The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-08-19
oLD.r,ME ooNDonENcE.


The following is taken from the
Ulster County Gazette, published at
Kingston, Ulster County, by Sam
uel Freer d Son, on Saturday. Janu-
ary 4. 1900, and is believed to be the
original copy;
To the President Of The U. 5.
The Senate fthe United States
respectfully take leave, Sir, to ex-
press TO you their deep regret Tor the
loss their country has sustained IN
the death of General George Wash
ington. This event, so distressing to
ali our citizens, must be particularly
heavy 10 you, who have long been
associated with him IN deeds OF pa
triotism. Permit US, Sir, to mingie
our tears with yours on this occa-
sion il is merely to weep. To lose
such a man at such crisis: IS no
common calamity 10 the world our
country mourns her Father. The
Almighty Disposer OF human events
has taken from US our greatest Ben
elactor and ornament 1t becomes
MS TO submit with reverence to Him
"who maketh darkness His Pa
wilton.
With patriotic pride we review
the life of our Washington, and COM
pare him with those of other coun-
tries who have been pre-eminent ia
fame. Ancient and modern names
are diminished before him. Great
ness and guilt have too often been
allied, but his fame is whittier than il
is brilliant. The destroyer OF ma
tions stood abashed at the majesty
of his virtue. 1t reproved the tenn
perance of their ambition, and dark
ened the splendor of victory. The
scenes closed, and we are no longer
anxious lest misfortune should sully
his glory he has travelled on to the
end of his journey, and carried with
him an increasing weight. Honor
He has deposited it safely where
misfortune can not tarnish it-where
malice cannot blast it. Favored OF
Heaven, he departed without exhib'
iting the weakness of humanity
magnanimous in death, the dark
ness Of the grave could not obscure
bis brightness. Such was the man
whom we deplore. Thanks to God,
his glory is consummated-
Washington yet lives on earth IN
his spotless example-his spirit is in
Heaven. Let his countrymen con
secrate the memory of the heroic
General, the patriotic statesman, and
the virtuous sage let them teach
their children never to forget thai
the fruits of his labor, and his ex'
ample, are their inheritance.
PRESIDENTS ANSWER.
received with the most respect
ful and affectionate sentiments II
this impressive address, the obliginG
expression of your regret for the loss
our Country has sustained IN the
death of her most esteemed, belov
tO anu tlQlLBltu AlAlLCil.
In the multitude of my thoughts
and recollections on this melancholy
event, you will permit me only tC
saw, that | have seen him in th'
DAYS of Adyersity, in some of th'
scenes of his deepest and most try
ing perplexities. / have also at
tended him in his highest elevation
and most prosperous felicity, witt
uniform admiration of his wisdom
moderation and constancy. Amonl
all our original associates IN tn
memorable Leauge of the Continen
in IVA, which first expressed th,
sovereign will of Free Nation il
AMERICA, he was the only one re
manning in the General Govern
ment. Although with constitu
ton more enfeebled than his, at al
age when he thought it necessary u
prepare for retirement, feel mysel
alone bereaved of my last brother
yet | derive strong consolation from
the unanimous disposition which
appears in all ages and classes, t;
mingle their sorrows with mine, or
this common calamity to the world
The life of our Washington canno
suffer by a comparison with thos,
of other countries who lave beer
most celebrated and exalted by
Fame. The attributes and decora
tons of Royalty could only hav,
served to eclipse the majesty ofthos,
virtues, which made him from being
amodest citizen, a more resplendenl
luminary. Misfortune, hereafter
had he lived, could have sui
lied his glory only with thost
superficial minds who, believing
that character and actions are mark
cd by success alone, rarely deserves
to enjoy it. Matice could never bias
has honor, and eRuy made him sin
gular exception to the universe
rule-For himself he had liveC
enough, to life and to glory. For hi
fellow-citizens, if their prayers coult
nave btcu aucNcItu, uC WOulu nav
been immortal. For me his depart
ure is at a most unfortunate mo
ment. Trusting, however, in tn
wise and righteous dominion 0
Providence over passions of m>u
and the result of their councils an
actions, as well as over their lives
nothing remains for me but HUNBL
RESIGNATION.
His example is now complete
and it will teach wisdom and virtu
to Magistrates, citizens and men
not only in the present age, but il
future generations, as long as histo
ry shall be read. If Trojan founl
a Pliny, a Marcus Arelius can neve
want Biographers, Biologists, o
Historians.
UNITED STATES, J. ADAMS.