The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-06-28
beautiful Tribute TO the Memory
Of Washington

The following beautiful tribute to the
Father Of his Couatry.' from the lecture
delivered by DR.. Thomas d. Worral!. of
indianapolis, in that city, is not only appli-
cable to those who strive to emulate true
! greatness, but to the present time. when the
rising generation need trus standard of
greatness to be led by:
! l know that all our Presidents have not
been great. Oh, no! far from this. We
have had. of late, Buchanan and Pierce
! But these pigmies only serve to throw into
I bold relief the mountain minds who have
, gone before them. Run your eye along the
| list Of Presidents who have honored our
! Republic, and see what asgalaxy of talent
and moral worth you will lind. In one Of
these we have more Of tue worth and no.
bleness Of character, more brilliancy of
mind. and more sterling integrity, than you
will find In all OF the crowned heads of Eu
rope for the last FIVE centuries. l need
hardly say | refer to our Washing gton.-
Washington! Did l speak that word? Did
that sacred name escape my lips? How
did | utter ir2 Was it reverently? Did
my voice. my look. my whole department
show that had well considered what name
had mentioned? Did my face and tongue
declare l had a soul capable of feelings OF
the most profound respect. the deepest rev.
erei.ce? WASHINGTON At the mention Of
that word what profound EN- lotions crowd
my soul, How that name charms me! Did
l ever appreciate the blessings that flow
like river in this great nation! Is my soul
fired with love for my adopted country?
How deeply does this appreciation stir my
spirit. how vividly does this love burn in my
heart, when hear the name Of Washington!
In its very utterance l touch a chord that
vbraes from heart to heart throughout this
whole continent. The very sornd is fraught
with all flats good and great in man.
Sheuld attempt TO express in one word
all the virtues ths, adorn the human charac-
ter, and all the graces that give vivacity to
noble life, would simply say-WAsn-
INGroN! Was there ever in any one being
who was merely mortal. such combination
of all that was noble and excellent? To
speak one evil word of him would be to
abuse our county. l know Of no test you
can apply to him from which he will not
come forth as gold purified in the fire. Vile.
even, as is the character Of the defamer. l
never yet met with one base enough to ply
his art upon the reputation of George Wash
ington. The breath of slander is filthy and
unreleuting. She is ever quick to discover
flaws in human character, and ready, when
these are lacking. 10 turn even a mans vir-
tues into failings. Yet. eagle eyed and bit
ter as she is, even she has never vet found
in this great son Of earth one scrap OF food
to prey upon. When Washington appears
she stands abashed. She hides her head
His name is enchanted ground she dares not
tread upon. Great men have lived since
Washington, but not as be lived. Noble
deeds have been wrought since then. but
not such deeds as his. Well may his name
Inspire ten thousand minds Can the most
eloquent tongue of the orator, or the groan-
ing plaudits of the press adequately express
the gratitude weIowe to him? Oh no, no,
neverl His name gives courage to peo
pie. unites contending factions. inspires US
with hope in the midst'ef our greatest trials,
teaches US moderation in the midst OF our
successes stands as an imperishable model to
our generals and statesmen, lives as an in
spira,ion to those who fight and suffer on
the battle field. and is ever TO the nation an
example of virtue. integrity and incorrupti
bility -