Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1898-10-20
'''"'o i,','rA FAYETTE DAY.
Observed In the Schools of tiia State-w. NJ.
Byrne Makes an Address.

Observed In rho Schools of tiia sfate-w. NJ.
| Byrne Makes an Address.
According to proclamation of Gov.
Tunnel, yesterday, the anniversary Of
| the surrender of CORVALLIS, wss In Fay
cite Day, and was observed in the
schools throughout the State. There
was no general observance in the public
schools Of this city, however, as the
Board, of, Education recently decided
that there was not sufficient time after
the proclamation had been issued, for
making preparation. But, notwith-
standing this fact, several of the schools
had special exercises. The most elabo-
rate celebration in Wilmington was
that at Friends School yesterday.
\ The programme, included an address on
and tho American Revolution" by
William Michael Byrne, who said in
4 part:
"The sword of CORVALLIS closed the
chapter opened by the rifle shot at
Lexington; at Yorktown, the young
Republic of the West leapt from its
/ same Republic stands a giant among
the nations of the world England in
the last and Spain in this century
have felt the force of freedoms steel.
By the first struggle we secured liberty
\ for people and a nation: by the last,
| we announced the glorious doctrine
that liberty ought to be the birth-right
of the world.
i Whatever destinies may be in
store for our country, whatever steps
of progress she may take, it is well at
| times like this to look into the treasure
house of the past and strengthen our
selves for the future struggles by q
close study Of experience. 1t is with
| special interest that Delaware Ameri-
cans can celebrate the surrender of
CORVALLIS at Yorktown, for it was
| against him that the brave troops of
the Delaware line, fighting under the
| gallant Kirkwood added immortal
lustre to our arms. 1t is sad refiec-
| tion to remember that at Camden by
the egregious laundering of Gates our
brave Delawares were nearly decimated
by the veterans of CORVALLIS. And
| yet in the light of history. their sacri-
flee may be considered true holocaust
to liberty. The defeat at Camden re-
suited in the retirement of Gates and
| the substitution of our valorous and
skilful Gen. Green, who throughout
his campaigns Of victories retreats con-
| tinued to harass and battle CORVALLIS
until that willy general withdrew his
forces with view of subiugating the
Virginians.
"But here in Virginia CORVALLIS
again met willy and strategic foe.
Not with the years and experience of
Green, nor with the long training of
Washington, yet the man who opposed
him possessed dash, vigor and ability.
| Tho M.rn,,,, 4 xr+
| years of age, was at the head of the
American forces in Virginia. Who was
| this man who at SO early an age was
| intrusted with commands SO important?
| "a scion of the first families of
| France and an aristocrat of aristocrat
he heard the shot at Lexington and de-
termined to relinquish his career at
home to abandon the leisure of wealth,
to sacrifice the sweet ties of family and
country, and stake his life and fortune
in the cause of liberty. Arriving in
| America he first saw service in the
| American armies at Brandywine, where
he displayed personal bravery of the
highest order. Subsequent to this he
led an impulsive engagement at
| Gloucester, infilcting considerable
loss on CORVALLIS, for which he re-
ceived great praise from Washington.
But not alone was La Fayette conspicu-
Gus for bravery. At York, at BANQUET
rendered him by Gates. the young
Frenchman proposed the health Of the
commander in-chisf of the American
forces, Gen. Washington. This Incl
dent lost him the favor Of the Conway
cabal but increased the love and affec-
tion in which he was hold by Gen.
Washington.
''Repeatedly instrusted with commits
sions OF the utmost Importance, his
last and most important command was
OF the army in Virginia. By skilful
tactics he harassed and exhausted
CORVALLIS without risking the loss of
his own army in pitched battle, until
CORVALLIS, despairing of capturing the
boy, as he called him, retired to York
town, where he felt secure by his own
strength and assisted by naval forces.
Here in September La Fayette was
urged. by. his associates to strike q
crushing blow at CORVALLIS, but with
selfishness he declined TO reap the
honors easily within his grasp and
boldly announced to his subordinates
that he would leave the honor of cap
| turing CORVALLIS to his beloved
superior. Gen. Washington.
"To this man and his country, the
Americans owe lasting debt of graft
tude for timely assistance. What shall
be our contribution to the perpetual
ton of that liberty and that freedom?
| institutions like these are the bulwarl
Of the nation and liberty and freedom
will be safe so long as boys and girls
are trained in intelligence and virtue.
Delaware took conspicuous part in
accomplishing the happy results of the
| American revolution. Delaware should
be equally renowned in our future
| glories. The condition of public life in
| Delaware is not what it ought to be.
| The Delaware families are still honora-
| BILE. Their sons and daughters possess
virtues OF the highest order and yet her
public life is at low ebb. The remedy
must be. sought in the cultivation of
virtue by the young and the application
| OF private virtues to public affairs
Schools like yours, are the sources
from which should flow the influences
| that ought and must correct public
faults; that ought and must establish
a high tone in public affairs"