The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1898-02-24
WESTINGHOUSE BIRTHDAY CREATIONS.

THE addresses delivered in celebration OF the
anniversary of the birthday of Washington at
orded fairly adequate expression to the pa
triotic sentiments and abiding aspirations OF the
American people No speech OF the day is likely TO
! live among the immortal orations which humanity
treasures from generation to generation, but many
suficed the needs OF the day by serving to recall to
the popular mind the great problems OF the republic
and nstilng lessons OF patriotism exeH1pllned IN the
character and career of him who will be ever renen-
bered as first in war; first in peace and first in the
hearts of his countrymen
The day was worthily celebrated throughout the
Union and notably SO in this city and State 1t was
marked by the appearance among the orators of the
dav of the President and an President OF the repub
lie 1t was inevitable that their speeches the greater
amount of public attention would be given, and
both of them proved equal to the occasion. They
spoke to the nation than the audiences before
Them and their addresses merit serious consideration
from all classes OF citizens.
The address of the President as beftted the occa-
sion of university celebration, OF an academic
character and dealt largely with the importance Of
education among people whose government de-
ponds upon the popular vote Nevertheless it con-
tanned some striking passages pertinent to the par
ticular issues of the time and emphasized by well
chosen quotations from the writings of Washington
the supreme value to the nation OF Cher1SnnG the
public credit, observing just obligations to all
foreign countries and maintaining untarnished the
American name
He is but unintelligent citizen who cannot per-
ceve the application of these words to the problems
OF the day. Cherish the public credit" is good
campaign cry against the foolish advocates OF paying
the public debt in 5ocent dollars, and the advocates
of sound money ask better plank for their platform
than the words From the day flag was unfurled
to the present hour stain OF just obligation vo-
lated has yet furnished the American name. This
must and will be in the future it has been in the
past
The speech of ex-President Harrison of a
very different character from that OF the President
1t addressed not to academic culture, but to the
consciences OF engaged in the pursuit OF wealth
and power 1t solemn warning against the
escape its due share of public burdens and duties
The impression it will create is certain to be lasting
and profound among the people, and it is to be
hoped it will have equal effect among that class
OF people to whom it expressly addressed
There be question that the subject upon
which the exPresident spoke is of the most i'm
peratve OF the time. Other issues come and CO. but
this issue of the obligations of wealth to the public
remains with and increases with the years. 1t was
day devoted to the memory OF Washington for
the orator said His life teaches no lesson more
strongly than that the citizen is under obligation to
the state shrk his full share of burden
and labor and sacrifice, but rather to do more"