Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-02-23

ly trusts. because he had been good;
nor that they will regard her words
merely as an amiably tolerated express
sion of fond mother. II they are true
TO American sentiment they viii recog-
nize in this languagethe announcement
OF the important truth that under our
institutions and schemeof government,
goodness such as WaShington'S Is the
bes: guaranty for the faithful discharge
of public duty. They will certainly do
well for the country and for themselves
if they adopt the standard the Intuition
of this noble woman suggests as the
measure Of their trust and confidence.
1t means the exaction OF moral prlncl-
nile and personal honor and honesty
and goodness as Indispensable creden-
tials to political preferent.
l have referred only incidentally to
the immense influence and service OF
Washington in forming our constitu'
tion. shall not dwell upon his lofty
patriotism, his skill and fortitude as the
military commander who gained our in
dependence, his inspired wisdom, pa
triotism and craftsmanship as First
President of the Republic, his constant
love for his countrymen and his solicit
tude for their welfare at all times. The
story has been often told, and is familiar
to ALL II should repeat it, l should
only seek to present further and proba-
bly, unnecessary proof OF the fact, that
Washington embodied in his character
and eXemplitied in his career, that
American sentiment in which our gov
eminent had It's origin and which l be-
lieve to be condition necessary TO our
heathful national life.
have not assumed to instruct you. L
have merely yielded to the influence OF
the occasion and attempted TO impress
upon you the Importance Of cultivating
and maintaining true American senti-
ment, suggesting that as IL has been
planted and rooted in the moral facul-
ties of our countrymen, can only Hour
Sh in their love of truth and honesty
and virtue and goodness. l believe that
God has so ordained it for the people he
has selected for his special favor; and l
know that the DEGREES Of God are never
obsolete.
| beg you therefore to take with you
when you 20 forth TO assume the obliga-
tions of American citizenship, as one of
She best gifts of your alma Mater, a
strong and abiding faith in the value
and potency of a good concience and a
pure heart. Never yield one iota TO
those who teach that these are weak
and childish things, not needed in the
struggle Of manhood with the stern re-
alities of life. Interest yourselves in
public affairs as duty OF citizenship;
but do not surrender your faith to those
who diScredit and debaSe politics by
soothing at sentiment and principle, and
whose political activity consists in at
tempts to gain popular support by cum
ming devices and Shrewd manipulation.
You will fad plenty Of these who
will smile at your profession
Of faith and tell you that truth and vir-
tue and honesty and goodness were well
enough In the old days when Washing
ton lived, but are not suited to the pres
ent size and development Of our country
and the progress we have made in the
art OF political management. BE stead
fast. The strong and sturdy oak still
needs the support OF its native earth,
and as it grows in size and spreading
branches, its roots must strike deeper
ia the soil which warmed and fed its
first tender sprout. You will be told
that the people have no longer any de-
sire for the things you profess. BE not
deceived. The people are not dead but
sleeping. They will awaken in good
time, and scourge the money changers
from their sacred temple.
You may be chosen TO public office.
Do not shrink from It, for holding office
is also a duty of citizenship. But do not
leave your faith behind you. Every
public Office, small or great, is held in
trust for your fellow citizens. They
differ in importance, in responsibility
and in the labor they impose; but the
duties Of none of them can be we'll per-
formed if the membership Of a good
conscience and pure heart be discard
ed. OF course other equipment is neceS-
sary, but without this membership all
else is insufficient. In times OF graveSt
responsibility it will solve your difficult
ties; in the most trying hour it will lead
you cut Of perpleXities, and it will at
all times deliver you from temptation.
In conclusion, let me remind you that
we may all properly learn the lesson APP
propriate to Washington's birthday, If
we will; anl that we shall fortify our
selves against the danger of falling short
in the discharge of any duty pertaining
to citizenship, if being thoroughly i'm
bued with true American sentiment and
the moral ideas which support it, we
are honestly true to ourselves.
ITO thine own self be true,
Ana it must follow as the night the day:
Thou caus't not then be false TO any man.