Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-02-24
WASHINGTON FIRST IN PEACE.
The Eloquent Address Delivered by
Rev. DR.. Stafford at MetxerOtt Hall.

The Eloquent Address Delivered by
Rev. DR.. Stafford at MetzerOtt Hall.
The celebration of Washngton's birthday
at MetZerott Hall by the Oldest Inhabitants
Association was notable for the number of
eloquent addresses that were made. some CT
which were mentioned in The Star Saturday.
Among the others vas one by Rev. Dr.
J. Stafford, his theme being, Wash
ington First in Peace" He said that
the Inauguration of the American gov
ernment is without one single exception
the most momentous fact in civil history of
the world 1t solved forever the problem
tC reconcile with absolute stability of gov
eminent the most perfect liberty of the in
dividual citizen. He referred to the prom
trent place that Washington had in this
period, and gave special emphasis to his
urseifsh services and sublime patriotism
during the time of peace. He spoke of
Washington's policy. and said that he be-
lieved in justice to the whole country and
the whole people. Washington also in
sisted upon the necessity of religion and
morality to the permanency of free institu-
items.
The speaker said that Washington he
lieved in the equality of all creeds before
the law. I'm the FACE o. this broad and
thoroughly American policy" the speaker
asked. what would Washington have said
to those who array one party against an
other, ore creed against another, in bitter
and deadly hatred?'
What" said the speaker. would he
have said to those VINO. in the name Of
America, would take The bread from the
orphan and shelter from the poor? Is this
encouraging religion and morality. to OPP
pose all religious Institutions? l say il is
not, and in the name of George Washing
ton 1 denounce it. Equally of all religions
before the law and aid and encouragement
not Opposition-to all VINO, in the love Of
GOD and the love of men. feed the hungry
and cover the naked;
At the conclusion of Dr. stafford's ad-
dress the band rendered a march by Fan
ciulli, entitled Army of the Potomac"
Prof. Robinson's Address.
washington First in the Hearts of His
Countrymen" was the theme of an address
by the next speaker. Professor William c.
Robinson, who spoke of the dependence
of our forefathers upon Washington and
the abiding character of his influence dur
ing the years that have elapsed since his
day. He said that from all lands men
VINO have loved true liberty have looked
to him as its triumphant champion and to
the nation which ne founded as the realiza-
TO Washingtons devotion to principles and
to duty. and spoke of the universal recog-
milton of his great qualities and unselfish
devotion. He spoke of the future and how
the national destiny will be along the lines
Which we mark out for them, and thought
that there was no more effective method
of making a wise, united and virtuous
people than by educating our young people
upon the pattern furnished by the charac-
ter of Washington.
Representative Swanson Heard,
Another selection was rendered by the
band and Representative Swanson of Vir-
ginia was introduced and spoke on the SUBJ
iect, ''Washington's Native State, Virginia,
Wherein He Lived and Died" He said
that these exercises could not conclude
without tribute to the state that gave
Washington to America. If that state had
no further claim to fame it would have
been eternal But the speaker said the
state has other claims, and referred to the
fact that her legislature was the first to
lass resolutions against the stamp act and
utter opposition to British tyranny He
then related the notable part Virginia
played in the early days. and mentioned
some of her llustrious sons. whose achieve
ments, he said. commencing with the
majestic Washington and ending with the
matches Lee, have made Respondent and