in various ways: by convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration, that every valuable end of government is best answered, by the enlightened confidence of the people; and by teaching the people themselves, to know, and to value their own rights, to discern and provide against the invasions of them, to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority, between burdens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience, and those resulting from the inevitable exigences of society, to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness, cherishing the first, avoiding the last, and uniting a speedy and temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws. Whether this desirable object will be best promoted, by affording aids to Seminaries of Learning already established, by the institution of a National University, or by any other expedients, will be worthy of a place in the deliberations of the legislature. 1790. PERIODICAL LITERATURE. I entertain a high idea of the utility of periodical publications, insomuch that I could heartily desire copies of the Museum, and magazines, as well as com * The "American Museum," published by Matthew Carey, at Philadelphia, to disseminate political, agricultural, philosophical, and other valuable information, and to reposit public documents. mon gazettes, might be spread through every city, town, and village in America. I consider such easy vehicles of knowledge more happily calculated than any other, to preserve the liberty, stimulate the industry, and meliorate the morals of an enlightened and free people. 1788. Washington served us chiefly by his sublime moral qualities. To him belonged the proud distinction of being the leader in a revolution, without awakening one doubt or solicitude, as to the spotless purity of his purpose. His was the glory of being the brightest manifestation of the spirit which reigned in this country; and in this way he became a source of energy, a bond of union, the centre of an enlightened people's confidence. By an instinct which is unerring, we call Washington, with grate ful reverence, the FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY, but not its Saviour. A people which wants a Saviour, which does not possess an earnest and pledge of freedom in its own heart, is not yet ready to be free. WILLIAM E. CHANNING. The admiration with which Washington is regarded by all civilized nations, shows him to be one of the few among mankind, to whom is given an immortality more durable than brass or marble, and whose spotless and beneficent memory is cherished by the latest posterity. FREDERICK VON RAUMER. ers. The character of nations is often influenced by that of their foundROSWELL W. LEWIS. After such services, which consecrate your name to all posterity, with what home-felt satisfaction must your future days be blest! Heaven crown them with every favor! May you live long, my dear General, and long have the joy to see the increasing splendor and prosperity of a rising nation, aided by your counsels, and defended by your sword! Indulge me the pleasure to believe, that I have a place in your recollections, and still honor and make me happy in your friendship. JOHN HANCOCK, Oct. 15, 1783. You have wisely retired from public employments, and calmly view, from the temple of Fame, the various exertions of that sovereignty and independence, which Providence has enabled you to be so greatly and gloriously instrumental in securing to your country. Yet, I am persuaded, that you cannot view them with the eye of an unconcerned spectator. JOHN JAY, 1786. He was one of those virtuous citizens, to whom the world refuses the credit of genius, because they are not beset with a destructive restlessness, nor devoured with the ambition of domineering over mankind; but who really deserve the name of GREAT, better than many others, because their number is rare. FELIX BODIN. |