Alexandria Gazette

TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 5, 1841.
AUGURIES, PORTENTS, &c. &c.
"Let us all be unhappy together."
In these latter days, we grieve to say, that there are "signs and wonders" not a few.— The Globe, imitating the augurs of old, has watched these ominous forebodings, and, with oracular wisdom, gives us the significations thereof.
The Globe records—1st. That it snowed and hailed on the 1st of January! 2d. That, at the conclusion of Mr. Webster's first speech in the Senate, this winter, the golden Eagle over the Vice President's Chair let fall the scroll, bearing the motto—E. Pluribus Unum. 3d. That the Chandelier in the House of Representatives fell, and was smashed; and 4th. That, on the Eastern front of the Capitol, the arm of one of the marble figures bearing the scroll, inscribed, "Constitution of the United States," has fallen to the pedestal.
With lugubrious countenance, and in doleful accents, the Globe announces these prodigies, as forerunners of the political disasters which are to ensue when General Harrison is President! We have not a word to say in answer.
Within the mystic circle which surrounds the Globe, and from which a voice proclaiming "Procul, O! Procul, este profani," is heard, we presume, not to enter. We are awe struck under the solemn announcement of "fate foredoomed;" and, in our case, foreshadowed by snowy storms, knocking down of gilt upholstery, smashing of lamps, and blowing over of stones! Others, with the organ of reverence less strongly developed than we have, may be disposed to laugh—or to say that these pro-di-gi-ous e-vents are only the natural winding up of a cracked and falling Administration; and that, on the 4th of March, Harrison will come in to raise aloft again "E Pluribus Unum'—and to restore once more the "Constitution of the U.S." to its old position,—but the snow storm—the snow storm— how are we to get over that—or the "Chandelier," how can that be accounted for?
"Let us all be unhappy together."
The Globe avows itself as opposed to any of the amendments to the Constitution now so frequently advanced. As a general rule, the Globe is right in this respect. If there is any one thing more than another, which the good sense of the country ought to put down, it is, a disposition to tinker the constitution— to mend and patch that which wants neither. But experience, we think, has shown that the Constitution may be improved in one or two particulars. We are, therefore, not opposed to all change—but we are opposed to any change which experience does not prove to be highly beneficial. As for the rest, let the laws of Congress, be applied to remedy political evils. or bring about anticipated political advantages Congress can, by the exercise of the law making power, do much of that which is proposed to be done by adding to the Constitution.
Congress has been in session one month, and during that time has contrived to make as much leisure time, as could reasonably be expected. The excessive fatigue of sitting in a cushioned chair, before a mahogany desk, in a fine carpeted room, warmed delightfully, from 12 o'clock, M., to 3 P.M., requires, at least, a respite every Saturday! No man knows the cares and labors of public life, until he suffers the affliction! The public must sympathise!
A query for the Globe. If Hickory trees and "bald faced whiskey," caused no crime —how much crime ought Log Cabins and Hard Cider to produce?
Work us out that sum, Mr. Globe.
The Whigs throughout the country are paying merited honors to the Whig papers, every where, for their able, zealous, and successful course, during the late arduous political contest. The nation owes its deliverance from Loco Focoism, under Providence, to the Whig newspapers.