Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-02-13


Winchester and Charles Town.
These are public enterprises wherein
the many will reap some of the benefits
of his donations, and not merely
favored few be raised up to affiuence.-
Such is the spirit in which he gives and
the objects upon which he Bestows his
bounties, that raise Mr.. Rouss high above
the ordinary millionaire and render him
justly deserving of the admiration and
esteem of his fellow men. He does not
confer the blessings of his great liberality
with the cool calculations of an investor
in self-exaltation. His benefcence shows
chiefly in helping others with that touch
of heart and of human sympathy that
makes the world akin with happiness in
well-doing.
He limits his own wants and thereby
lessons the target for the arrows of mis-
fortune. But he sets no limit to good ac-
tions. His faith is charity which begets
no idleness and no despair. His worship
is labor, which is the shield of success.
Active energy, self mastery and his in
domitable will and ceaseless toll have
facilitated the building up of strong
character with self-reliance independent
of the favor as we'll as the emnity of 9TH
ers, which have ever led to life's supreme
successes.
Nature has drawn veil over his phys
ical eyes, but in his minds eye he sees as
clearly as ever. No needy friend but
what his wants appear in the vision of
Mr.. RoUss' inner eye, no needy and de-
serving cause but what its necessities are
beheld by our great and warm-hearted
benefactor. In the cause he deems just
and worthy his heart is free as love and
his hand as open as charity.
Some misguided writer has accused
Mr.. Rouss of being an inveterate piano
player. There is music in his soul. but ii
is not exhibited on piano He is mu-
stefan of higher order, who plays sym
phonies upon the chords of friendship to
the tune of love, for the benefit and en-.
couragement of the worthy and deserv.
ing among those who appreciate gener,
osity Such are the outline sketches OF
the wonderful life of the merchant prince
and philanthroPist Charles Broadway
r ouss, the anniversary of whose birthday
we are here assembled to celebrate.
Patient and hopeful, his spirit carries
him forward in his now sightless career,
sustained and comforted by the respect
and reverence bestowed upon him to-day
in the many public assemblies where his
friends are giving expressions to senti-
ments of esteem and praise.
Together we send him heartfelt
greetings, with assurances of grateful
thanks. May he live long and prosper
and may the evening of his life have no
clouds to shadow his happiness!
Miss Grace Morris recited the thrilling
poem entitled THE Fireman" and the
Charles Town Band gave variety to the
programme by the rendition of "Old
Kentucky Home, Dixie, America, .
&" Old Folks at Home" etc.
The banquet Saturday night was a
grand affair. For this purpose the Rouss
Memorial Hall of the Independent Fire
Companp was handsomely decorated,
and three long tables. beautifully and
bountifully set, were well filed with fire
men and invited guests. The menu was
as follow
MENU.
Oysters.
Eaw, Stewcd, Fried.
Rclishcs
Catsup, Chowchow, Olives and Celery
Meats.
Feast Beef, Ham.
Salads.
Cold Slaw, Chicken Salad with Lettuce
Fowls.
Roast Turkey, Roast Chicken.
Cranberry Sauce, Boston Chips,
June Peas.
| Dessert.
Ice Creams, Orange Ice.
| Assorted Cakes.
| Drinks
Coffee, lee Water.
Cigars. Cheese.
Independent firemen in uniform served
as walters, and performed their duties in
excellent manner
AT the conclusion of the rich feast
which all present heartily enjoyed the
toasts of the evening were offered.
Maj. A. w. Mcdonald served as toast
master, proving an admirable one, and
after speaking of the occasion of the
feast, said of Mr.. Rouss:
- He was soldier, private soldier, a
volunteer, Moved only by his faith in
the justice of the cause for which he was
willing to lay down his life, who ragged
and often without shoes or hat, had fol-
lowed his peerless leader Stonewail Jack
son, through his magnificent campaigns
in the Valley of Virginia and elsewhere
g 1t was the tireless energy, unwaver-
ing endurance and splendid courage of
such privates as Charley Rouss, that gave
to Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee
their worldwide reputation as military
leaders, and places them upon historic
pedestals, measuring fully up to any of
the military figures of ancient or modern
times.
As citizen his career is no less to be
admired. Going to the great city of New
York directly after the war, without in
fuence. without dollar in his pocket,
friendless, a stranger in a Strange land,
inspired by the same fidelity, courage
and energy which marked his course in
the army, he has achieved a success in
business which to our people is startling.
BY strictly business methods, and adher-
ance to the golden rule, the ragged Pri-
vate has become merchant prince of
New York, and nov his possessions can