The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1897-03-06

The observance Of this anniversary,
with fitting ceremonies, Will afford CON
yineing proof of the patriotism which
animates the Catholics of this parish
the good people whom I now have the
extreme pleasure of addressing. be-
lieye that patriotism of the sterling type
is universal among the Catholics Of
America. To display the cordial senti-
ments which We entertain toward that
great government which was rendered
possible by the heroism and fortitude Of
Washington and Lafayette will serve
not only to assert our common birth
right iE this country and it's glorious in
stituciens, but also to dispel the baleful
clouds of calumny which are gathering
about the nationa. horizon.
Matchless are the character and re-
nown of George washington. All hail
the anniversary of his natal day.
We celebrate birthday anniversaries to
signify that entrance into the world
means joy, gladness and the opportunity
of preparing for an immortal Life. The
philosophy Of human kind in general
holds that it is better to be than not to
have been, better to have become Benti-
ent than to have never revealed in the
sunshine, breathed the sweet perfume of
flowers, known the delights of friend
ship, felt the charms Of love and the en-
kindling power OF high aspirations.
Thus we Justify celebrations OF the
birth anniversaries of ordinary individ-
uals The generality OF mankind live
only for them selves and move in a nar-
TOW sphere. A few men are recognized
as possessed of exalted poWers- powers
which supply the deficiencies of the ma
jority; and the majority welcome their
rior energies for the common good, la
ment their death and cherish their mem
cry. The most useful and faithful ser
wants of the multitude are the heroes OF
history. The chief defender in war, the
architect of governments, the master of
statecraft, are at once pre- eminent as
tcilers for the common welfare and as
the objects of lasting yeneration.
Gratitude is the elemental principle OF
worship. It inspires the recogni-
ton of bravery, generosity, the wisdom
of sages and the trials Of martyrs. The
world adznires and honors the men to
whom it is indebted for signal benefits.
To them are accorded the confidence
and admiration of the public while they
live and tributes of grief ana eulogy
when death has ushered them through
the portals of eternity.
To a conspicuous and exalted station
among the valued servants of the race
among the TRUE heroes of the world
must we assign: ,Geerge Washington.
His birthday is most appropriately des-
ignated, by common consent, a. national
festival.
In the labor of establishing, protect
ing and maintaining the American sys-
tenn Of free govern1n ent the most lnsplr-
ing scenes in human history have been
enacted.
It has been a labor magnificent in its
scope and magnificent in its results. To
its execution have been consecrated the
noblest thoughts, the noblest endeaVors
of mankind.
The drama Of American liberty opens
with the glorions revolution of 1775. It
opens amid the contentious of an infuri~
ate king, abetted by an insensate parila-
ment upon the one part, and an embat-
tied array of >unselfish patriots on the
other. The central and commanding
personality of the contest is George
Washington. He participated in the de-
liberations of the colonial congress
which decided upon resistance to British
tyranny. He led the American armies
from the opening until the close OF
war extending through eight years OF
LE1ll. aaINSulp tAu AcAA6oA' IA 1A'AAA sAAo
Americans Of his day found a command
er of marvellous prudence, profound sa-
gacity, dauntless courage and brilliant
military genius. To read the story OF
his CAMPAIGNS awakens the reflection
that i'm him were united all the talents
and all the admirable qualities which
have distinguished the noted military
chieftans of every race and of every
country.
The fables of ancient times told Of
gods and demi gods. The gods dwelt In
the ETHEREAL regions beyond human Wis
ion. The demi-gods We're the children
born of a. union between gods and naor--
tails. They were said to combine with
the form of man the genius OF super
natural beings The manifold abilities
of Washington remind us of the loftiest
conception possible under that theory.
To strength and clearness of intellectual
mowers he united wisdom and an acute
discernment which We're able to solve
any difficulty and to meet with success
sny emergency, no mater how critical.
These qualities rendered him no less
powerful in the cabinet Of statesmen
than in the dread operations OF war.
IT, .,,o. n oroat soldier and also a master