Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1878-02-22
A GLORIOUS ANNIVERSARY.

Another anniversary Of the birth OF
the founder and hberator Of the Amsri'
can Republic srests us to-day. 1t Is an
anniversary which is dear to the hearts
Of all our citizens. and which has been
celebrated with more or less Of public
rsjoicings ever since the death OF the
Father Of His Country. It is true that
Is We advance in years As a nation. sumo
Of the dsmoAstradve enthusiasm seems
TO die out Of US. even as agility and
iivelinsss seem to depart from individu.
ais with increasing age. We are becom-
ing more dignihsd in u patriotic cele-
brations. For the booming Of cannon.
and the glare Of the bonfire. which used
to usher in and close this holiday. we
substitute calm. philosophical reflection
upon the character and deeds Of the man
whose birth 1t ~signalizes, and seek to
draw from his eventual life lessons Of
wisdsm which shall benefit ourselves
and our children. The example Of
Washington VA . noble one. and by
following II. and holding up its manifold
beauties to the younger generation. We
more truly honor and respect bis men,
DRY than we could do by the most rsck-
lsss expenditure Of the peoples money
in s~enseless demonstrations which end
In smoke and noise.
Let Us then cslebrats this anniversary
Of washington's birthday by poudsring
| well the character and achievements OF
the man whose namo We delight to
honor. His success in life was due to
special traits which Il will well repay US
all 10 initiate. II was not because he
"could not tell II lie." and the sooner
we dispense with that story in the sdu-
cation OF our children, tho better. II
gives them u false idea Of the man.
Washington. and has no foundation.
except in the sentimental phase Of hon.
esty which possibly may have character
lied him when q very small boy. The
nan acted lies. II he did not tell them.
during the greater part Of his active
career a. . soldier: and he was forced
to do so. on the principle that the Devil
must Be fought with his own weapons.
We do not believe that the man ever
lived who never told q lie. II such u
man there be. he il either an idiot or u
l~unatic. and God DO praised |! George
Washington was neither.
lie was q man OF strong integrity. and
an ardent faith in the right and justice
OF the cause which he espoused. and
which by his courage. executive ability.
military genius, and perseverance,. he
succeeded in indicating. With him.
having once determined on his course.
there was no turning back until the goal
had been reached. With . firm reliance
ON the God Of nations, and a realizing
sense OF the dependence Of all human
schemes upon His aid and protection.
he humbly sought that aid. and made
himself worthy to receive 1t by helping
himself to the extent Of his power. He
was . great and good man, and q success
full man because he was great and good.
The story Of his life should inspire the
youth OF the nation which he founded
with great and noble aims. We cannot
all DO washingtons. but we can all pre-
pare ourselves by emulatin ms his virtues.
and inlbibing his ambition. to enact as
important roles in the history OF u
native land. should circumstances In
the future force Us into the arena OF
public life.
There is another event associated
with this day. which renders 1t dear to
every American. and especially to US OF
the Pacific Coast. On the 22d OF Feb
ruary the battle OF Buens Vista was
fought and won by the soldiers Of the
Republic. II was that battle that gave
to Us California, Nevada. Arizona, and
New Mexico. with their boundless
mines Of Offering wealth. the half OF
which has not yet been laid open to the
gaze Of the world. Well may We honor
this day. and keep 1t sacred In the an
nails Of our nation. Next to the glori.
Gus Fourth Of July. 1t is the proudest
in our history. and as long as patriot
ism infames the hearts Of u citizens,
so long will the 22d Of February be kept
as q National holiday, in this, the
crandsst Of republics.