Evening star., 1897-05-15
FOR A NATIONS HERO
Impressive Ceremonies Attending the
Washington Monument dwelling.
TRIBUTE OF 4 GRATEFUL PEOPLE
President MckinIey's Eulogy on
the Republics Founder.
PERFECT DAY FOR THE EVENT
1lBUFE OF 4 GRATEFUL PEOPLE
PERFECTDAY FOR THE EVENT

laurel crown of achievement, the memory
of George Washington, the soldier, the
statesman and the man, was honored today
in monumental bronze. 1t was an allegory
of war and peace. and the scenic equip
melt was natures own-a sunlight sky
above. and in the background the undulat-
ing hills of old Paramount, in the first flush
and beauty of the spring verdure.
All possible poElp marked the ceremonies.
The cord which released the swaddling
flags from the figure of the first ruler of the
republic was drawn by its latest ruler.
Surrounding him were men in whose veins
the blood of those first patriots who
battled shoulder to shoulder with Washing
ton and with him made possible the scene
enacted today scene conceived and
Planned by those very comrades in arms;
executed by their sons in peace.
The purpose Of years, evolved by hand
full of warriors to do honor to their chief
tain, and carried through crosses and ad-
versty by their sons and their sons sons,
was consummated But the consummation
was beyond the widest dreams of those
first few war-stained Americans. The 'un-
ion which they formed has grown to a
mighty organization, whose membership
stretches from ocean to ocean, under the
name of the Society of the Cincinnati.
while the magnficence of the memorial it
self. reared at the gateway of the greatest
city of the land, far surpassed their high
est hopes.
Simple UnveilinS Ceremony.
The actual unveiling ceremony was i'm
pressively simple. Bishop Whitaker opened
with prayer, and Maj. Wayne followed with
an appropriate address. Then came the
unvefling by President Mckinley and the
resultant clamor. augmented by the ra-
tional salute Of twenty-one guns by the
artillery and by the foreign and American
war vessels in the Della ware
President MckinIey's Speech.
This concluded, President Mckinley spoke
briefly.
"Fellow Citizens: There is a peculiar and
tender sentiment connected with this me-
mortal. 1t expresses not only the gratitude
and reverence of the living, but is a tes-
timonial Of affection and homage from the
dead.
II he comrades of Washington projected
this monument. Their love inspired it,
Their contributions helped to build it. Past
and present share in its completion, and
future generations will profit by its lessons
TO Participate in the dedication of such
a monument is a rare and precious priv
Iege.. Every monument to Washington is
a tribute to patriotism. Every shaft and
statue to his memory helps to inculcate
love OF country, encourage loyalty and es-
tabltsh better either ship. God bless
every undertaking which revives patriot
.SiiA anu leD'iheo tHe lnClHerent and law
les.
A critical study of Washington's career
only enhances our estimation of his vast
ana varied abilities. As mmander-ir-
chief of the colonial armies from the be-
ginning Of the war to the proclamation Of
peace. as president of the convention which
fri.red the constitution of the United
States and as the first President of the
Washington has distinction differing from
that of all other illustrious Americans No
other name bears or can bear such re-
latlon to our governlr ent. Not only by his
military genius his patience, his sagacity
his courage and his skill was our national
independence won, but he helped in largest
measure to draft the chart by which the
nation was guided. and he was the first
chosen of the people to put in motion the
new government.
characteristics of Washington.
His was not the boldness of martial dis
play or the charm of captivating oratory,
but his calm and steady judgment won
mems support and commanded their con-
fidence by appealing to their best and
noblest aspirations. And, wlthal Washing
ton was ever SO modest that at no time in
his career did his personality seem in the
least intrusive. He was above the temp
tation of power. He spurned the suggested
crown. He would have no honor which the
people did not bestow. An interesting fact
and one which l love to recalls that the
only time Washington formally addressed
the constitutional convention during all
its sessions over which he presided in this
city, he appealed for larger representa-.
tion of the people in the national House CT
Representatives, and his appeal was in
stantly needed Thus he was ever keenly
watchful Of the rights of the people in
whose hands was the destiny of our gov
ernment then and now.
Masterful as were his military campaigns.
his civil administration commands equal
admiration. His foresight was marvellous;
his conception of the philosophy of gov
ernment, his insistence upon the necessity
of education, morality and enlightened cit
izenship to the progress and permalIence
of the republic cannot be contemplated
even at this period without filling us with
astonishnient at the breadth of his COM
prehension and the sweep of his vision.
His was no narrow view of government.
The immediate present was not his sole
concern, but our future good his constant
theme OF study. He blazed the path of lib
erty. He laid the foundation ,ipoa which
we have grown from weak and scattered
colonial governments to a united republic
whose domains and power well as whose
liberty and freedom have become the ad-
niration of the world. Distance and time
have not detracted from the fame and
force of his achievements or diminished the
grandeur Of his life and work. Great deeds
do not stop in their growth, and those of
Washington will expand in influence in all
the centuries to follow.
Rich BeIucst to Civilization.
The bequest Washington has made to
civilization is rich beyond computation
The obligations under which he has re-
placed mankind are sacred and command
iEg. The responsibility he has left for the
American people to preserve and perfect
what he accomplished is exacting and
solemn. Let us rejoice in every new eyf,
dence that the people realize what they en-
JOY and cherish with affection the illus
trious heroes of revolutionary story whose
valor and sacrifices made a nation They
live In US, and their memory will help us
keep the covenant entered into for the
maintenance 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- because what he did was for the ex
altation of man, the enthronement of con-
science, and the establishment of a gov
ernment which recognizes all the governed.
And sos too. will the nation live victorious
over all obstacles. adhering to the inn
mortal principles which Washington taught
and Lincoln sustained.
Speech of MIR. Porter.
President Porter Of the Society OF the