Omaha daily bee., 1902-02-23
latriotic Sentiments and High Principles in
Speeches and Cheers.
GENERAL WANDERsoN IS ToAsTMAsTrR
BenatOr Hubbard of Sioux City Discusses
Democracy.
JOHN N. BALDWIN ON THE TRUE GEORGE
Discussion of Destiny of the Flag Re-
suits I'm Varying Views on Phil
ippines from Several
Citizens.

Nearly 200 omahans gathered to do patri-
otic honor to the memory Of George Wash
lngton In a banquet at the Omaha club last
pight Though the commemoration of the
birthday anniversary OF the hero began
bhortly after the vesper hour, It was not
until past midnight that the gathering dis
persed. OF the interval an elaborate menu
consumed a portion but the feature of the
AFFAIR was the program of toasts which fol-
lowed. With no exception these we're on
national themes aud all were appropriate
to the celebration Of the beginning Of po-
litical liberty.
A general feeling OF regret at the in
ability Of General Arthur Macarthur to be
present as the speaker of the evening as
had been planned. was etifled ere long by
the universal atmosphere Of congeniality,
loyal nationalsm and pride in the father
land which dominated over the occasion
with persistence that dehed all powers OF
2 disappointment to dispel 1t.
General Henderson, who was toastmaster
spoke at some length on the unfortunate
incident Of General MacArthurs absence,
naying that It was a matter of sincere regret
that the great soldier could not have been
seen and heard at this time. He then read
the telegram which had so suddenly blasted
the hopes of the committee in charge. II
was from General Macarthur at Prescott,
Ariz., and ran: Regret exceedingly hy
Inability to be with you on the 22d.'
Many Men of Prominence.
The banquet was marked by an enthusi-
Rsm that was notable in its spontaneity
and continuity. Men Of first prominence
In all walks Of life were there. Dictators
alike of the policies and methods OF rail-
roads, courts, newspapers, mercantile con-
cerns and local corporations, sat side by
side and cheered to the ear-splitting echo
every repetition OF the name Of George
Washington, and each alluded to q patri-
Dtic sentiment or high principle.
Senator Z. II. Hubbard of Sioux City was
fhe first speaker. In presenting him Gen.
eral Henderson opened the program of
toasts as follows:
Were the father of his country living
now he would be delighted with the fact
that through the years that have passed and
gone the human element still preponder-
etes. II George Washington were with us
he would be OF us and fully part Of us.
It is fitting thing that the Omaha club
should select this 22d Of February as the
day of its banquet trust the practice
will continue through the days that may
come. congratulate you that this club
not only in the social but in the commercial
life OF Omaha. It's prosperity Is a true in
dex of that of Omaha and Of Nebraska,
senator Hubbard ON Democracy.
Senator Hubbard spoke on the subject
SDemocracy." He said in part:
1T am grateful to you for the kindly
greeting extended me. stranger withir
your gates. And yet am not Of your kim
- -. k1.n.9
Your habitual drink even sometimes quan
IN my home across the watery border line
''In perusing the history OF Washington
you read what made possible the glorious
progress OF this nation. Beginning In weak
ness, Il ended in power; springing forth II
obscurity, II broadened into an influences
worldwide.
''It is hard now to turn back the scroll o
time and realize even family the Amerioi
into which Washington wae born 1 do no
refer to the fact that 1t was the time o.
the wilderness. of the numbering coach, o
the spinning loom, OF the handmill, OF thu
water-power. for many OF us have know
primitive times and can see behind th'
machine. l refer to that which is the mos
dificult to realize, the fact that there wal
not a democrat in the world then.
"By this title do not indicate the Bour
bon variety. nor do l mean the kicker
This last is always with us. He was borl
with Adam. and at the last supreme mo
ment OF judgment expect to hear him a
the outskirts OF the throng shouting
Louder, Gabel Louderi' But the rea
democrat. the exponent of real democracy
Eas dream then.
Marvellous Free Spirit OF Man.
"The great marvel OF this age is not tn
development OF the steam power. nor sth
discovery OF the electric current It is tn
inception of the free spirit Of man. Their
are some men still living who have locke
upon the features OF George Washington
What an amazing change has there bee
during that single life in the condition Q
men.
This spirit OF freedom remains the par
Rmount marvel OF ali progress. In othe
particulars man has remained essential
unchanged for 1000 years. Intellectuall
Dur advance has been small comparativel,
We still look back to Homer and Cieer
Caesar and Shakespeare, and were they liN
Ing they would be today our poets, OF
orators, our warriors. our authors, our pol
hcians. They would adopt our new metl
DDS as easily as they would our elothe
Men OF the former ages did not lack oril
lnal mental force, but they did lack Il
Spirit OF freedom
Freedom is the law OF nature. Becaui
Of what We have been and done mankir
has drawn a deeper breath. In our hea
OF hearts forever side by side we pla,
Lncoln, the savior. and Washington. Il
llberator."
John n. BaIdwin's Speech.
''The True George Washington" was Il
subject to which John n. Baldwin OF Coul
ell Bluns addressed himself. after Gener
Henderson had introduced him as a ma
who was loved because, like George Wasl
ington. he had his faults and frailities. Al
because. like Washington. he never told
lie. Mr. Baldwin said in part;
DO not gather from this title that
is the purpose OF authors. sssayists,
historians TO prove that there is a fal
George Washington. They merely seek
rescue him from the mythical catalogue