Delaware gazette and state journal., 1900-01-18
qHE TRUE WAsHIsaroN.

Apronos Of the centenary OF his
death in December, the editor OF The
Century msnts thus upon the life
and fame Of the first President:
1t can be said that not only the fama
OF Washington has greatened during
the century that has flown since his
death, but the knowledge ana under
standing Of him have likewise largely
increased. The sculptor Daniel French,
in the Washington that he has modelled
for the Paris monument, has expressed
the grandeur of his fame. Here, with
sword and brow lifted toward heaven,
he appears as world-hero; there Is
something of the demigod OF the crea-
ture of tradition, of myth, in attitude
and aspect.
10 be sure, there was an unusual dig
| nifty about the person and reputation
Of this hero, both during the time OF
his greatest activity, and later in his
career There are none now living who
can make direct report of the effect OF
his presence uron beholders, but there
are many who have bad from those VINO
saw him an account, at first hand, OF
this effect. The present writer can
neyer forget description OF his ap-
pearance, from the lips of an old gen
tlewoman who had heen one OF the
band of children who strewed flowers
before him at Trenton, on his way 70
his inauguration at New York. Ana.
besides, there are many printed RECORDS
of the dignity of his bearing, and tie
impression OF majesty produced upon
individuals and the multitude.
As this country has grown, and as
the Importance of his work is more ard
I aa1 ,.I a a
cedes in distance, Washington's true
proportions are appreciated. and 10
looms ever more grandly. Compared,
indeed, with the unselfishness Of his
actions and the nobility of his aims,
most of the worlds oonquering heroes
and makers of nations seem, in moral
comparison, herd of self seeking vul'
garians.
Yet, while he has joined the ranks oi
the worlds demigods, no has, at the
same time, become nearer and more
human to US through closer study ol
his personality. 1.-The true Washing
ton" is no less digniiied but much
, more sympathetic figure. II we know
, the fierceness of his anger, we. honor
all the more the power of his self Icon,
troll. IL we recognize the intensity oi
his love for country life land some
, thing Of revival Of the love foi such
a life makes the present generation
> more appreciative of this amiaeit
. traitl, still the keener our sense OF hit
. sacrifice to duty in iclinqnishipg thai
life for the camp and the halls OF gov
eInmeEt.
In order to exalt the wisdom q
: Washington, ard 10 insist upon TN
impol tance of his farewell advice u
his people, it il not necessary to I'M
pute to him supernatural enliehteh
4 ment. And vet, SO clear and right wa
y his thinking on themos ut government
and so valuable have proved his prin
!. ciples in operation. that he would u
!. rash counselor who would call for th'
utter disregard of any one OF thes
principles. Certainly as TO the condl
tions to which his advice directly ap
D Lied, events have proved that he say
Q not only deeply but fat. At what pom
i any of his specific views may cease !
d be of service NJ q present guide,
T. will be difficult, Indeed, to determine
o and there will always be danger that
J. wave of sentiment may at any I'm
drive not phlegmasio people, irn'
moorings afterward found to be VI
safest