The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-23
HONOR MEMORY
b
OF WASHINGTON
-
20
Democrats at Capital Observe Birthday
Of the Patriot.
! BRYAN THE GUEST OF HONOR
Daniels and Bailey Delivered Eloquent
Addresses on WaShinStOn'S Life.
MANY THINGS WORSE THAN DEFEAT
Democracy Has Suffered the Latter and
Survived it, But Gould Not Out
live a Cowardly Surren-
der of Principles.
BRYAN THE GUEST OF HONOR
MANY THINGS WORSE THAN DEFEAT

Washington, February 22.-The Virginia
Democratic Association of the District of
Columbia celebrated Washington's birth
day by largely attended banquet at the
National Rifles armory tonight. The ban
quet hall was beautifully decorated for
the occasion with flags. bunting and fow-
ers. Hon. VIM. ]. Bryan was the guest of
honor and among those present were Sem
ators Daniel and Martin, of Virginia; Stew
art, of Nevada; Representatives Bailey and
Cooper, of Texas. and Bartlett. of Georgia.
In the center of the stage to the rear of the
hall was an immense floral emblem present.
ed to Mr. Bryan by his admirers. Patri-
otto speeches were made and songs sung,
while the band played a medley of popular
airs. Mr.. Bryan was given an enthusiastic
reception and every reference to him by
the speakers was received with tremendous
applause. Robert N. Harper. the president
of the association, welcomed the guests and
introduced the speakers.
Senator Daniel, of Virginia, was the first
speaker, responding to the toast George
Washington, we celebrate his birthday an
niversary for his worth as warrior, states
man and patriot" He warmly eulogized
the memory of Washington and said he was
the uncrowned king of universal liberty,
enlightment and progress. In the retro
spect of his great life and character it
would be difficult to determine whether it
had more effect on the days he lived in
than in the incidents of the century which
has come after him.
b. Was Honored by All
Why was 1t, he asked, George Wash
.ington was singled out for universal hon.
age by the human race and why is 1t all
lclimes honor him? 1t Is because Washing
ton planted himself and founded a govern
fnent upon the eternal principle of human
right-the democratic principle which still
lives.
y 'Democracy's Mission" was responded to
by Representative Bailey, of Texas In the
course of his speech Mr.. Bailey referred to
the faithful manner In which 1t has per-
formed its mission. The men whose vir-
lures we celebrated tonight did not teach
their children to exchange principles for
success he said. They taught us that in
this world a principle Is worth infinitely
more than a triumph atnd If the principles
are followed out our triumph will follow
our fidelity to them.
IT crave success" said Mr.. Bailey, "as
sincerely as any man, but know there are
things worse than defeat. We have sur
vived that before and we can survive that
again, but We could not outlive a cowardly
surrender of our principles. We welcome
the cooperation of all men who will join
us in rescuing our beloved country from the
perilous situation into which 1t has been
led. but will brook no deception Of any
man.
Have No Apologies
I'VE will tell them now that we will go
into the next canvass with no apologies on
the last one we made. AS certain as the
years go by and the great national con-
vention re-assembles, we will rig up the
platform made in 1896 and in his fpointing
to Mr.. Bryan unsullied name, will give the
banner stainless his life. Great ap-
plause) And then the great commanders
will give the orders for forward march, and
it will be march to victory. Let us here
and now renew our pledge and keep our
faith and when we have fought the battle
in it's behalf and won the victory We shall
receive as our reward the confidence of a
grateful people, and we will reward that
confidence by revivalizing these great and
essential principles of human freedom
which It is the mission Of our party to per-
petuate and defend"
Hon. Elliot Danforth of New York, re-
sponded to the toast, THE State of New
York" He declared that the democrats Of
the entire state are anxious to give their
president, and in that contest the standard
bearer of the party was with US tonight.
The president then introduced Hon. Will
liam J. Bryan, who responded to the toast,
Americas Mission"
Mr.. Bryan was accorded an enthusiastic
reception, and his remarks were frequently
punctured with applause.