The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-02-25

II is like tearing away the veil that hides
from nsympathetic eyes the sacred feelings
that sauctify our lives
His name is associated with religion. friend
shin. the love of mother and child, and all tue
tender relations of life and love. i adore
George Washington! Ny friends laugh at me-
They could accept Frederick the Great Ma
poleon, or even the dashing Henry of Navarro,
but plain George Washington-whatfo folly!
And vet George Washington stands apart
from every other in history; shining with
bright ulster and more effulgent glory.
Not the blatant glory of a romantic knight, or
dashing cavalier; not the heroism OF drums
and cymbsis, and lance and spear, but the
quiet. colossal heroism Of noble purpose. an
uncompromising loyalty. an ardent patriotism.
Shame upon the young Americanism that
speaks lightly of Washington. is there no
worth in great endeavor, no noble purpose In
self-sacrifce. nothing worthy of emulation in
sorrows privations. hardships and disappoint-
ments patiently borne?
O. woeful ignorance of true worth! o.
thoughtless criminality that can speak his
name without reverence!
But why should attempt to eulogize him
s man whose very name fills me with awe?
No word of mine can add one star to his crown.
This is not why / write. 1t is rather to ask
you to look into the vast soul of the man. The
study of a well-ronnded and symmetrical life
must always be OF inestimable value to those
who find their models in lives gone before
them.
George Washington had no fear of hard
work; If he was forced to toll, it was with the
proud consciousness that toll is honorable and
its results only to be measured by the am
billions OF the toiler and his strength TO carry
them 10 completion.
And then his love for his mother. It was
his guiding star, and he has among his numer-
Gus letters recorded that the most exquisite
delight that ever thrilled his being was when
he marked her reader step and brighter smile
when some fiatterlng runor OF his success reach.
ing her ear. Surely there is much of helpful
ness in the study of the life of a good man as
well as a great one.
wish l could tell you what George Wash
ington has done for me. During eight awful
months of suffering the pictures Of my hero
hung in my room; one where my eyes could
always rest, and another over my bed. my
guardian angel. to keep away all of the evil
spirits Of doubt and disbursement. He
helped NE TO get weIl-there was SO much of
the divine affiatus in his presence.
looked into his strong, patriotic face until
j could feel the great soul of the man, and his
radiance sufused my room and frightened my
heart with its glow.
ne, 200, nau suffered, anu YET MS Stancn
heart never faltered his courage never failed
his purpose never wavered; his feet never
faltered, but marched steadily forward over
the rough road of duty. uncheered but undis-
mayed. Justice, fortitudc and patience, this is
the Trinity, the three in one, led Washington
Ny valentine was an exquisite little engrav-
ing Of Washington's beautiful face, for he is
beautiful TO me. Not the beauty of softly
blended lines and delicate proportions, but of
gentleness and refinement and manly vigor.
God bless the dear friends who sent it. 1t
made me very happy.
j shall drape little silk flag around the dear
face, and keep Washington's Birthday in my
heart. Yes, aud ] shall put this motto below
it, the sentiment that my hero lived by:
Strive to keep alive in the human breast
shat little spark of celestial fire. conscience