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THE REFLECTOR. VO L. I. MILLEDGEVILLE, G. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1818. NO. 15. MISCELLANY. ORATION ON PATRIOTISM. a young gentleman who Was graduated in the ITniver- sityot' Pennsylvania, m July, 1812. Of the many virtues which adorn tho hu ll character there is none, perhaps, which cds a more celestial light around it than at of patriotism. It is pure and undiluted in its nature—it is -e fit generous in its object. Increasing and paneling, it pursues the lovely and majestic or of its way, unmindful of danger, and guided by self-interest. Personal aggran- zeinent forms no scheme in its conception, ncere in its principle, bold in its genius, d universal in its wish, it partakes of the -cended spirit of Christianity, and cmbrac- the whole family of man. In the character of patriotism, the cthc- al essence of philanthropy is united, which, ke a ray from Heaven, touches the human -art, and kindles into generosity the other ame of divine original. When we take a ew of the society of nations, our feelings, der the active influence of its virtuous ’mpathy, either rise with joy, or sink \vith •ief, at the prospect of happiness or the pre- nce of misery. And, if we cannot assist ith our efforts, we can at least indulge in e pious wish that happiness may he found hcrpvcr the foot-steps of man can be trac- Yes, patriotism is a heavenly gift, and genial region is in the heart of man. It not confined to the cabinet of the states- an, nor to the camp of the soldier. The nfortunato individual who, in the arms of gony and death, expires with a prayer on is tremulous lip for the prosperity of his ountry, is no less a patriot than lie who is naWed to breathe tin* heroic ardor to adven- urous deeds. What an interesting and af- ccting group of patriots might we not sc cctfroin history, who, with colorless checks ml eyes hediined with the full and radient ear of affection, have spent their last breath n a blessing on their country. It is, indeed, lie excellence <4 the man that forms the “orth of the patriot, and he is to be found as •ell in the poor retreat of penury and want s under the courtly canopies of luxury and vealth. Nor is it necessary ” To cut figures of iruirshaU’d hosts, To describe the motions and explain the use Of the deep column, and the lengthen’d iinc,” put forth a claim to the nacm of patriot, f heroes and patriots were thus closely alii d| our feelings would revolt at thcloathsoini onfusion of the picture which our fancy •ould lay before us. The modern Atilla. ho now brandishes his baleful sceptre over he faint and exhausted spirit of Europe, ould stand in some comparative relation ith that character, whose “ Grave is in ’Odder skies,” ami Which has hern pronounc 'd by the world “ as the beRt example of a erfect human being.” We should perceive in the same assemblage a fiend and a saint, a estroyer and a redeemer, a Bonaparte and Washington. Poets have said that one mur der makes a villain, but millions a hero So let it be with the emperor of France, ut not so with the patriot of America; who as left an imperishable, if not an inimitable sample of every thing great in man, and lorious in the sight of God. “ The spirits of the good, vho bent from high, Wide o’er these earthly scenes, their partial eye, Mistook a mortal, for an anpcl guest, And ask’d what seraph foot die earth impress’d.” ut let us not loiter with this almost impious ntithesis for the purpose of shewing that he love of country is intimately related with lie most pure and exalted feelings of the heart. We all must know, that it is not of a onely and solitary character, bufcfthat it is ccompanied and supported in Sts train by he best and brightest attribute of our na tive. When we consult the mirror whicl he historic muse holds before ns, wepecceiv bat the patriots of past times shine in all lie mild, but resplendent lustee that is re cried from moral worth and virtue. Th baracters, indeed, of a good man and a pa- riot are so ineffably blended, that it is hav y possible to trace the least tint of distinc- ion between them. It would seem, indeed hat nature had formed this passion with pe- uliar fondness, and that she infused it into ur souls at the moment of creation. Co- xistent with our birth—co-eternal with our ives. Unlike the transitory patriotism of isguised ambition, it is a pure and tran Cendant love which We continually feel ’Inch we can never subdue, and which we an never forget for the spot of our nativity t is a principle of affection which coinmcne- d and has continued with the roll of time, nil will never be extinct until nature herself tall expire. In ancient ages it was deemed the highest Ttue—the want of it the deepest vice. He lat was thought to he without it was an oh •ct of scorn and execration ; whilst he that as in any way distinguished by it was bleS' <1 with tho prayers and honors of his conn y> and impiously, perhaps, consecrated as God. In every circle of the globe we shall nd tills principle binding them to the land rtf their birtlNrith a force no reason can c- lude—no persuason can deceive—no patience can destroy—no lapse of time can forget. No matter how ungenial the climate, how op pressive the government, or how unfriendly the soil, it seems impossible for man to trans plant bis affections. No matter wlmt re script of power, or what disastrous tissue of circumstances may have forced him away, his heart never ceases to beat when if is men tioned ; and being full of the recollection of his native scenery, or some touching associa tion of events in his youth, he finds himself unable to suppress a sigh and a wish to re turn to his home. Such is tho potent, the mystical control of his passion, that even the untutored tenant of a forest would not exchange it for the fabled beauties of a Par adise. The instances which might be adduc ed in conformation of this truth are too many for the prescribed limits of this essay’. It is well known that this anxious solicitude for aur natal spot has been so active and irre pressible, that it lias given rise to a malady known in the medical science under the term of “ nostalgia.” Even a musical air lias been sulticient to produce it. The soldiers >f Switzerland, no matter where they are destined, fly back to their native mountains as soon as they hear the inspiring spirit of their “ Ronz de Vnelies.” This exquisite degree of sensibility, however, is notconfin- d to them alone.. Even life dull and torpid Sanmicde could never be allured to leave th shores of the Frozen Ocean to reside in all the splendor of a polished and magnificent court. The Indian of Otaheitu, who was onducted into the royal garden at Paris, upon, seeing the paper mulberry tree, which they manufactured into cloth, could not ab stain from weeping, and clasping it in his arms, exclaimed, ” Ah tree of my country !’ Phis is not only’ the case with the uncducat ed man, but likewise with the acadcmian and philosopher. His feelings will forever con vince him of the futility and the mockery of his learning and his logic. He may adjust his features with composure—lie may force his mind into a state of rest, but his heart will always bound in delight with the re membrance of his country. ’Tis a claim which nature holds upon her offspring, which she will never abandon, and which we must all acknowledge in despite of scholastic pride end sublety. The heart will retain its feel ings, anil, like some “ poor bird that is liunt- i d irom her nest, it will return to the place wf her affections, and after some vain efforts to fly off, will settle again where all its cares and tendernesses are centred.” This transient and imperfect sketch is intended to show, that nature herself has laid the foundation of patriotism—” that column of true majesty in man,” With Theorists, whose “ speculations arc roosted near the sky,” it is common to consider it as a derivation and acquired sentiment. But it is nut my purpose to touch upon this polemic point. Casuists and metaphysicians may enjoy themselves in all the solitude rtf abstraction : it is not my wish to disturb them ; but the feelings of my nature give way to the truth of these cmarks, and no matter what unexpected doom may befall my country or myself, 1 an never cease to love it with pride and with joy. If, then, these affections are found to ex ist in rude, uneducated life, in so .much luxuriance and vigour, they ouglit surely to increase and sefine, to bloom and blos som in all the sweetness of perfection, under the temperature of the happiest govern ment on the face of the earth. These combined considerations should miniate us to unite in all the various offices if society, in order to attain and enjoy social md political happiness. In doing this, we perform at the same time, the duties of the liristian and the citizen. It is this that enobles the man, and gives the distinguish ing stamp to the patriot—The patriot wears no livery, is stationed iti no circle, belongs to no profession :—He is not to be told by the colors of his dress, the melody of his voice, the metrical balance of his words, or the critical exactness of his prosody or his periods. He is to be found on the furrows of a plough, as well as on the area of a camp—as well upon the smooth, green turf of the yeoman, as under the gaudy pavilion of the tented hero. His wish should be al ways for peace, his solicirude always for the welfare of his country. But do not understand me to mean any thing like submission to aggression and wrong. No, the same principle that leads us to Jove and adore the soil of our birth, must always inspire us with energy and courage to guard and protect it. In peace, I could wish to sec him the pure, tho pious, the unaffected Christian ; the wise, the virtuous, the illustrious man—Devout to his Maker—Devoted to his country. But in defence of his rights and liberty, I could wish to see Lightning flash from bis eye, and echoing thunders roll from his arm. In peace a Howard j in \yar a Wash ington. Such is a patriot. Such was tho father of his country : and at this moment,* when I look upon the angry fafo of affairs, with declared war upon its brow, my fan cy, or my hope, would lead me to think, that in speaking of patriotism, I held commu nion, with his spirit, and that his smiling benedictory vision entreated us to love ami to take care of our country. •2d of July, 1812. PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. A splendid project of public instruction lias passed the legislature of Virginia. It is a scheme that would in any age, have con ferred immortallity on the genius of the in ventor. The aims of this plan of education are not only truly original and comprehen sive, but the apparatus for effecting them is the most complicated and wonderful ever im- gined, wo believe by the wit of man. Our readers must judge for themselves, from our imperfect sketch, of the boldness and gran deur of the outline. Our limits do not per mit us to display to view as much as we could wish, of that immense stork of ingenuity which has been wasted on the device. It exhibits' we arc sure, a prodigality of in vention, for a tiling of the sort, without a parallel. II bat will the reader say to a plan of pub lic education, that designs the instruction of some where about two thousand primary schools, as they arc denominated, or schools of common instruction, as a foundation for a superstructure of this kind ? but what if he is told, that this wide base is to he built upon, on a proportionably vast and magni ficent scale of architecture. Well maybe be astonished at the genius of the architect, when he is informed, that this plan of edu cation is to ascend in regular gradation, af ter full provision has been made for the pri mary schools, to the erection of five colleg es, forty eight academics, and one univer sity, each with a separate corporation, com posed of trustees, yet the whole confronted by one master incorporation to be entitled “ -I he board of public instruction,” to be an nually elected by’ the general assembly ; but who are invested with the power to prescribe the course of instruction and discipline of ihc whole. Here is regulation on a stupen dous scale. . This is a state of monopoly of education, in all its branches, with all the complete uniformity and ste/ncss of system. This is taking the subject of education in hand, from beginning to end—this is to train genius under rule and system, and by the lights which literary corporations so happily furnish—this is toistimulato literary ambition by the surest of all incentives. But to speak in another strain. IVc had Imped that such follies, we had almost said fopperies, were among the discarded theo- riesof weak and visonary understandings. We had expected to see experience furnish better lights, in this age of liberal know ledge, than to witness the education of youth subjected to the meddling, impertinent, ca pricious spirit of regulation, which all cor porate bodies, entrusted with large powers, are but too prone to display. We in short expected to find, on the subject of instruc- lion, the principle of competion in the teach ers, and of emulation in the pupils better understood by men professing to be legisla tors. We, at any rate, did not calculate to find the hand of government here also—and to behold a system of public instruction, radically unsound in principle, propped and bolstered up with every kind of artificial re gulation that could well be devised. What, we would ask, can the common wealth off Virginia promise itself from this forced and unnatural scheme ? Is it to make better men fit better citizens, Unit the genius of youth is to be tramclled bv the plans and discipline often men, because they happen to ho called “ The board of public instruction?” instead of permitting the development of their capacities to depend upon a system of instruction, framed under the person al experience of their teachers. What can lie expected from general rules, for the edu cation of youth, from men who ibis proba ble, will very often (as the election of this board is to be annual) be destitute not only of a proper experience on the subject, but of the general qualifications to form a system of in struction. But, perhaps, it is to kindle gra titude to the state, in the breast of the pupil, and nurse the flame of patriotism, by letting him feel the extent of his obligation to the government, which has kindly taken the care of his education into its own hand—or it may even be, principally, to nourish with in him a firmer attachment to the principles of civil liberty—to make his education tho roughly republican, by instructing him in the liberal maxims on which free institutions depend, that he is to be led onwards by the state through all tho degrees of his education On this point our limits do not permit us now to say any thing, but we hope to resume the subject shortly again.—Southern Patriot. PHENOMENON OF INTELLIGENCE. “ There exists at present ih the depart* mentof the He and Villainean individual, who, after having lost the use of his eyes for 10 years, continued the head of a Financial Administration.. Those who approached him, attested that he performed his duties with a sagicity seldom in error, A total deafness having compelled him to resign his mployment, lie confined himself to conduct ing his personal affairs in the bosom of his family. He has been seen communicating with it by means of moving characters plac ed in his hands. Though blind, lie caused a house of an elegant construction to bo built 011 bis own plan, & superintended tho execu tion of it himself. A cruel reduction of bis faculties did not prevent bim from moulding in wax, a garden of an agreeable taste ; and causing.himself to be borne to the place.— He lias, more than once, by the exquisitness of his touch, rectified the labor of tho work man. The rigor of Heaven reserved lor him a complete paralysis of the arms, legs, thighs, and the exterior surface of the body. Attacked in the last moral relations he had created, he would soon have become extinct, if in casually rubbing his check it had not been discovered that this last sad asylum still remained to his sensibility. Then, in conformity with bis desires, for he bad not yet lost the use of his voice, characters were traced on that part of his fare whence feel ing had not fled. Some initial letters suf fice for his intelligence, when ho asks ques tions respecting the material concerns of life. Other objects of conversation have also their abbreviations. This surprising being in his unexampled misery, still retains some sweet affections. The hand of his wife, of his daughter, or of a friend causes his heart to palpitate by some sure but unknown commu nications.—Reduced to the action of the. pul monary organ, and a single digestive tube, he disputes with the grave, ami with soino degree of success, the distinctive characters of man, intelligence. As the absolute im mobility of situation seems to cover, with impenetrable shades, the other act of ids existence, we may fancy that we sec nothing in him when ho speaks, but a living ruin of the brain.” ORIGINAL ANECDO TE OF ITT* JOHNSON. FROM A WORK JUST 1TB 1*1811 CO, To change the conversation, which had become too serious, I asked Pontius, “ if he had ever met Dr. Johnson in Scotland ?”— “ Aye, gtidc truth, have I !” replied he; “ and sin ye are upon the subject of the fe male sex, the Doctor was an instance that men may admire them, and yet lead a life of comparative celibacy, lie is frequently tylcd the literary bear, an, P gude troth lie was not sac affable and conciliating as he might have been'. but even be lost a* bis severity i’ tho company o’ women. I have heard him say, “ the mon, Sir, that ran withstood the effects of beauty, who is nap some measures softened by the tender so licitations of a sweet amiable female, de serves to be transported tull a desert island, to lirrd among the brutes, bis brothers.” Ane liije summer's evening, as we were en joying the cool breezes and aromatic exha lations frae a beautiful garden, a fine play ful* girl frae the banks o, the Tweed, in the zenith of full youth, health and spirits, and who had, by her lively wit, produced a smile from the artlnvise rugged muscles o’ the Doctor, came bounding o’er the tuvf where we set, and exclaimed “ my dear Doctor, I am often surprised at your sob'er, saturnine, mode of walking. Here you go” —and she gave a correct representation o* his gait, which, by the bye, was ane o’ the clumsiest points about him—“ why don” you run like me, and sport tho toe elastic ?” The laugh during this imitation was terri bly against the Doctor, and had it been cx- ciled by any other means, hae greatly irri tated him. Instead o’ which, wi* the ut most good humor, lie replied, “ why dearie, my elastic days are over ; hut I’ll tell you what dearie, I’ll run a race for a pot of cof fee.” The wager was taen ; the Doctor laid ’ "jjlcoat, hat ane wig, upon the grass ; and away they went. But of a’ the comic exhibition that was ever seen, sure this was the most so. His round bald pate re sembled a ripe pumpion, and his awkward exertions, much impeded by the size of his clothes, which*ho was obliged to support we’ ane hand, were sac provokingly laugh able to his fair opponent, that she screamed glee,—cou’dna rin. Accordingly the palm o’ victory was gecd to the Doctor, who exultingly cried out, after he had re covered his wind. “ You see, dearie a mon may hae a heavy heed, an’ a light pair o* heels ; but ye rin under great disadvanta ges, dearie.” Indeed, said she, surprised* “ why how should I rin Doctor ?” “ 1’ the custom of your country, dearie,’ without shoes or stockings.” The laugh thus turn ed i* the Doctor’s favor, and he was excel lent company for the remainder o’ tho cvca nine.”