The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-02-22
"NARSELLAISE" FOR
FRENCH MINISTER
Enthusiasm Displayed by
Sons of Revolution.
MEETING IN NEW WILLARD
Judge Knapp Delivers an Eloquent Ad-
dress on Life and Virtues of
George Washington.

The anniversary OF Washington s
birthday was celebrated this morning by
the Sons of the Revolution Of the Dis
trict Of Columbia with appropriate exer-
cises in the banquet hall OF the New
Willard Hotel
Among the distinguished guests were
the French ambassador and Madame
Jusserand. AS they entered the hall the
Marine Band. which was stationed in
the balcony. played The Marsellaise.'
and the audience arose in acknowieds-
ment Of the presence Of the distinguish
ed guests As the ambassador and his
wife passed up the aisle to seats in
front or the stage. which had been re-
served for them. they bowed their APP
probation for the greeting extended
them.
In spite OF the bad weather. the at
tendance was large, and when the eXer-
cises were begun the hall was comfort
ably filed Among the guests were the
pupils OF the Mount Vernon Seminary,
in charge of the principal. Mrs. Som
mers.
Mr.. Sands Presides.
Owing to urgent business. which neces-
STATED him being absent from Washing
ton. Rear Admiral Henry Clay Taylor,
L < n. president Of the society. was
not present. The duties of his office
were however efficiently performed by
Francis Preston Blair Sands. the vice
president Of the organization. On the
rostr7lm with Mr.. Sands were the Rev.
Randolph Harrison McKim, chaplain of
the Sons Of the Revolution Of the Dis
trict: Judge Martin Augustine Knapp.
chairman Of the Interstate Commerce
-. Fg~ ~ he ia " 4
John Tweedale. L. s. A. and William
stone Albert. chairman OF the committee
of arrangements
ColensI Tweedaie read two sketches
OF the life of Washington. telling Of
him as "A child, boy. youth, general, and
was sung by Samuel Cross. popular
local singer
After thanking the Sons OF the Revo-
luton fcl the distinguished honor ae-
corded hin. by selecting him 10 address
them. Judge Knapp said he never be-
fore coveted the gift of oratory as nc
did today. IN order that he might be-
fittingly express his high regard OF the
rerson v.hcse life and character he was
to discuss.
Greatest Of All.
Continuing. Judge Knapp said in part :
throughout our national life. con-
sufcuotrs above aii in tine stern drama Of
the revolution. stands the majestic fig
ure and imposing personality Of Wash
ingtcn Looking back over the length
ening years. we gaze again with loving
reverence upon that serene and gra-
cious presence, and contemplate with
deepest admiration that pure and lofty
character. Others We're as brave. as
loyal. as earnest and es hopeful as he
Adams was better skilled in public af
fairs; Jefferson was a greater states
man: Hamilton possessed more bril-
liant intellect; Green was esteemed as
good general: Patrick Henry far sur
passed him in eloqUence; Lafayette was
the beau ideal OF a dashing soldier But
not all of them together possessed SC
many attractive and maSterful quail
ties united in such liberal and complete
proportions There was in MIN a SYM
metry OF development. an elevation and
eouipoise OF character. a combination
Of mental and moral strength. a re-
strained but vitaliZing energy, dignity
of manner and a benignity of aspect.
which no other name in our history has
ever edualed. Easily the foremost man
Of his time. conceded the first place
by all his compeers. shaping the course
OF both military and civil affairs b. his
own personality. he stands as the model
Of public and private virtue. the highest
type Of American manhood.
In the absence Of the Rev. Dr. Edward
Everett Hale. chaplain OF the Senate,
the Invocation was said by the Rev DR.
McKim. who also pronounced the bene
diction