The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1898-02-23
WASHINGT0N'S BIRTHDAY.

of the old world none Of them excel IN
munincenco the gifts made 20 cducntional
Institutions by the people ~ the United
States ana their governments in con-
fOrmlty Of the principles which sound
learning has on manners. government,
liberty and law" Adams and Jefferson
and Hamilton. Sherman and Trumbull.
Hancock. jay. Marshall. the Cllntons ana
many others ~ our early statesmen. we're
scarcely less earnest and eloquent than
Washington himself In pleading the cause
~ sound and liberal education Of the peO-
pie. Nor docH this seem surprising when
We reflect that the truest aim and worth
lest ambition ~ education N not finished
scholarship Tor the favored few but the
elevation ~ a high standard of citizen
ship among the many I have peculiar
satisfaction In the fact that Washington
In those early days when engrOssed with
the mighty governmental problems diG
not forget hls contributions for the cdu-
cation of the poor and left In hls Will a
bequest 10 be dedicated % free public
Instruction Nothing better tells the value
be- placed upon knowledge as an essential
to the highest and best citizenship. How
priceless is liberal educailon' In itself
what "a rich endowment. II 81 not i'm
paired by age but It's value increases with
use No one can employ but it's rightful
owner He alone can Illustrate It's worth
and enjoy It's rewards. II cannot be in
herlted or purchased: It must be acquired
by Individual effort. II can pc secured
only by perseverance and self-denial But
IL Is free as the air We breathe. Neither
race nor nationality. nor sex can debar
the earnest seeker from lis possession
II h not exclusive, but inclusive, In the
broadest and best sense II Is within
tho reach Of all who really want IL ana
are brave enough TO struggle Tor H. The
earnest rich and the worthy poor are
equal and friendly rivals In It's pursuit
and neither Is exempted from any Of the
sacrifices necessary for It's acquisition.
The key to iis title is not the bright al
lurements Of rank and station. but the
simple watchword Of work and study.
A liberal education Is the prize of In
diyidual industry. II is the greatest bless
ing that man or woman can enjoy when
supported by virtue. morality and noble
aims
But the requirement Of learning In our
schools and colleges seems so easy that
We are apt to underestimate It's value ana
let the opportunity 10 win Il slip by until
regrctfully We ind that the chance is
gone
The rudlmcnts must be engrafted In
youth or with rare exceptions they are
forever lost.
Life to most is a struggle; there Is lit
Tie time for the contemplation OF the
theoretical when the practical Is pressing
at every hand. Stern duty monopolizes
our time The command OF others con-
trolls our preferences and often defeats
our intentions. BY steadily adhering TO
firm purpose. amid the activities OF life,
we may keep In touch with literature OF
;he day. but To go back 60 the classics or
to grapple with the foundations OF the
sciences. is beyond the power OF most
men when they have now entered upon
their chosen business or profession. Ones
mental fight. often a hand-to-hand con-
Hict with obstacles and temptations, Is a
battle Of his own. a campaign whose mo-
tive force is individuality rather than cir
cumsiances or luck Work in the mental
world Is as real as that in the physical
world nor has any prescription yet been
found to take the place OF application ana
self-denial and personal struggles which
have given to the world its greatest lead
ers achievements.