34



Clays, are but the rich masses of virgin gold appearing here
and there, at intervals, upon the surface of the earth, which in-
dicate the richer treasures that lie concealed within its bosom.
They tell of inexhaustible mines that lie beneath; where the
primeval veins of pure and solid metal, run deep into the
mountain side, imbedded in the everlasting quartz, which the
skill of the scientific miner only can bring forth for the use
of man. Without science, you may gather a few grains of
shining dust-a few ounces perhaps of precious metal-
washed down by the mountain torrent, or heaved up by the
fires within, and scattered, few and far ap rt, amidst the rude
magnificence of nature. With its aid, you change the whole
course of the world's commerce, and guide the march of Em-
pire.
  Need I -ay, that the mines of California, Mexico, and Aus-
traliasi l, all combined, are not so rich in all the elements of
individual and national prosperity, as those which lie within
the throbbing bosoms of our young countrymen, invisible as
yet, but only waiting for the skill and science of the intel-
lectual miner, to reveal their boundless opulence. How great
the privilege-how imperative the duty-how bright the
glory of labouring in such an enterprise! An enterprise for
a whole people, and for all time! In behalf of such a cause,
even defeat were glorious; against it, success would only be
PRE-EMINENCE OF INFAMY. How august the hope of a better
and nobler future, for our country! How sweet the memory
of good and generous deeds; of toils, even, and sufferings en-
dured, for the benefit of man! How hallowed is the good
man's grave! How sacred the very dust of the world's great
benefactors!
  I have stood within the walls of that ancient and venera-
ble abbey, where England's dead monarchs rest within their
royal sepulchres; where all that have been most eminent for
-rank, or genius, are gathered, for their last repose. There is
the tomb of Shakspeare, and of rare Ben Jonson; there