The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-23
st. Paul Celebrates the Anniversary of His
Birthday More Generally and Enthu-
siastically Than Ever
All Patriotic Societies
Remember the Occasion.
Sons Of the Revolution and American Revo-
luton, Sons Of Veterans and Others
Celebrate

association to hold its next convention
in ST. Paul
Then followed the chief event of the
CeleDratlon, the grafton, which was de-
nVered by Rev Maurice D. Edwards.
-. d., of the Dayton Avenue Presby-
terrain church. 1t was an able address.
synopsis of Rev. DR.. Edwards ad-
dress follows:
Patriotism is a spirit and a temper which
may not only exist, but be perfected in every
;, 1t is something to be occasionally displayed
IN crises, when the honor and integrity of
tne country tremble in the balance. Our
country demands and needs our loyal love and
service in peace as we'll as in war Her foes
are not found on the battle field They lurk
IN the Vaccinations of those who would use
the country to advance their own selfish ends
in the thousand influences hostile to her wei
rare The first and most essential thing is to
give patriotism its true place in the govern
ing motives and principles of life The first
pace in the order of obligations belongs to
God. Loyalty to the Almighty is the supreme
outy OF every soul. Devotion to country
ranks second only to devotion to God. Ex-
cept1ng his obligation to God a true patriot
must be willing to abandon every tie if neces-
sary in behalf of his country.
Ihose who serve their country simply for
what they can receive from their country
who serve themselves first while they are
serving her, who are willing to advance their
personal interests at her expense: who are
patriotic for revenue only, may have some
sentimental regard for their country but are
utter strangers to the spirit of those who
marched forth to fight their country's battles
in 1776 and 1861.
The spirit of patriotism will be promoted by
keeping alive the memory Of the past.
The great object of these patriotic societies
gathered here today of this observance of the
! birthday Of the founder of the republic and
OF all our national holidays is to keep thus
alive the memory of the past. Patriotism
never will die while the nation remembers
But let the past grow dim and vanish, and
patriotism will surely languish if it does not
wholly disappear.
Let US, therefore, hail with delight the re-
cent revival Of interest in our early history
and the efforts made to preserve the true
American sentiment and tradition through the
multiplication of the patriotic societies. Every
research made IN the buried records of the
past; every name or deed of patriot rescued
from Oblivion is a stone added to the temple
of patriotism. Our school children should be
taught, above all, American history.
We are loyal people and our loyalty is to
pc measured by the extent to which we be-
lieve in our country.
,, We must believe that she is called Of God
to a great mission in the world Every eiti-
zen must feel that he has a country worthy
of his deepest affection, and for which he
ought cheerfully, If necessary, lay down life
itself
Another factor in the development and
maintenance of highest patriotism is the Gull
tvation of a national rather than a sectional
spirit. Washington warned his fellow coun-
trymen against sectionalism. When the tocsin
of war sounded Washington ceased to be a
Virginian and became an American. Loyalty
citizens of the United States first, and then
citizens Of the commonwealth.
The next musical number was a duet
by Nellie Charles and Morris Jeffrey,
two little ones from the Lincoln school,
who sang Home, Sweet Home" very
prettily. They were assisted with a
chorus by the school children.
The event not on the printed pro-
gramme followed It was a presenta-
ton to Prof. c. H. Congdon of a hand
somely framed photograph of the "Liv-
ing Flag" which was the feature of
the national G. A. r. encampment last
September. Gen. Edwin c. Mason
made the presentation on behalf Of the
donor, w H. Hoyt, Of Company F.,
First Minnesota volunteers, now a
member Of Acker post, G. A. R.
The presentation created the widest
enthusiasm among the school children.
with whom Prof. Congdon is most pop
ular 1t was a total surprise to Prof
CongdOn, who was so overcome that he
could not do more than briefly express
his thanks.
Under the photograph were inscribed
Hoyt himself:
I'VE old soldiers all feel grateful to every
girl and boy
Who formed the flag that filled our eyes with
tears of pride and joy.
All hail! That young two thousand. you sang
the songs we love-
AS we marched by
Our hearts did cry
To the Father up above.
That He would guard and guide YOU to His
home up in the sky.
And though you had no roll calT' here YOU
might have bye and bye.
And that every child among you, when the
angel called your name
Without one fear
Might answer Here
When the Heavenly roll CALI came"
The entire audience then joined in
singing America" and after the pro-
nouncing of the benediction by Rev.
Edward P. Ingersoll, ID. D., remained
standing while the G. A. r. veterans
retired from the church. Then all de-
parted.