcrsaries and, the world at large
that we are unit, knowing no enemies but the
enemies of our country, and determined to sasEi-
flee all personal feelings, prejudices, and aumosi
ties upon the altar Of the common good.-Rteh-
mond Dispatch.