The herald., 1898-02-23

Washington and keeping the public
| faith. Before half century had passed
we had paid on our national debt ant
had balance In the treasury. Another
debt. the greatest in our history, was
incurred in the Civil War for the pres.
ervation of the Union. But this did not
exceed the resources or discourage the
intentions of the Americal people. There
were those who suggested reputation
but the people repudiated them and went
on unchecked, discharging the obliga-
tions of the government in the coin OF
honor.
From the day our flag was unfurleo
to the present hour no stain of a just OBJ
legation violated has yet tarnished the
American name. This must and will
be as true in the future as 1t has been
in the past. There will be prophets OF
evil and false teachers. Some part OF
the column may waver and wander
away from the standard, but there viii
ever rally around it mighty majority
to preserve 1t stainless and in honor.
AMERICAS FOREIGN POLICY
At no point in his administration does
Washington appear in grander proper
tions than when he enunciated his ideas
in regard to the foreign policy of the
government:
observe good faith and justice to-
ward all nations; cultivate peace and
harmony with ALL religion and morality
enjoin this conduct. Can it be that good
policy does not equally enjoin it? 1t
will be worth a free. enlightened and
at no distant period, great nation to
give to mankind the magnanimous and
too novel example of a people always
guided by an exalted Justice and be-
nevolence."
Today, nearly century from Wash
ington's death, we turn reverentially to
study the leading principles of that
comprehensive chart for the guidance
of the people. 1t was his unflinching.
immovable devotion to these percep-
tions of duty which more than anything
else made him what he was and con-
tributed so directly to make us what we
are. Following the precepts of Wash
ington we cannot err. The wise les
sons in government which he left us will
be profitable to heed.
He seems to have grasped all posi-
BILE conditions and pointed the way safe
ly to meet them. He established danger
signals all along the pathways of the
nations march. He has warned against
false lights. He has taught the true
philosophy of perfect union" and
shown us the dangers of sectionalism
and wild and unreasonable party spirit.
Such judgment, my fellow citizens.
is the best safeguard in calm and tran
quill events, and rises superior and tri-
umphant above the storms of woe and
peril.
We have every incentive to cherish the
memory and teachings of Washington.
His wisdom and foresight have been con-
firmed and vindicated after more than
a century of experience. From four mill
lions we have grown to more than
seventy millions of people, while our
progress in industry, learning and the
arts has been the wonder of the world.
What the future will be depends upon
ourselves. and that that future will bring
still greater blessings to free people
cannot doubt. With education and NOR
ality in their homes. loyalty to the under
lying principles of free government il;
their hearts and law and justice fostered
and exemplified by those intrusted with
public administration. we will continue
to enjoy the respect of mankind and the
gracious favor of Almighty God. The
priceless opportunity is sure to demon
strate anew the enduring triumph OF
American civilization and to help in the
progress and prosperity of the land we
love.
"HAIL PENNA"
At the conclusion of the presidents
address the university hymn, Hail
Penna," was sung by all present, with
the band accompaniment, and the ex-
ercises were then closed with the bene-
diction by Bishop Whitaker. The audi
ence then filed out of the building and
gave vent to cheers for the president as
he entered carriage and was driven to
the library building of the University
of Pennsylvania, escorted by the mount
ed city troops.
At the library a reception was held
in the presidents honor and a luncheon
was served.
The president left for Washington over
the Pennsylvania railroad on the 3:1S
o'clock train.