Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-03-02

sion toCongress his work but half accom-
plished. Independence being attained, pefma-
nent Union was to be secured and stable Gov
eminent founded. As President of the Conven-
ton of 1851, he contributed largely to the pro-
duction of the Federal Constitution with It's CON-
pacts and its compromises The adoption of the
Constitution secured "a more perfect Union, but
the difficult and more delicate task remained 10
put this new Government into practical opera
tion-to secure such action in all its parts
might give sufficient strength in the Govern
ment, and yet secure the liberty of the citizens,
and the reserved rights of the States. To attain
this end Washington was selected as President,
and from 1859 to March 4. 1897, he conducted the
Government with that moderation, wisdom and
frmness which had characterized his management
OF the war, and then he returned 10 private life,
declining further honor, and leaving the States
united, and commencing that career of prosperIty
which became the wonder of the world, and the
pride of every American citizen.
Fully to comprehend the magnitude of Wash
ington's labors, and their value TO the country,
we must stand beside him vixen he laid aside the
robes of office, and looking back ward behold the
divided and feeble colonies becoming united, and
rising under the influence of his greatness to indie
pendent and well ordered Government-and then
looking forward, we behold the wonderful career
OF prosperity until thirty -four States had each
$4,000 600. with exhaustless resources, and as
sertng in firm, If not arrogant terms, the position
of a first class power among the nations of the
earth. As we this day stand in the presence of
his mighty spirit, and feel the power of its inspIr
alton, who of US does not pray for a reunion of
the States, and the restoration of the broken
bonds which he placed upon the sectionsI
As a private citizen, respect for law, and ODE
dience to its requirements was cardinal doctrine.
-lr In,
these times of commotion and disturbed public
sentiment, can | too earnestly urge upon each
one of YOU to initiate his high example in that
respect? Whatever constitutional provision, or
legal enactment, may be opposed to your judg-
ment, or disagreeable to your conscience, seek
its abrOgation or amendment according to recog-
nized and established powers and usage: but do
not defy or resist; for thereby you strike blow
at the stability, as well as the authority of Gov
eminent. This is the duty and obligation of
ruler and governed alike. Washington so recOg-
nized it. IL was an interesting spectacle when
he, the Father of his country, who had laid the
foundations of the Government itself, standing
in the presence of his countrymen, as President
elect, took the solemn oath prescribed, ''tO pre-
serve protect, and defend the Constitution of the
United States" With what fidelity he discharged
the obligation, history speaks is no doubtful Ian
guage Even during the embarrassments of
of the law. In the answer made by the President
of Congress to him, upon the return of his com
mission, it said: you have conducted the
great military contest with wisdom and iortitude,
invariably regarding the rights Of the civil power
through all disasters and changes" The true
interests of the Government and the rights of the
people will at all times be promoted by respect
for that principle.
Washington's moral courage of the highest
l.. -.
measure a sound Judgment, discriminating
mind, and purity of purpose that excluded all
selfish considerations, and his decisions, maturely
made. were seldom shaken. Firmness and sta
bility characterized his civil as well as military
administration. The clamor of the hour did not
disturb his policy. he had high faith in the
success and expediency of the right. Re never
separated policy from the right, or expediency
from truth, to guide him. When the restless and
impusive criticised and condemned his war policy
as wanting in energy and holiness, he remained
the same firm and determined man, trusting his
vindcatiOn TO the success of his measures.
As man of integrity, personal and official. he
stands without peer The abest of his biOgra-
pliers saws of him: mo man has ever appeared
upon the theater OF public action whose integrity
was more iucoHuptible or whose principles were
more perfectly free from the contamination OF
those selfish and unworthy passions which find
tneir nOurlSnment IN the CONNECTS OF party. HAY
ing no views which required concealment, his real
and ayOwed motives we're the same, and his whole
correspondence does not furnish "a single case
from which even an enemy would infer that he
was capable, under any circumstances, of stOOp-
ing to the employment of duplicity. No truth
can be uttered with more confidence than that his
ends were always upright. and his means always
pure" A character so lofty and so pure ought
to be continually held up as model for study
and imitation, and especially in these times when
corruption is thick and dark in all the departments
of the public service.
His sentiments and deeds have made his char
acter a standard of patriotism. Firm and deter
mined in asserting and maintaining his senti
ments and political principles, he was always
courteous and indulgent to those who differed
from lin. In the spirit of true greatness he
tolerated the largest liberty of discussion of his
motives and measures, trusting to the integrity OF
his purposes, the wisdom of his policy, and the
success OF his measures for the vindicatiOn of his
fame. AS a friend he was true, and as a Christian
he knelt in humility before Him whose will con
trolls the destinIes ofmen and nations In all the
generations of men. no other so perfect charac
ter has appeared. In all the relations of life, as
man, a Christian, citizen. soldier, captain anC
ruler, he stands as the perfect model for Ameri
can character.
The ceremonies at the State House closed tht
programme as laid down by the Committee. The
day was not cIOuded by any serious accident anC
nothing but the best of feeling characterized thu
crowds that thronged the streets.