The herald., 1897-02-23
Duly Celebrated by a Grateful
People
Mr.. COUDERT TALKS ON WAR
And Americas Duty to Poster Arbltra.
tlon Sentiment
The Nations Of the World Follow the Lead
Of the United atates Toward
Universal Peace
Associated Press Special Wire

of George Washington, under the aus
pices of the Union League club, wa
held in the auditorium this afternoon
The great hall was filled to its fulles
capacity, the stage being occupied by {
large chorus Of children from the higl
schools of the city, which, in compan!
with the great organ In the hall, fur
nished the music for the occasion. Tht
grafton of the day was delivered by Hon
Frederick r. Coudert Of New York, who
spoke on "War and Arbitration" Hi:
address was received with great favor
by the audience.
Mr.. Coudert devoted much Of his time
to the question of international arbitra-
ton. He declared that IL Washington
could address the American people to-
day he would warn them against anger
and revenge, would teach them OF the
horrors of war and the beauties OF
peace.
Continuing, the speaker said: "Un-
consciously the nations of the world are
looking to us and following with the
hesitating step in the paths that we
have trodden. Since we have, at the
expense of costly amputation, rid our
selves of the blight of slavery, we stand
morally in the very vanguard OF civil
ized mankind. While we have been
great enough to fear no army or navy
of the world we have shown our great
ness still more conspicuously by our
admiration of and devotion to peace.
From the earliest days Of our history we
have condemned war as the enemy of
the human race; from the earliest days
we have advocated arbitration as the
only reasonable method of adjusting dis
putes.
To-day the United States and Great
Britain are striving to crown the glories
of this dying century with something
better and greater than the world has
seen. 1t is proposed to abolish homi-
eide as a test of international right by
submitting causes Of dispute to the calm
judgment of wise men; solution so
simple and so economical that it requires
great ingenuity to assail it with plaus-
ible reasons. All concede that in the
ory the plan Is admirable. and in prac-
tice on limited scale it has proved Of
priceless value. so that it is infinitely
more likely to produce rational results
than the only other alternative, viz: re-
sort to war"
Mr. Coudert said that who opposed the
treaty urged that the nations honor
might become involved. He declared
that nations honor was never COM
promised by temperance or injured by
forbearance, and that no nations honor
is served by rash councils or violent
impulses recklessly INDUCED in.
Mr.. Coudert added: "A nations honor
consists in filing her engagements, in
carrying out her contracts in spirit as
in the letter; in paying her just debts
in respecting the rights of others. in
promoting the welfare of her people
in the encouragement of truth. in teach
ing obedience to the law. in cultivating
honorable peace with the world.
How can our national honor be so
grevously invaded that there can be no
room for remonstrarce. no time for dis
cussion, no opportunity allowed the ag-
gressor for amendment"
Continuing, the speaker declared that
"bluster with nations and individuals is
dying out" 1t could not as Of old,
arouse a nation into unthinking wrath.
The wisdom and the experience of the
world was against it.
In conclusion. Mr.. Coudert said: Cor
der has become the watchword OF a
growing civilization and order means
the law, the law which groZ5 from n
living sense of justice, which depends
upon reason. which invokes patience.
The prejudices, caprices, errors and pas
sions of men may defer the hour Of
triumph, but come it must. The con-
stant tendency of man is towards peace
''The good fight of peace and for peace
is fairly won. Honor to those who have
achieved it and shown themselves the
friends of the human race. The great
consummation may be deferred, but
come it vii. AS Hamlet said of death:
IF il be now, then 1t is not TO come.
If 1t be not to come II Will be now
If it be not now. yet it will come"
L
the Union League club on Jackson street
at which the speakers were Mr.. Coudert,
Rev. Charles e. Jefferson. A B. Cum
mings, James r. Garfield and Cb. Henry
u. Turner.
AT CORNELL COLLEGE
ITHICA, N. Y. Feb. 22.-Washington's
birthday was cele brated under the aus
pices of the Washington societfof Cor
nell, the exercises taking place in Ar
mory hall. The following letter from
President-elect Mckinley was read:
Next to the declaration of independ-
ence itself, Washington's farewell ad-
dress is the richest heritage that has
come down to us from the forefathers Of
the republic. 1t is not only a perfect
analysis of the spirit of the constitution,
but 1t is lofty appeal TO true Americsn
patriotism, accompanied by words of
solemn warning and advice, the wisdom
of which has been increasingly demon
strated by added experience Of each sue
cessiVe generation. most strongly COM
mend your proposal to celebrate the CEN
tennial of this great document by issuing
a special edition for presentation to the
students OF Cornell university Believe
me 10 De, with great respect, your very
truly, "WM. N'KINIEY
AT THE BAY
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 22.-The cell
ebration of Washington's birthday in
san francisco was not strictly an i'm
posing event. No prearranged parade
took place, and the day lacked those
features of noise and enthusiasm which
are usually associated with patriotic
celebrations. Yet, in a quiet way, The
day was suitably observed.
The excellent weather, which com
bined rare sunshine and bracing at
mosphere, attracted large crowds into
the streets.
A number of fraternal societies held
private celebrations. A regatta, under
the auspices of the naval battalion. Wa,
held on the bay during the forenoon.
The unemployed took advantage of the
day to make a large demonstration
About 1900 men appeared in line and
marched through the principal streets.
During the afternoon the various com
panies of the Second brigade, N. G. c..
were passed in review before the Joint
military committee Of the legislature
on Van Ness avenue.
AT OAKLAND.
OAKLAND, Feb. 22.-Washington s
l. tx.&1 4