The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-02-22

WABHNGTONS SaBlRTH-OAI.-tEohaE WAbHINd-
TON without the genirs of JULIUS CESAR or NApo-
LEON BoNAPAREs, has q far purer fame, as his am
bitionsw was Of q higher and hoier nature. Instead
Of seeking to rase his own name or seize supreme
power, he devoted his whole talents, military and
civil, to establishment Of the independence and
the perpstuty Of the liberties Of his own country.
To GEORGE WASHINGTON alone, in modern times,
has it been given to accomplish wonderful revo-
luton and yet to remain to all future times the
theme Of q peoples gratitude, and an example Of
virtuous and benefcent power. The pre- eminence
here accorded 70 WAsHNaToN will meet with uni
versal approval, for he clearly and unchallengesby
stands out as the great man in Universal History.
His example has been followed in later years, but
the result was far different, and the stigma Of
defeat has crushed cause purer and hoier than
the effort made by the colonists to throw off the
British yoke.
Since the death Of WASHINGTON his birthday has
been celebrated as q national holiday wherever the
flag Of the country waved and this respect has in
creased in time 80 that it is now ranked next to tho
4th Of July In this city the day has been princi-
pally noticed as the anniversary Of several char-
table, military and civil associations At present
the military is defanct body, but upon it's ruins
nobler Society has been formed, whose corner
! stone is charity and whose deeds, though not en-
blazoned on the scroll Of fame will occupy prom
inent place on the list Of actions equally worthy Of
honor.
Foremost among such associations stand the
VII Us. The stirring sound Of martial music
no longer summons them to the field, but their
we'll earned name and rreproachable history de-
manded THAT though the cause was lost, the Or
ganizaton should remain, and bereft Of all military
Insignia and clothed only in the civil garb Of
charity, they assemble this day to do honor to the
name they bear and prove to the world that they
have risen superior to defeat Their programme
for the day has already been alluded to, and their
past history s so well known, that any illusions at
present are almost unnecessary.
The Washington Light Infantry grew out OF the
great excitement which was created in this coun-
try by the affair of the Chesapeake and Leopard.
Wheu the news was received in Charleston in July,
1907, that one Of our tigates had been boarded BY
an English man-of-war, there was universal feel
ing that war must follow. Several volunteer COM
panies were Immediately organized. The ". L. L.
held several informal meetings at the French Cof-
| fee House. At the first of these Mr.. VIM. LowNDEs
was elected Captain; Captain WARREN Cross Lieu
tenant, and VIM. CRAFTS Ensign. With such pa
rentage, and the strong esprit de corps that tho ex-
citement of the times had generated the future Of
the gallant corps was sure, and nobly have they
sustained therna in tie different perils through
which they have passed. Their record is clear,
and, though shorn of all but civic glories future
Of hope is opening slowly tc the view, in which, as
social corporation, they will yet play prominent
part.
The Citadel Square Church is the arena where
the Rev. C. P. GADsDEN will discourse upon that
noblest of Christian virtues-"C -"Charity." Those
who wish to feast their ears should certainly at-
tend; the prestige established by tho ". L. I. be-
ing sufficient to assure them OF intellectual en-
tertainment The order of exercises will be found
| elsewhere.
The Washington Fire Engine Company celebrate
their anniversary by select soiree at tho South
! Carolina Hall, and tho Washington Artillery
Friendly Society commemorate their first annual
meeting by supper, to be held at Market Hall, at
u P. NJ. Besides these, a number Of balls and
social gatherings will take place, and the 22d OF
February bids fair, Notwithstanding The pressure
Of The times to be equal to it's predecessors if it
does not surpass them.