Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-02-23
GENERAL OBSERVANCE.
WASHINGIOE'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED BY
NUMBER OF ENTERTAINMENTS
Address BY Rev. DR.. Riksr, TO the Patriotic
Orders in Inc AhsnoOn-Bnieriainmsnis
Afternoon and Evening

made national holiday, and during re-
cent years its observance has become
general, especially since the organiza-
ton Of so many patriotic orders. In
this city yesterday, the idleness in
number of industrial plants which had
been in operation, the number OF people
upon the streets, and the flags which
were displayed from many homes
throughout the city, were evidences
that the holiday was being observed.
Handsome banners hung from the win
dows Of many lodge rooms, and the In
terror decorations were in harmony
with the nature OF the celebration.
The principal event of the day was
the address 10 patriotic orders by Rev.
DR.. A. B. Riker, at the Fourth Street
NJ E. Church, at o'clock 10 the after
noon. The members Of the Jr. 0. L..
A. NJ, o. L. A. NJ, P. o. 5. Of a. and
other orders, with their friends, made
I'D an assemblags which completely
filed the church, occupying all the
available seats. The choir rendered
some especial selections, the music be-
ing an interesting feature Of the exer-
ciSes.
DR.. Riker was in excellent form, and
his address was listened to throughout
with closest attention, and several
times interrupted by enthusiastic ap-
plause. His opening remarks were de-
voted to a review OF the achievements
OF Washington, and their influence
upon the country and upon the world.
His character as a patriot, as citizen,
as man. were carefully reviewed, and
the lessons taught by his life and work
were skilfully portrayed.
1T is ours TO build and sustain, as
our fathers organized and prepared this
government" continued the speaker.
$50 marvelously were our fathers
guided. that there is little left Tor us
to organize. Higher has the human
thought not reached than the
constitution of the United States
and the immortal declaration.
We should consider the dignity OF the
individual man, his religious freedom,
and the intelligence of the people. II
our fathers had dreamed OF enjoying
what we do to-day they would have
gone into raptures ever the prospect.
We are enjoying the highest civilization
OF which the world is possible.
DR.. Riker said the patriotic orders
have great misSioh-tO perpetuate
patriotism. There are yet many oppor-
tunities for the exercise OF patriotism.
He was panied when be saw elections in
which the people so far forget their
principles and duty as TO sell their BAL
lots for paltry sum Of money, often for
q drink of whisky-thus subordinating
themselves to the judgment OF others.
"Cllng to your party so long as IL IS
right. Stand up for the principles upon
which our wealth has been
founded. George Washington lived for
YOU, and for me, and wnen be babe
farewell TO public me two things
disturbed him. lie said Never
allow yourselves to be so interested in
the affairs Of a section, as to cause you
YOU to separate from the rest OF the ma
ton. He also felt that there would
some day come dominancy Of party.
To-day we remember Washington, and
ii would be well for US totake the oath
Of allegiance to self Cultivate in meet
ings the spirit Of manly Independence. "
If the patriotic orders continue to
grow as they have, ii argues a great
deal. One Of the missions you have be-
fore you in political matters is TO see
that the Office seeks the man. Make
the standard OF your politics higher and
boiler than blind following Of the
guidance Of party leaders. There is an
opportunity In this very city 70 uplift
this better standard, and secure a bet
ter order Of things, for all will agree
that there is need for Improvement.
~ believa in America for Americans
If any foreigner comes to our shores, the
moment he lands or takes out naturall-
zation papers, a German, an English
man, an Irishman should that moment
die and an American citizen be born.
lie must not forget the country OF bis
nativity, but he should bid farewell for
ever TO all old-world ideas and lnstltu-
tions If be brings over anarchy and
socialism he should be dealt with some
how. l hope the genius will be given to
our legislators TO devise the means. |
am not sure bat that some OF them
should be transported in vessels, with a
mighty quantity Of gunpowder, and slow
fuses, to allew them 10 get far enough
away before they go up."
1t becomes the part OF patriotism TO
defend OR institutions. We should be
an intelligent American people. There
fore there has been inaugurated here,
an original, it might be said an indi-
penous system of pnbic education,
which rises far above anything ever be-
fore attempted. 1t provides an education
for every child, and must be defended
against all else. I am inclined to think
we over-emphasize the opposition OF the
Catholic Church, that we Imagine there
is much more danger from this source
than there really is, but l am also per-
suaded, on the other hand, that there
is danger, aud 1t becomes the duty OF
the American citizen, when ecclesiastlC
hands are placed upon our schools to
CRY them back. When a number Of
Catholic Bishops were interviewed re-
Gently, they all said, "This is an mop
perfume time to oppose the public
schools. q" l think that the opposition
has been postponed for half century.
Keep your eyes on every organization
ecclesiastical aud secular, ana when
there is hand raised against any one
! OF our institutions, strike it down.
There are no grander people in our land
than the army OF public school teach.
ers, and our children are entirely safe
in their hands.
It's not enough that our citizenship
should be educated. There should be
hearts to hold the intelligence stead }
and true. II this country Is TO work
out its glorious destiny, we need men
of character. The best patriot is the
best man. / appeal to you as patriots
to identity yourselves with Gods inter
ests. Our commonwealth is great be
| nnrsa Cod has hlassed IL We must an :.