The Panola weekly star. (Sardis, Miss.) 1882-18??, 1886-01-02

Land u the West. Il stands alone,
It il thy Washington
And now after he ha. proven
such a blessing 10 Us, after he has
been celebrated over the wide world
for his glory, Il II strange that we
should cherish the spot where he
once lived, and where he now
sleeps his last slecp2
A shame would it be were our
hearts 50 callous as 10 be able to
think Of ant. Vernon without
emotions Of yeneration, aud sorrow
Standing near hi. tomb, how
many overwhelming emotions agi.
tate our minds there sleeps the
brave warrior long since his
body has crumblcd into dust but
his memory will ever live in every
true American heart. Mt. Vernon
will ever be- the fountain from
which the purcst patriotic feelings
shall flow over our hearts a nation
al monument it will ever be con-
tomplated with feelings Of deep dc.
votion, and profound respect.
Around thisspot most pleasing
associations will ever cluster. when
the patriot heart begins to wavcr,
whenthc country's good ceases to be
the pole,sta of his affections, I"t
ms thoughts turn to Mt. Vernon,
and the associations connected with
that spot will stay the plague in
his heart, and prevent it from
spreading is balcful influence, un.
I'll cold foreetfulness or treason
blast his soul.
Yes, ii 4 single spark of patriot
ism ling"r in that heart, it will re.
kindle into 4 flame, and his wan.
dering footsteps will be brought
back to the paths of rectitude, aud
honor.
An implanted principle Of oar
nature, impels us 10 initiate the
example Of others; we cannot con.
template the virtues which deco
rate the character Of Washington,
without u heartfelt wish that those
virtues were our own; we cannot
contemplate his pure and lofty pat.
riotism without feeling our hearts
glow with patriotic ardor. As lone,
therefore, as American eyes shall
behold Mount Vernon, so long as
American hearts shall cherish his
memory, and ponder upon his
deeds, so long shall his influence
be potent for good.
IT'S true he filed no loftythrone,
It's true he wort no jewelcd crown
but the noblest throne, the heart
OF the people, was his the bright.
est crown, the wreath Of fame, en-.
clrcIei his brow. lie rules, mon.
arch OF our hearts, the pride of the
nation.
Mt Vernon now wears an aspect of
neglect. Decays defacing fingers
have been busy there, but Ly the
efforts of Americas daughters this
rcproach Is soon to be removed from
American character.f
The ladies Of the "Mt. Vernon
Association" are indeed, embarked
In a noble enterprise ; and by res.
cuing the grave of Washington
from its present condition, and
making It Il national possession,
they have not only done a noble
work, but have associated their
own names with that of the i'm.
mortal hero. rearing an imperish.
able monument TO their own mem.
DRY.
The spirit of our departed chief.
TAIN seems To yet hover owe the
place, and to be difrused into the
hearts Of all who approach its hal.
lowed precincts
Long may Mt. Vernon be an
honored spot long may it fo.ter
the true spirit Of patriotism lonr
may 1t stand a national beacon.
shedding its cheerful light over
the dark, tempestuous ocean on
which our ship of State is now
impcrilled.
Guided BY this beacon, may pa.
'rioiic hands and hearts steer the
noble vessel freighted as it is with
the country's last hopes, safely into
the port of harmony aud true clo-
~ may i' never founder upon The
shoals amt quicksand Of ,sli,ical
corruption, and oh ma, IT never
be cngulfsd IN the awful Yosiexa