The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1893-12-27

eScc, Auu IN ali clNlllLeu 1dtiODt
that the advantages Of nature, o.
fortune, or of birth, unless guided
and controlled by the sacred prin.
ciples of sound morality, contribute
little or nothing to the accumuIa-
ton of enduring greatness. Quail
tiles which are purely accidental or
fortuitous are always transitory,
and, therefore, quite easily snatched
from their possessor.
But when he who inherits or ae-
quires by tact and Iaudable industry
rare and precious gems-whether
in the scientific, or in the world of
silver and gold-it matters not a
shred, develops and augments these
blessings just as much for the utili-
ty of his fellow creature and the
promotion Of well-regulated society
as for his own individual purposes.
in the proper estimation of man.
kind, is justly entitled to an unsul-
lied and imperishable fame.
Such a character is a munifcent
benefactor to his country, an es-
teemed ornament in society, and is
invariably admired by the great, the
virtuous and the good as worthy
model for imitation.
Among this class of human be-
ings, is pre- eminently ranked Hon.
Judge George Moredock, the vener-
able father and founder of Hartford
City.
1t not our intention to write a bio
graphy or panegyric on the late
and deeply lamented founder of
that city, as we know ourselves to
be entirely incompetent for such a
delicate undertaking. However,
admiring the many sublime instincts
which inspired this great and good
man whilst living, we feel inclined
to write this little tribute as New
Years gift to his memory. The
scientist who bringsinto light some
real invention or clearly elucidates
some old theory which the mists OF
time obscured, or was considered as
purely speculative, has his name
embalmed in the brightest pages OF
history for increasing the store OF
human science.
Tho poet who writes few verses
redolent with melody and elegant
for metrical beauty, gets diadem
of laurel on his brow.
The orator is Iauded and admired
for his persuasive eloquence in the
defence of his client, or his adroit
eunningness in unfolding some tan
gIed problem in tho politics of na-
tions.
The adventurous mariner who
discovers some territory, cape or
bay hitherto not mentioned on the
map of the world, has cities, towns
and villages named in his honor, or
after his birthplace.
The military hero who destroyed
great cities, towns and hamlets,
buried their inhabitants in blood
and ashes, consigned their wealth,
their scientific treasures, the fruit OF
intellectual labor for centuries To
the flames, has proud mausoleums
erected to perpetuate his achieve
ments. Poets and orators proclaim
his exploits and chivalry. If this
picture be appalling in the extreme,
rs indeed it is. our hero, Hon. Geo.
Moredock presents the very oppo
site, and let us centre our gaze up
on it.
He built beautiful city; he low
ed it, he adorned it in all that was
possible, and watched over it with
paternal soIicitude He was sterl-
ing patriot, and patriotism is a vir-
tue. ALI virtues whether civic or
theological emenate from God as
the Mighty depository of all that
is chaste and lovely. His civic vir
tue induced him to name it Hart
ford after city SO named in the
State of his nativity. His theological
virtues were yet more exaItel
since they were of the supernatural
order. He practically remembered
that supreme injunction imposed
by the Great Creator on all, in
proportion to their afilence.
ITO feed the hungry, to
clothe the naked, to shelter the
homeless and succor the distressed. :"
All this sacred and supernatural
duty he discharged; and never in
all his life did he thus interrogate
a human being. "Before what altar
do you adore; whence do you hail;
what or where is your original
country; what ticket did you vote
at our recent election?''-