National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-02-25

An ovation to Mrs. r. L. Hayes.
To the Edit0r Of The Republican:
On the 18th day of March next another
will assume the social duties of the White House.
Whileall eyes are turned toward the out going and
incoming Presidents. condemning their faults and
commencing their virtues, /, as an humble citizen
of Kentucky Ia sister State of thatwhch has given
to the world the truest type OfwomanhoOd), would,
through the public press, convey to Mrs. R. b.
Hayes the gratitude of a million Or more
American hearts for the dignified, fear
less, and Christian manner in which she
has maintained the national honor and virtue,
and unite my voice with ten thousand Kentucky
hearts and voices in expressing wish that the
shade of the retirement to which she will soon go
will so contribute 10 her increased health and
vigor of mind that she may long live to bless her
race and country. While those who framed
Government have not confded 10 woman the con-
duct OF State and National affairs, yet il is the
province OF true woman such as Mrs. Hayes
TO send down the corridors of American
times and history deeds and traits OF character
that will live when "a thousand Caesars are for
got Though she was not called, like Eliza
beth Victoria TO sway the sccptrc OF empire or
like the Maid of Orleans, to lead the victorious
armies OF her native heath against the invading
foe, yet it has been reserved to this noble woman
to send the silver-tippad arrow of death into the
Vltals OF social eFll; which evil mas crushed
unnumbered hearts and desOlated as many homes,
and which has SubYeFted thrones and Kingdoms
from the days of ancient Babylon to the Mexican
republic-nGy, which has well nigh written upon
the walls of our National Capitol, " God hath num-
bered thy kingdom and finished it, To maintain
an unblemishCd moral and Christian character
amid social customs and habits which are sane
toned by usage and human laws, but none the
less repulSive to God and his divine law
is greater achievement than military
proves or civil reform can ever attain
Mrs. Hayes has added one more jewel to her
country's diadem which will not grow dim with
revolving years. and made an episode in
country history, the voice of which will echo and
re-echo in the ears of those who preside in our
National Capital saying: 1t is not for kings, oh
Lemueli it is not for kings TO drink wine, for
princes. strong drink; lest they drink and forget
the law and peryert the Judgment of any of the
afflicted" Woman has given to the world many,
nay, most of its precious boJns. Under her mold
ing touch civilization has received newer and
fresher impetus, and human life become more
potent for God and virtue. All hearts have been
forced thereby to eXclaim in the language of the
poet:
&c In all the varied scenes of earthly woe
To bring relief oh, when was woman slow?
Search each remOteSt cline and YOU will find
That womans heart is ever warm and kind.
From palace halls to poverty's lone shed
Hath humble sorrow heard her welcome tread.
The proudest prince, the most abject slave
Her steps have flown to succor and TO save.
From the humbleSt cot i'll forest gloom
To the retirement of Judas tomb
Where'er distress has twined its ample fold,
Her priceless tear of sympathy has rolled"
Go, noble woman, to thy native State and long
sighed-tor quiet mansion, and may the bow of
peace and hope arch thy path through life. and its
brightness fade only in the light of eternity
HARRoDSBURG, KY. L. J. POLK.