Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-02-22

But for him the country could not have
achieved it's independence: but for him II
could not have formed its union; and now
but for him II could not set the govern
ment in successful motion" Those were
the conclusions as to George Washington
reached by Bancroft before he wrote his
History of the Constitution, and time has
fully justified the comprehensive eulosy
voiced by the greatest Of American his
torians. One hundred and sixty-two years
ago. In the home of his planter-father at
Pope's Creek. Westmoreland county. Vir-
ginia, George Washington was born, and
today every true American celebrates the
anniversary OF the notable birth. The cell
ebration Is never a noisy one. and occa-
sionally there is room for the belief that 1t
Is not as sincere as it should be. No one
asks that it be of the uproarous sort-for
We have too much OF that on the Fourth
of July-but 1t is unquestionably true that
within even the past decade there has been
a steady diminution of apparent interest
in those things which are represented by
this anniversary. and a lessened knowledge
Of the admirable components of Washing
toms wonderful character. Between this
decidedly unfortunate condition and The
worship of Washington as something
more than man, lies middle ground. which
should be occupied by the American people
for at least one day in the year. There
was nothing superhuman in Washington.
He was merely a man, possessed of many
virtues and afflicted with some of the
weaknesses still common to the human
race. but he did a glorious work, and bril-
liant as were his deeds in the early days
of our national history, they are brighter
now than ever before IN the hearts of
those whose first thoughts are for the re-
public's welfare. This age does not afford
opportunities for the requirement of such
reputation as was secured by him who was
aptly termed THE Father of his Country
but there are countless chances Tor the ex-
ercise of that patriotic spirit which
prompted his every public act. Not en-
tre!y neglectful of private affairs, and by
industry man of considerable wealth,
Washington was none the less devoted to
the government which he brought into
being and nourished and educated until it
was strong enough to care for itself with
out his assistance. His example is worthy
OF emulation by those who have reached
high public place and to whom the Ameri-
can people should be able TO look with con-
ndence for release from the adverse ard
discouraging industrial condition which
now prevails. There has been too much of
seifishness in our politics. too much OF par
tisanship. and not enough of patriotism
That there are great men in these days
viii not be denied. and that there are many
who possess gifts superior to those which
made Washington famous is extremely
probable, but that there are only an in
conspicuous few who are impelled by the
high-minded motives SO apparent IN all of
"asnington's public acts is an unfortunate
condition too plainly visible. No other nan
left such an impress upon the worlds his
tory as did Washington; a revival of the
influences originating in him would give our
civilization more cleanly appearance and
tremendous impetus