The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1898-03-03

Character of Washington.
The following essay was read by Miss
Maude Thoiass at the Beaver school ex-
ercises on Washington's Birthday
To the thoughtful patriot. Washing
toms Birthday II the mos, sacred OF orr
national anniversaries. II was WASH
i~ngton's uadismayed and patient leader
ship which maintained the independence
the Colonial Congress declared; il was
bis broad statesmanship that shaped the
constitution; it was his noble spirit that
has swayed our policy as a people.
other American generals were as bril-
liant in battle; but Washington alone
could conquer defeat. bis strongest
foes were not the invaders; but hunger.
~nakedness. and assertion within his W
army: long periods Of i~naction. more
trying han battle; the bitter jealousy OF
his fellow generals; the weakness of
Congress; and the forgetfulness Of the
people. But when most deserted in that
long war, he stood calm and unMoyed-
a sign of hope for those who prayed for
freedom.
Other statesmen were as learned; but
when the time came to form the Consti-
tuition. it was Washington's wisdom that
pleaded for foundations deep enough
and broad enough to fit not only the
present needs but the future of the new
Republic. 1t was he, in that convention
which made our government, whe
showed how conflicting principles could
be united in perfect harmony. 1t was
he who made the strongest call for
union; others planned for their W
states; but Washington rose above sec,
tons and planned for a nation. one and
indivisable.
Other men of the Revolution were as
patriotic. But Washingten's patriotism
was enlightened by a ripper judgment;
and his integrity had stood the glare of
MONDAY before the world. He led a
willing people while he liycd; no less
willing are Americans to-day to be
guided by his example and words of
safety.
Thus Washington was more than the
mest distinguished leader of the Revelu>
ton. He seemed to gather in himself
all the best traits that had grown up in
the Colonies before him. He embodied
the spirit of all America. Othere were
New EnglaRders or Southerners; he
wore the marks of no section. Like no
other man of lis day, he was an AMERI>
cAN-tke first American. And it is the
qualities which he impressed upon his
country-courage, justice. love of liner
ty and eplightenment-that our nation
has embodied in its life. and that we call
the true Americanism to-day. 1t is just
and right that the public schools of
America unite year by year to do honor
to this first American.
Washington's farewell message to his
countrymsn was a reminder that q ma
ton covered by public opinion must be.
before all, an enlightened nation. Amer
lea ROW lifts up her public schools as
her response to his appeal that in this
land knowledge should be universal.
On his birthday we recognize that
tlese public schools are the arteries
through which flows the life blood of
the Republic. If our nation ia to fulfill
her divine mission, our citizens must
guard well this birthIight. the inherit
ance Of every child over whom floats The
American flag.
So tBis day, as we do honor 20 that inn
mortal patriot. we understand our duty.
To the millions of children like us in the
public schools. The command of the com
ing years belongs AS we face the future
we promise that Washingion's unselish
patriotism shall be our aim and his loy-
atty to duty shall be our guide.