The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-21
AMERICAS FIRST CITIZEN.


The dedication, to-day, of the Washington
monument naturally calls the world to a closer
contemplation of the character of Americas
first and greatest citizen. This recurring
duty has been a source of qualification and
pride to every patriotic American, animated
as he is by the belief that the character of
Washington will ever bear the closest inspec-
ton. He was not only great in war, but
greater still in the modest appreciation
of his achievements in the field. He was not
only great in peace as the Nations President,
but greater still in being above the tempta-
tons of petty sel6shness and personal ambition.
He was great in all things; nor did the enjoy
ment of the honors thrust upon make him for
a moment forget himself or seduce him from
that high plane which he so signally graced.
1t is mistake to say that he did not forget
himself; for in the better sense, he never
thought of self, save to offer all to the prose-
cution of the work intrusted to him. The
only times he seemed to think of
self was when he felt himself inadequate or
unworthy, one Of the noblest traits of his
greatness as man. Unlike military chief
tains of his age, he never schened for or
winked at plans for his own promotion. What
ever fell to Washington came to him unso-
licited, the tribute Of a people anxious to
place their most sacred trusts in safe and
clean hands. Nor were they disappointed.
Washington was clean man. A century
closest inspection has failed to reveal "blot
on his escutcheon," and at his death he
passed into history as man who
approached as near projection as humanity
may. This is not the verdict of his admiring
countrymen only, but the civilized world, in
all its.parts, has not failed to award him place
among the tallest and best Of men.
1t is needless here to recite the opportun;
ties and temptations incident to the position
occupied by the colonial commander-in chief
To say that he did not recognize them as they
arose, is an insult to common sense; that he
did not take advantage of them, is proof with
out argument that he was above the petty am
bition that has wrecked so many aspiring
men. The character of George Washington
is lesson written for the edifcation of the
ages. To initiate his virtues as public man
is to approach perfection. To follow his il
lustrious and unprecedented example-save
that of the Son of God and man alike-in
sinking self in his great appreciation of the
obligations resting upon him, those present
and those that his discerning mind told him
he owed the oncoming generations, must ever
be to the making of good to mankind every
where. The name Of Washington is price
less heirloom to all mankind. Patriot, soldier,
statesman, citizen, husband, son-in each
station he showed himself possessed Of that
ability, and dignity, and probity that probably
no other man in the worlds history possessed.
Living, ne enjoyed the worlds greatest esteem;
dying all peoples felt the loss. Let every
lover of his country rejoice that after so many
years shaft has at last been reared to his
memory that overtops all the works of man.;
but rejoice even more that the name and fame
of Washington are peculiarly ours, pillar of
cloud by day and of fire by night, to lead all
the people in the path Of patriotic duty and
national safety.