Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-10-14
COMMUNICATED,


A statement has recently appeared which
has now become current, that Mr.. Walker the
now Governor OF this State, is the youngest
man who has ever occupied that high position
in Virrina-he being only 81 years OF age
The conclusion, arrived at, from this state
ment. Gi ii be true) Is, that GOV. W., having
reached that station, at an age - much young
er than any of his illustrlous predeeessors-
Henry, Jefferson, Henry Lee, VIM. b. Giles
John Tyler Captain John,) &c., &c',-must
bo snperior man in talents and qualities SUIT
ID 70 the office of Chief Magistrate OF the
"Old Dominion especially so, when we bear
in mind the fact that Gov. W. is new conner,
having been a resident of the State only few
wears, and therefore, not enjoying any OF the
benefits of antecedent associations, SO poten'
fol in State affairs, No doubt Gov. w. Is
VOW clever man, in the Southern acceptatlon
of the term: and |. am pleased 10 accord to
him all the merit to which he Is entitled. But
il has become so much the custom latterly 10
noint with rosy co!ors ali who for the time be-
ing are placed in high stations, that we are IN
danger of forgetting the deeds, not to say
the eminent services, OF some who nave act
ed upon the arena of State affairs IN times past
Now, to come to the main facts IN queSuon-
| ct me say that am somewhat surprised that
such statement should have gained currency
in Virginia, when there ought 10 DC ~ i"aH'
When first saw the statement, | was tuHy
impressed from memory OF past history, that,
the comparison as to ages was incorrect, |
have looked at the records since, and, unless
they are wrong, and have been wrong Tor more
than a century, ny impression is wholly sus
tanned by the facts.
| Letme say that the State of Virginia has
been honored with several Governors some
what younger, at the time OF going into oihce'
than is Gov. Walkcr--amonc these was mos.
Jefferson sc years; Gen. Henry Lee (Llght
| Horse Harry 80 years; ohm Tyler, late Pres-
ident L. s., s. years, and James Barbour
| Sc years. There may be some others OF IKE
youth and vigor, and, think It more than
probable, that, an investigation would cstao-
| lish the fact.
| am told that Gov. W. never sawhlm, Is
a mln OF fine presence and a sympathetic, kind
hearted gentleman. | am glad TO hear this.
As to the physical standard, permit me to
say that Jefferson was feet > inches, or more
in height-and ofcourty, complalsant manners
True, he had rel hair, $50 had Shakespeare
Gen. Jackson, Henry Clay, and some other
men, not unknown TO lameJ. John Tyler was b
et-and Henry Lee nearly, reached the lat
ter stature. OF Gov. Barbour 5 personal qua
tiles, cannot speak, never having seen HIM
or heard anything on this point, IN regard %
him. In address, all these named, were high
ly accomplished, and fitted u grace any court
Of Europe.
The parts which these several Governors act
ed in their day and generation, are matters
of history. Their tame began at much carrier
period of their lives, than their Gubernatoral
honors for like Napoleon at Touon, on q
different field, Jefferson, had . state rcpua'
ton. if not an European one, at liant
Harry Ice vas DISTINGUISHED man, at stu
earlier age. shall hope, that Gov. WIS ed,
mnistrat.on will real;22 all that Is expected
| from il, bv his most ardent friends, OF which,
having been = supporter, may be cIasSed as
one.
But. - ,,rs. stop here In the language Of
| Pitt. "thc great Commoncg, my courtIy
complaisancc, vii carry me nc further. -
have no language to suit my purpose better
Jet me quote further from the same great
champion OF Liberty. Neod quote it? es,
will 81 cannot, my lords, will notion III
coneratuation on misfortune and dlsgrace;thiS'
my lords is 4 pcrilous and tremendous mo-
mcn,; it is not time Tor adulation;the smooth
ness OF hattcry, cannot avail cannot save us
in this rugged, and awful crisis 1t is now ne
ccssaryto instruct the throne in the language
OF truth, and to display, in its full danger and
true coors, the ruin which it has bToug hit to
our doors" In conclusion, may l ask Is
there 4 boy in Virginia ten years OF age who
has not read the speech Of the great Chatham,
from which this quotation is extracted Ii
there is let him read it and learn it By heart
as others have done at an age quite as youn9.
We hare the Pyrrhic dance yet, where
has the Pyrrh;c pha!anz gone!