Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-14
George Washington.

1t is meet and proper that the solemn
centenary of today should be widely OBJ
served. George WSshington's death caused
Il thrill of the deepest sorrow to run
through the young nation, which he had
aided so materially in creating. He had
ielt his office, relinqushing all formal ties
which bound him TO the organization. He
had not. however. severed the stronger
ties which bound him to the hearts of the
people whom he thoroughly represent
ed. He had withdrawn to the privacy of
life which he craved during many years.
but he had not retired beyond the sympa-
thies and love of his fellow coun1rymen.
Consequently when it became known, by
the slow proc esses of news transmission of
the period, that George Washington was
dead, even though he had reached ripe age
when death was a not unexpected posi-
bility. there was great mourning. The ma
ton paused to do reverence to his memory.
Strong men shed tears. There were on
every side tokens of the deepest and
most sincere grief. 1t was as though be
loved parent had been taken from the FAM
fly circle, leaving place which none could
fill. however exalted, however wise, how
ever admirable.
For George Washington was unique in
his personality and his achievements, as
well as in his opportunities. He stood alone
apart from other men in his eudowments,
yet Of them and among them In his emo
lions and sympathies and aspirations. His
attitude toward his army in his distressful
winter campaigns. when he suffered with
the men without regard for the distinctions
OF rank. typ.hed his posture toward the
body polite. Men loved him as a friend re-
spected him as counselor, revered him
as leader
Such lives shed immortal influences over
all their surroundings. Poor, indeed, is the
nation which cannot point to some such
figure and say: Here is our ideal, our
type. our guide. our Inspiration and our
champion Poor Is the man who cannot
i'll his heart look up to some life which he
feels instinctiyely is greater. purer. better
than his, whose example leads him forward
TO higher thoughts and more exalted con-
C ptions.
1t is well that the forms of ceremony to-
day should fall into lines which most inme-
diately lead the public thought 10 George
Washington as a man. The Masonic bodies
bring back TO recollection through their SOL
emn rites and earnest deyotions at the
tomb where the great President lies buried,
d thought of Washington as citizen, as
Il worker among men, a companion, a
helper, an individual The patriotic socie-
ties in their observances and meetings re-
call him soldier. the strenuous worker
for the creation of a new nation. the leader
of men. the commander. the genius OF
war. the pIanner Of campaigns.
Beyond these special forms OF commence
ration there prevails today a deep sense
among the people, aside from organizations
and orders. of the statesmanship OF Wash
III Of n
his contributions to the moral stability of
the republic. And the great commonwealth
feels. at such a time and under such an
impulse, a deeper sense of duty and q
keeneF appreciation of its opportunities.
The hundred years which have passed since
Washington's death have brought many
radical changes, bat his spirit is dominant
III the institutions and the aspirations Of
the people. for the republic is still founded
upon the rock of human liberty, upon which
h. planted his standard.