Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1873-03-07
The Twenty-Second in Alexandria.

The twcnty-sccond of February was
celebrated in Alexandria, with considera-
bic pomp. The Gazete, of that city, fur
nishes the following synopsis of the
Speech of VIM. KILGoUR, Esq, delivered
on the occasion, which we take pleasure
in transferring to our columns, as Mr..
x. is native Of this county, and has
many warm, personal friends, residing
here
Mr.. Kilgour said:
Mr.. President, Gentlemen Of tie Fire
Department Of Aierand,Ta, Lodies ana
GeHtteme~:-I accepted freely your very
nattering invitation to deliver the address
upon this interesting occasion, but its
acceptance was attended, | assure you,
not without a full realization of the en-
barrassment that would attend me in the
performance of so pleasing duty. The
character of the subject, fraughtas it is
with 50 much interest and feeling, and
so dear to every American heart, togeth-
err with a knowledge Of the fact that there
were many more competent for its proper
and agreeable discharge, would compel
me to ask, in some degree, your gener-
Gus indulgence.
If there be a spot upon the American
continent where patriotism should this
day rear her altar and there offer tribute
to the memory of George Washington,
it is within the ancient city Of Alexan-
dria Passing through the trials, pri-
vations and suferings Of the camp, over
come with the arduous duties of a long
term of office, in the very infancy of the
government, literally worn out in the
service Of his country, he sought repose
and retirement almost within sight of our
city. BY reason of business relations,
incident to the daily routine of private
life, he was SO thrown in contact with
the people of Alexandria until every
street was familiar to him; here indeed
remains the Order Of which he was a
member, to which he was attached, and
which bears his honored name Oft and
oft again as the breeze came from over
are still standing in our midst in whose
branches the birds would delight to clus-
ter and MARBLE their sunniest notes and
sweetest melodies as a greeting to his
coming There is not stream or brook
around or near us whose waters have not
reflected his noble countcnance and
grown the brighter, and the melody Of
its murmurings softer as he passed along
and as every Sabbath morn opened, it
ever found him vending his way along
his accustomed route until the mellow
cadence of the toIIing Of the bell seemed
to whisper that Washington was kncel-
ing at his favorite altar in the little ivy
clad church, which remains to this hour,
a touching, striking and beautiful relic
of his Christian piety Whilst, there
fore, it is right and becoming to give cx-
preston to our feelings, amid the cling
ing memories which surround us, it must
be source Of pride to our citizens: it
must seem exceedingly fit and appropri-
ate that the fire organization Of Alexan-
dria, composed of men Of a noble aud
manly sense of duty, with brave hearts
and strong arms-evcr ready, ever will
ling 10 rush to the scene of danger, to
stay the angry pillows Of the Fiery
God''-should be the first to gather
around the paternal altar, there to sub
nit their spirits to the inspirations of
patriotic ardor, and there to feel that the
same glories, the same sacrifices, the
same interests. the same hopes and i'm
pulse of grateful love unite them in de-
votion to the Father Of their common
country. And their hearts throb with
emotion and swell with pride as they re-
member the fact that Washington's name
stands recorded as member Of their de-
partment-an evidence Of his confidence,
an endorsement Of his appreciation in the
practicability Of your daring enterprise.