The Penn's Grove record., 1923-03-02
THE LIFE
OF
WASHINGTON
By REV. MASON L. WEEMS
Formerly Rector of Mt. Vernon
Parish
Chapter VIII Continued

The cloud, which had hung so dark
over the two countries, being thus
happily scattered, many began to
cherish the hope that we should have
a clear sky gain, and that the former
! golden days would soon return. But,
alas! those golden days were gone to
return no more! Government had
shown the cloven foot-and America
had taken a fright which nothing but
whole years of kindliest treatment
could ever do away. But, unfortu-
nately, the ministry were in no humor
to show that kindness. Long accus-
toned to speak of the Americans as
a pack of "convicts, whom, by trans
%portation, they had kindly saved from
the gallows," instead of given them
credit for their late spirited behaviour,
they considered it the height of au-
dacity; and though from necessity
they had yielded to their demands,
they were determined to have revenge
on the first opportunity. That oppor-
tunity was soon afforded.
1t should have been noticed that
with the duty on stamped paper, sim
liar duties had been laid on glass,
tea, &c, all of which had been re-
pealed with the stamp-act, except that
on tea. This the ministry had artfully
retained; partly to owe the shame
of their defeat, but chiefly in hopes of
familiarizing the Americans to tax
ing. For though Lord North was
never that | know of, charged with
being a wizard, yet did he not lack
sense to know that if he could but
prevail on the young Mammoth to
take down a tax, though no bigger
than a Gnat, he should soon bring him
to swallow a camel! But, glory to
God! the Americans had too much of
British blood, to allow an un~constitu-
tional in any shape or size. Indepen-
dent and coy as the birds of their
forests, they would not suffer a stran-
gers hand even to touch the sacred
nest of their rights. Soon therefore
as the ministry began in 1913 to u
der "a collection of the taxes on tea
the colonies took fire again, and the
old flame of 81 was completely re
kindled throughout the continent. But
still in the very storm and tempests
of their rage, they lost sight OF
the respect due their mother country.
Their numerous letters and petitions
to the King, to the Parliament, and to
the people of Britain, all, all breathe
the full spirit of dutiful children, and
of loving brothers. In terms the most
moderate and pathetic, they state the
extreme injustice and barbarity of
such measures-their total inconsiS-
tency with the spirit of the British
Constitution-their positive inadmissi-
bility into America-or, in that event,
the certainty of a civil war, with all
it's fatal effects on the two countries.
Tempered with meekness, and point
ed with truth, their arguments reach
the hearts of the British patriots,
who all fly in eager myriads to eXtin-
guish the kindling flames of civil war.
Foremost of this noble band is seen
the venerable form of Chatham.
Though worn with years and infrmi-
ties, he quits his bed, and, muffled up
in flannel and furs, crawls to the
House of Lords, to give his last adj
vice, and vet avert, if possible, the
A solemn silence prevails, while the
looks of the crowded audience are
bending forward upon him, to catch
the accents of his magic tongue. His
eyes are upon the ground, but his
thought are not there-they are traV-
cling like sun-beams owe all the
earth. Britain and America, with all
their population and interests, lie
open before his vast mind, with all
the varied evils of the threatened a
In Britain he beholds a fearful pause
in the pulse of industry and joy-the
loom is stiII-the anvil resounds no
more-while the harbours, late alive
with busting business and cheerful
songs, now crowded with silent dis
mantled ships, present a scene of
natural mourning. In the colonies, he
sees the plains, lately crowned with
joyful harvests, now covered with
armed bands Of Britains and Ameri-
cans. rushing to murder0Us battle
while in Europe, the proud Spaniard,
the sarcastic Gaul, and broad grin
ming Hollander, with shrugs and
sneers enjoy the coming fray, as a
welcome prelude to the downfall of
their hated rival. He next paints the
Americans as native sons Of Britain
and. at once, enthusiastic lovers of
! liberty and of their mother country
ready, as her children to give her
every thing; but, as her slaves
nothing. Though harshly treated,
they still love her, and wish for moth
ing so much as a hearty r%econcilia-
ton. and a glad return of all the for
naer friendships and blessings. At
thought of this most desirable of all
events, the parent soul of the great
orator is stirred within him; this
aged frame trembles with strong feel
ing. which heaves his l%abouring bosom
and swell his changeful face. AT
Continued on page 3