The San Francisco call., 1897-05-16

and tender sentiment connected with this
memorial. 1t expresses not only ths
gratitute and reverence of the living, out
is a testimonial of affection and homage
from the dead. Comrades OF washington
projected this monument Their love IN
spired it. Their contributions helped 10
build it. The past and present snare lis
completion, and future generations VIII
profit by its lessons.
ITO participate in the dedication OF
such a mon ument is rare and precious
privilege. Every monument to Washing
ton is a tribute to patriotism. Every
statue and shaft to his memory helps to
inculcate the love for country, to encour-
age loyalty and establish better citizen
ship. God bless every undertaking which
revives patriotism and rebukes the indif-
ferent and lawless. a critical study OF
Washington's career only enhances our
estimation OF his vast and varied abilities.
"As commander chief of the Colonial
arm les from the beginning of the war to
the proclamatio of peace, as president OF
the convention which framed the consti-
tuition of the United States and the first
President of the United States under tnat
constitution, Washington has the dis
tinction OF differing from all other
ilIustrious Americans. No other name
bears or can bear such a relation to the
Government. Not only by his military
genius-his patience, sagacity, courage
and skill-was our National independence
won, but he helped in the largest measure
TO draft the chart by which the Nation
was guided and be was the first chosen OF
the people to put IN motion the new gov
eminent
His was not boldness of martial dis
play or charm of captivating oratory, but
his calm and steady judgment won mems
support and commanded their confidence
by appealing to their best and nobIest as
pirations. And withal, Washington was
ever so modest that in no time of his ca
reer did he personally seem intrusive
He was above temptations power He
spurned a suggested crown. He would
have no honor which the people did not
oestow.
An interesting fact, and one which |
love TO recall, is that the only time Wash
ington formally addressed the constitu-
tional convention during all lis sessions
over which he presided in this city lie
appealed for a larger representation OF
The people IN the National House of Rep
resentatives and his appeal was instantly
needed. Thus was he ever keenly watch
iul of the rights of the people in whose
hands was the destiny OF our Government
then and now.
Most masterful were his military cam.
paigns, but his civil administration COM
mands equal admiration. HIS foresight
was marvellous. His conception of the
philosophy of government, his insistence
upon the necessity of education, morality
and enlightened citizenship. to the prog
ress and permanence of the republic, can
not be contemplated even at this period
without filling US with astonishment at
the breadth of his comprehension and
sweep of his vision.
His was no narrow view of govern
ment. The immediate present was not
his sole concern, but our future good his
constant theme and study. He blazed
the path of liberty. He laid the founda-
ton upon which we have grown from a
weak and scattered colonial Government
to the United States, whose domain and
power, as well as whose liberty and free.
dom have become the admiration OF the
world. Distance and time have not de-
tracted from the fame and force of his
achievements or diminished the grandeur
OF his life and work. Great deeds d o not
stop in their growth, and those of Wash
ington will expand in their influence in
all centuries TO follow.
1.-The bequest Washington has made to
civilization is rich beyond computation.
The obligations under which he has
placed mankind are sacred and command
ing. The responsibility he has left for
the American people to preserve and per-
feet what he accom- plished is exacting and
solemn. Let US rejoice in every new evil
dence that the people realize what they
enjoy, and cherish with affection the
ilIustrious heroes of revolutionary stock,
whose valor and sacrifices made US Ma
tion. They live in US, and their memory
will help US to keep the covenant entered
into Tor the maintenance of the freest
Government CT the earth.
The Nation and name of Washington
are inseparable. One is linked indis-
solubly with the other. Both are glori-
GUS; both triumphant. Washington