The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1892-02-25

my opinion, be believed. The cherry
tree and hatchet incident and its COM
panion declaration that the Father of
his Country never told lie, have in
delibly fixed upon the mind of MANY
boy the Importance of truthfulness.
OF all the legends containing words of
advice and encouragement which
hung upon the walls of the little dis
trct school house where large share
Of my education was gained L remem-.
Der but one, which was in these
words: "George Washington had
only common school education.n
l will not plead guilty to the charge
OF dwelling upon the little features of
a great subject. hope the day will
never come when American boys can
not know ofsome trait or some condi-
tion in which they may feel that they
ought to be or are like Washington.
| am not afraid to assert that multi
tude of men can be found in every
part of our land, respected for their
probity and worth, and most useful to
the country and to their fellow men
who will confess their indebtedness to
the story of Washington and his
Ratchet; and many man has won his
way to honor and fame notwithstand-
ing limited school advantages, be-
cause he found hope and incentive in
the high mission Washington accom-
plished with only q common school
education. These are not little and
trivial things. They guide and in
tluence the forces which make the
character and sentimentT of a great
people.
| beg you therefore to take with you
when you 60 forth to assume the obli-
cations of American citizenship, as
one of the best gifts of your Alma
Mater, a strong and abiding faith in
the value and potency of a good con-
science and q pure heart. Never
yield one iota to those who teach that
these are weak and childish things.
not needed in the struggle of man
hood with the stern realities of life.
Interest yourselves in public affairs as
a duty of citizenship; but do not sur
render your faith to those who discredit
and debase politics by soothing at
sentiment and principle, and whose
political activity consists in attempts
to gain popular support by cunning
device and shreWd manipula-
ton. You will find plenty of these
who will smile at your profession
of faith and tell you the truth and vir-
tue and honesty and goodness were
well enough in the old days when
Washington lived, but are not suited
to the present size and development of
our country and the progress we have
made in the art of political manage
ment. BE steadfast. 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 in the soil which
warmed and fed its first tender sprout.
You will be told that the people have
no longer any desire 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 respOn-
sibility and in the labor they impose:
but the duties of none of them can be
we'll performed if the membership of
good conscience and pure heart is dis.
carded. OF course other equipment is
necessary, but without this mentor
ship all else is insufficient. In times
of gravest responsibility it will solve
your difficulties; in the most trying
hour it will lead you out of perpl ext
ties, and it will at all times deliver
you from temptation.
In conclusion, let me remind you
that we may all properly learn the
lesson appropriate to Washipgton's
if we will; and that we shall
fortify ourselves against the danger
of falling short in the discharge of
any duty pertaining to citizenship, if
being thoroughly imhued with true
American sentiment and the moral
ideas which support it, we are hon
estly true to ourselves.
10 thine OWnsef be true,
And 1t must follow as the night the day:
Thou cnnS't not then be false to any man.
e--O
De- n