Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-21
NEW HOME OF B. P. o. E.
DEDICATED AT BEDFORD CITY,
VA, THIS AFTERNOON.
Gov. Montague Delivers Patriotic
Address-Little Town in
Gala Attire.
pecial Dispatch to The Evening Star.

BEDFORD CITY Va, May 21.-This city
is in gala attire today in honor of the dedf-
cation of the National Elks' Home The
early trains brought large numbers OF per-
sons from surrounding cities and towns, as
well as many persons prominent In the
Elks order.
Among those who arrived this morning
was the Rev Father John d. Boland, VINO
acted as grand chaplain at the deolcatloh
ceremonies this afternoon; Henry W.
Mears. one of the grand trustees of the
building and Thomas f. McNulty OF Bal
timore The dedication ceremonies were
repiete with interest An important feature
was the address of Governor Montague
Gov. Montague's Address.
After few words of formal greeting TO
the members of the order Governor Mon
tague said:
'.It is difficult to give expression of well
come to so notable an assemblage, for the
mission of your presence works the silent
rapture of hospitality. AS distant as may
be your homes, and as varied as may pc
your occupations. still you come In re-
Spouse to common purpose-charlty, that
radiant virtue of humanity.
But if the people of any state can well
come the people of other states or the
Union, Virginia can appropriately 90 SO.
Indeed it is not far wide of the fact TO as
either her children or the descendants OF
her children; and if not, that you come
from lands which have been either given
by her to the common Union or nave peeh
acquired for the common Union by the
mind and hand of her statesmen and war
riors.
And it is fitting that you have come
back so to speak, to this old state, and TO
this historic county, amid these beautltui
surroundings, and under the shadows OF
t;,,rr hi to m
by deeds.
How Standards Are Measured.
"The professions and practices of men
must measure the standards of civilization.
1t is idle to profess charity, justice, broth
erly love and fidelity if no deeds come forth
as the flower of our faith.
I'm establishing this home for needy and
deserving men we avouch the work for the
word the fruit for the faith. For this
home is not dead monument, but living
memorial of the teachings of this great
order.
1--WE should not be Just if we did not do
unto others as we would have them do unto
u.s. We should not be faithful to that
charity which is the strong arm of love,
and if we did not out of our abundance
give to those in want and sorrow.
Life seems to move by contrast. if not
by rhythm. The darkness is thicker be-
H..
valley the eye is blinded by the splendor of
the heavens. Poverty, suffering and sorrow
appeal all the more because we know COM
fort, health and happiness.
Therefore we see that misery and want
and misfortune play their part In life. For
If there were none stricken by the wayside,
and needy and suffering, there would be no
incentive to employ the virtues which in
spire this gathering in inauguration of the
noble charity here set on foot.
Patriotism of the People.
Therefore, in this trysting place of good
purpose and of sweet charity, and in the
sight of these people, and within the length
ening shadows of the mountains that tower
above us, may we not find incentives to
consecrate our lives anew to the noble prin-
/ ciples of this order; to the deeds which
these principles teach; to the quickening of
our own lives in response to charity's ap-
peals and mans burdens; to an appreciation
of justice, that imperial virtue winch
steadies all humanity; and to that great and
good fellowship which banishes all unkind-
ness and brings the peace that must pass
all understanding.
Coming as we do today, from all parts
of our great republic, representing an order
that extends from the Atlantic seaboard
away to the islands of the Pacific, we find
it difficult to repreSs the realization of the
greatness of our colintry and the union and
patriotism of our people
This is American home upon Vir-
ginia soil and under Virginia's skies. Her
people sympathize with the undertaking,
and her laws will safeguard this philan-
indissolube union of indestructible states,
which should live in charity and justice, and
should grow to an undreamed of power in
walking the paths of peace