regard it as the first messenger that declared the emancipation of the Colonies from oppression, and that every successful blow struck in the cause of Freedom, was inspired by the sound of that Old Bell. May the time never come when American freemen shall forget to venerate it, and shield it with their life-blood, if needs be, from destruction and dishonor. CHAPTER VI. WASHINGTON'S STATUE. "Bonum virum, facile dixeris, CALMLY, as if gazing upon the pictures which surround the walls of Independence Hall, or watching the varied emotions of those who come to pay tributes of respect to this consecrated shrine, stands the statue of GEORGE WASHINGTON. The sweet serenity resting upon his face, interpolated here and there with lines of intense thought; the mild depths of his dreamy eyes, in their immovable sockets; the tranquil smile playing about his mouth, and the impress of reverence everywhere discoverable on his countenance, speak in irresistible language the character of the man. Bold, and yet affable; stern, yet tempered with humanity; meek, but sensitive to patriotic influences; frank and unconcealing, yet indicating a decision of purpose, there stands the "Father of his Country," pictured in sculptured immortality, every lineament of his noble nature glowing with patriotism, and throwing a halo of glory over his form. In his presence, before this piece of inanimate sculpture, lives over again the entire history of the country; our feelings become intensified, for heroes of the past century seem to be looking down upon us. More sublime in moral grandeur than the Colossus of Rhodes; more chaste and awe-inspiring than the Belvidere Apollo, the figure of Washington is encircled with the radiance illuminating the history of his own greatness. Independence Hall would never have been complete without this statue. Its associations would not have been half so inspiring, nor the interest attached to it half so great, had not the likeness or statue of its founder been placed among its holy archives. In more than one respect, Washington was a singular man; and perhaps this is the most appropriate place, in the scope of our work, to sketch a brief biography of him. It is no easy task to measure the influences of Washington's life upon the people of this country-it was great in his own day, and is greater now. Whether as Chief Magistrate of the Nation, as Commander-inChief of the Army, or in the various councils to which he was constantly called, we find him ever the same true, efficient, noble, and great man! He filled his post, whatever it was. Possessed of remarkable natural abilities, of rare insight into the characters of men, grasping the genius and philosophy of life, its events and purposes, his judgment never failed to be that of wisdom. He was wise, energetic, and thorough. As the first President of the Nation, he was the best. In fact, to whom, all things considered, shall we look for an equal in his successors, good and great men as some of them have been? He was the people's magistrate-no partisan, but an American President of the American people. All the views of Washington were carefully weighed and considered before he gave utter ance to them; and therefore, in this particular in stance, he was a model for all statesmen, warriors, and |