Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-03-05
1MpIous McoKERY.

1MPIoUS MCCKERY.
On the 22d of February day revered
as the anniversary of the birth of the patriot
Wa.hington-there was exhibited specta>
Gle in the Hall of the House of Delegates of
the so-calied State of West Virginia, which
for vile mOckery and unholy inappropriate-
ness, has no parallel in history, ancient or
modern. On that day, in accordance with
previous arrangement, the two houses of the
General Assembly met in the hall atoremcn-
toned, and commenced performances by the
reading of the Farewell Address of the Fa-
Their OF his Country, by radical delegate
named CracrGft from Kanawha county.
What singular emotions the reading of this
celebrated document must have created in the
breasts of these political pirates, as they nest
led around the reader to hear the sage admo-
nitions of him "who was first in war, first in
peace and first in the hearts of his country
men"
On the left, in the group of Senators, we
see our own distinguished representative, the
notorious Chapline, evidently tortured at list
ening to 4 document which has so much of
patriotism and SO little of political rascality
In its composition. 1t docs not accord with
his progressive notions, and he is ready. to
write the author down as an sold fogy" In
the same group is Farnsworth, who has no
very Gear record for morality, having once
been found in close proximity to neighbours
pig-stye, and upon him rests the suspicion
that his motives were not the purest and most
disinterested
On the right hand, among the members
of the House, VIC behold the worthy couple
from this county, the interchangeable Koonce,
and the slow-coach Billmyer. They listen to
the reading, because the address is new to
them, and possesses some novelty They
have heard that in the earlier days of our
country, an individual named Washington
figured conspicuously, but they have been led
to believe that he was loyal subject, and not
rebel who bafled the hosts of the King of
England, and triumphed in the cause of re-
liGious and political freedom, which they are
now seeking to destroy. In the same group,
and just behind KoOnce and Billmyer, is Jim
Furguson, of Cabell. Looking around him
he sees little that is worth stealing; no car
pet bags or oyercOats greet his aspiring vision,
and he tries to listen to the reading of the
Address. Presently CracrG6 reaches this
sentence, which he throws out with more than
usual force upon Jim's ears OF all the dis
positions and habits which lead to political
prosperity, religion and morality arc indis-
pensabe supports. In vain would that man
claim the tribute of patriotism, who should
labor to subvert these great pillars of human
happiness, these firmest props of the duties
of men and citizens" Jim knows that he is
without either religion morality, and con-
sequently has a strong desire to offer an
amendment to this portion of the address, and
is confident if the author was still alive.
a clause should be inserted in the registry law
excluding him from the exercise of the right
Of suffrage.
The reading of Washington's Farewell
Address in the Legislature of West Virgin,
Ia, is like singing Psalms to the devils in the
dominion Of Satan. Lost to honor, lost to
virtue, lost to patriotism lost to decency, the
representatives of this ''illegitimate offspring
OF political rapine" insult the memory and the
name of Washington by reading his last
words of public counsel to his countrymen, on
the anniversary of his birth. Having robbed
Washington'S mother, upon whose bosom re-
pose his mortal remains, they now seek to
detract from the fame Of her immortal son
~ hypocritical reverence for his sacred
teachings. Out upon such vile miscreants.