The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-06-13

forgotten. Robert Morris was only a
business man. But he employed all
his ability for his country. He was Of
ten misunderstood, but when the sit
uation vas most critical, all eyes
were turned upon him. Washington
had military genius and Franklin the
delicate tact necessary to meet the
foreign diplomats. Morris achieve
ments lacked the dazzling glitter of a
warriors and he lacked the willy saul
witty of the diplomat. But when even
Washington and Franklin seemed to
lose heart his master mind was work.
ing. Without the plaudits of the null
titude he preserved the public credit
throughout that terrible struggle and
supplied the moving energy which
made possible the successes Of Wash
ington and Franklin.
Entire Continent Rested on Him.
1t was during the terrible winter of
1776 that Morris showed his true
greatness. The clouds were growing
blacker and blacker. For two months
of h midwinter the entire continent
rested upon his shoulders. He was
the country's banker, merchant and
statesman. When the need of a de-
cisive blow was recognized he took
upon himself the task of half cloth
ing and feeding the 2,400 men with
whom Washington crossed the Della
ware, took Trenton and Princeton and
electrified the whole country.
Used His own Credit.
Morris had long urged some system
Of taxation, but it was not until the
winter in Valley Forge, when the
heroism of the army was tested, that
the truth was made plain to the peo-
pie. A few years later Morris was
a.Nurr-%oI ~ H. -;
the country and often made the coun-
try large loans and used his own credit
to bolster up that of the United States.
He was secured like other creditors.
He was an almsgiVer. That would
nave been unbe lmirG to himself and
humiliating to America. He entered
upon his duties with enthusiasm and
through his almost Superhuman eff
forts the army was prepared for the
deciding movement at Yorktown. He
gave up his vast private business and
h comfort of a successful career.
But believing his credit to be unlim-
tied he made e-Xtravagant and reck-
less speculations and vas involved in
financial ruin. He spent oYer three
years in a debtors prison.
Did Not Show Ingratitude.
1t is said the nation showed base
ingratitude in letting him thus suf-
fer. But this is unjust. He speculated
upon his responsibility and the
nation could not guarantee him against
loss. He loaned large sums to the ma
ton at critical times, but it has not
been shown that any of these debts
were left unpaid. Justice demands a
higher appreciation for his services
than any founded on pity. Can it not
be said that he sustained the credit
Of a nation and crowned with glory
the brows of those who triumphed on
the battle field? And surely when a
calm surface shall cease to blind men
to the fertile brain and warm heart
beneath, when the pure lights
of justice and charity shed
their beaming rays upon the
hctions of this world, then a nations
long-standing debt of gratitude will
be paid, and Robert Morris will be
accorded his true place among the
founders of u nation.
B. II. Roberts Address.
After another selection by the or
chestra, Hon. B. II. Roberts delivered
the address of the day He said one
who compared the educational advan-
tages of today with those enjoyed by
the pioneers might almost feel envy,
but his feeling would speedily give
va ~ OlIC vi JON- O0I doN ldS
been great, but there is much room
for further advancement. The age
recognizes that knowledge is power
and education is d force. 1t is Won
derful that the United States occu-
pies h place in the educational
world that it does, but of all the
population in this country over 10
a of age, 81 per cent can read
and write. Never before has a ma
ton had over Al, 900, 900 of instructed
people. This country annually ex-
ponds $156, 600, 900 for education, Eng
land only $4S, 900, 600, France $31, 900, 900,
Germany $50, 900, 000-a vast difference
per capita.
Relied on Education.
Other nations may now outstrip us
in the higher branches. but this vast
amount of none must tell in time.
1t now holds almost first place in gen.
eral education. Our forefathers knew
the perpetuity of our institutions de-
pended on the intelligence of the peo-
pie. Therefore they relied on educa-
ton. 1t is useless for any part of our
nation TO hope for success if it ignores
this force.
In the age which preceded this,
chivalry was all. Only he who was
strong physically, and
SAlllul IA al llC GOdl0 A1OOC 4OA G0O
cess. knights Grant wandered over
the country protecting the weak
against the ravages of the strong.
Only in battle could men hope to
raise themselves above the disadvan-
tages of lowly birth.
The Forces at Work.
But tt : age has passed away New
forces ale at work. Governments are
noun oroo ofzad 70 nrnfo0f tho Nvnnk
from The Entertainments of the strong
and take the place of knights Grant.
The time has passed when one great
warrior can control. Everybody is
greater than anybody Intelligence
makes the leaders. No wonder we
look with favor CT education, for it
is that which prepares u youth for
the battles of life. 1t was as foolish
for a common swineherd in the age
of chivalry to hope for success as it
is for an ignorant person today to
have such hopes. Therefore the grad
yates were to be congratulated. In
other foreign institutions their armor
might have received q brighter polish,
but what they had was substantial.
Others so armed have made great sue
class would shed lustre on the insti-
tuition.
No More Auspicious Time.
Nor could they graduate at a more
suspicious time. The territory is
about to take up the responsibilities
of statehood, with the manifold dut-
les thai it imposes o the land
over and no place viii be found offer
ing more opportunities for success in
the future. It does not matter what
is their present condition. They may