The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-06-12

w PdtIiotiSul. Livery smart ana statue
to his memory inculcates respect for
the flag, love of country. encourages
loyalty and establishes a better citi-
zenship. God bless every undertake
ing which revives patriotism and re-
Dukes the Indifferent and lawlessl
ga critical study of the career of
Washington only enhances our esti-
nation of his vast and varied abili-
ties. As commander -in-chief of the
colonial armies, from the beginning
of the war to the proclamation of
peace, as president of the Convention
which framed the Constitution of the
United States, and as the first Presi-
dent of the United States under that
Constitution, Washington has dis
tinction differing from that of any
other illustrious American.
mo other name bears, or can bear,
such a relation to the government.
Not only by his military genius-his
patience, his sagacity, his courage and
his skill-was our national independ-
ence won, but he helped in largest
measure draft the chart by which the
nation was to be guided. and then
was the first chosen of the people to
put in motion the new government.
His was not the boldness of ma
terial display or the charm of capti-
waiting oratory, but his calm and
steady judgment won mems support
and commanded their confidence by
appealing to their best and noblest
aspirations. And withal Washington
was so modest that at no time in his
career did his personality seem in the
least intrusive. He was above the
temptation of power; he spurned the
suggested crown. He would have no
honor which the people did not be-
stow.
Gan interesting fact, and one which
| love to recall, is that the only time
Washington formally addressed the
Constitutional Convention during all
it's sessions over which he presided
in this city, he appealed for the peo-
pie and for larger representation in
the National House of Representa-
tives, and his appeal was instantly
needed. Thus was he ever keenly
watchful of the rights of the people
in whose hands was the destiny of
our government then and in whose
hands is the destiny of the govern
ment now.
"Masterful as were his military
campaigns, his civil administration
commands equal, if not greater, ad-
miration. His foresight was marvel
Gus; his conception of the philosophy
of government, his insistence upon
the necessity of education, morality
and enlightened citizenship to the
progress and permanence of the Re-
public, cannot be contemplated even
at this period without filing us with
establishment at the breadth of his
comprehension and the sweep of his
vision.
ellis was no narrow view of gov
eminent. The immediate present
was not his sole concern, but our flu
ture good his constant theme of
study. He blazed TIE path of liberty.
He laid the foundation upon which
we have grown from weak and scat
tered colonial governments to a
mighty, united, irresistible nation
whose domains and power, as we'll as
whose liberty and freedom, have be-
come the admiration of the world.
Distance and time have not detracted
from the fame and force of his
achievements or diminish the grand
eur of his life and work. Great deeds
do not stop, cannot stop, in their
growth, and those of Washington will
expand in influence in all the CEN
turtles to follow.
"The bequest Washington has
made to civilization is rich beyond
computation. The obligations under
which he has placed mankind are
sacred and commanding. The re-
sponsibilitY he has left for the Amer
lean people to preserve and perfect
what he accomplished is exacting
and solemn. Let us rejoice in every
new evidence that the people realize
what they enjoy and cherish with af-
fectionate regard the illustrious he
roes of revolutionar airy story, whose
valor and sacrifices made us nation
They live in us, and their memory, if
cherished, will help us keep the CO.
venant entered into for the mainte-
nance of the freest government of
earth.
"The nation and the name of
Washington are inseparable. One is
linked indissolubly with the other.
Both are glorious, both triumphant.
Washington lives and will live be-