The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-23

rare instances when his passion burst
its bonds and his aspect became truly
terrible.
His Judgment was clear and discrimi-
mating both of men and measures. and
neither detraction nor malice nor mis-
representation could unbalance his stead
fast mind.
But the Jewel Of his character beyond
all price in it's value TO his countrymen
throughout the war was his unconquer-
able hopefulness even in the most trying
hour. Never did he lose faith. Never did
he utterly despair.
IL was, perhaps, the reflex Of this spirit
that held his army together throughout
its dreadful suferings. The winter at
Valley Forge never could have been en-
dured with a less hopeful or less stead
fast commander.
These characters. Joined TO his sublime
purity " heart and Astounding patriotism
and sense Of justice. ave him an unsur-
passed power to control and manage men.
They felt that his eye was always on
them; that he did not despair; that he
would do whatever could be done to ale
Viate their privations; they took courage
from the beating Of his mighty heart and
forgot present miseries In recollection and
anticipation of past and future victories.
But 1t is not as the soldier only that
" dNAllAN1 vi htOtA Nto kAiI kIdAlAAtAG dAAA
the Neneration of his eountrymen.
II he was the father Of his country In
the sense that he had gained it's liberties
by his successful arms, he was still more
the father of his country in the value Of
his civil services. II is doubtful, indeed,
whether we should ever have had a
union Of the States after the fall of the
Confederation had il not been for his
temperate councils, his broad national
GDirif and the tmmenCq Influence nf his
personality. AS president Of the conven-
ton he threw his whole weight into the
scale to reconcile conflicting interests
TO smooth sectional jealousies and 20
bring about a safe, an efficient and a har-
monious union of the whole.
Having fought for the whole country
and stood for the whole country, Wash
ington undeniably loved the whole in a
sense that but few of his contemporaries
shared.
As in war, so in peace. his soul was
without a thought of self. His heart
was single and sincere for the liberty
and the happiness of his countrymen.
His ambition was noble and exalted. 1t
was not to occupy high station for its
tinsel %dignities. but to serve his country
faithfully. When called to high position
he shrank from its powers and RESPONSE
bilities, persuaded that some other might
be more fit. BF feeling himself his
country's servant, he obeyed her call
and lived with but the single thought
how TO advance her interests.
This may be said TO have insured the
formation of the Constitution OF the
United States. With his great reputation.
built upon the love and admiration of
his countrymen. with matured judgment
and with true heart he was called upon
TO launch on it's wonderful career the
great Government he had done so much
10 create. and in the act he is placed in
his proper light. He stands at the head
Of a new country, a new age and a new
world. His personality and his life mark
the dividing line. Old things were 10 pass
away and new things were to take their
place.
He is the beginning Of the most wonder
full era of the world. The marvels OF hui
man progress since his day have sur
passed the wonders Of Imagination. and
the country Of his love under the govern
ment Of his care, has been the instru-
ment of the most wonderful advances.
In drawing this Grafton TO a close, let
me give the summary OF his virtues as
drawn by Thomas jefferson: perhaps
the strongest feature in his character
was prudence. never acting until every
circumstance. every consideration was
maturely weighed: refraining II he saw a
OOuDI. Dul. Wien once uetlutu. ROlnk
through with his purpose. whatever OBJ
stacles opposed. His integrity was most
pure. his justice the most ihfexible /
have ever known, no motives of interest
or consanguinity, Of friendship or hatred,
being able 10 bias his decision. He was.
indeed. in every sense OF the word. a
wise. a good and great man. 49,
ION the whole, his character was In
its mass, perfect; in nothing bad. in few
L. - :
said that never did nature and fortune
combine more perfectly to make a man
great. and TO place him In the same con-
%stellation with whatever WORTHLESS have
merited from man an everlasting remem-
brance. For his was the singular destiny
and merit Of leading the armies OF his
country successfully through our atrocious
war for the establishment of its independ-
ence ;of conducting It's councils through
in its forms and principles until
and orderly train; and Of scrupu-
lousy obeying the laws through the whole
OF his career. civil and military, OF which
the history of the world furnishes no
other example"
There Is no more fitting conclusion TO a |
contemplation Of his life than the words
OF the President OF Congress. addressed
TO Washington when he resigned his COM |
mission upon the conclusion Of peace. |
He addressed him thus: THE United
States, in Congress assembled, receive |
with emotions too affecting for utter
ance the solemn resignation of the au.
thorities under which you have led their
troops with success through a perilous
and a doubtful war. Called upon by your |
country to defend its invaded rights, |
you accepted the sacred charge, before 1t |
had formed alliances. and while II was
without funds or a government TO sup |
port you. You have conducted the great
military contest with wisdom and forti- /
tude. invariably regarding the rights OF |
the civil power through all disasters and
changes.
"You nave by the love and confidence OF |
your fellow-citizsns enabled them to dis