The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-10-29

was no bitterness of heart in all this;
but there was the positive, rugged
earnestness of strong, determined
man. quite content to trust time and
sober second thought for his vindica-
! ton.
Loved Nature and God.
Our friend loved Nature with con-
Stancy and uelght; ana through Ma
ture lie Was lea 10 a reverent Ioye of
the Maker of the Universe. He SerV-
ed the purposes of God on earth and
taught mis- fefow-countrymen to real
lie their relationship To Nature and
the Father of all created things,
When he established the painting or
trees as custom of general observ-
ance among our people. This work
was done without trumpeting the
praise of the man who founded Ar
Dor Day. and without perverting its
beneficient design to the exploitation
of his fame. II was done modestly
and quietly-in keeping with the dis
position of it's promoter and his es-
innate of reasonable service. NO
beautiful crest elaborate coat CT
arms would so well illustrate his
grand simplicity, or typify the spirit
IN which this project had its rise and
completion, as its symbolization by
a growing tree surmounting the
homely legend-"Plant Trees"
Though the erection of this monu-
ment may have had its beginning
in the loving appreciation of Arbor
Day, we cannot escape the feeling
that it would tell but little of the
story of the life and career of the
founder of that day if there were
not imperishably inscribed upon it
the words Pioneer, Statesman,
scholar" as we'll as "Tree Planter"
And even with all that has been here
builded and inscribed, those who
know him best and loved him most
cannot see in this dull, cold effigy any
presentment of the tenderness and un-
ceasing affection of the father and
brother and the cheerfulness and
mirth which in his hours of relaxa-
ton he brought to his home and fire.
side. nor the observation-disclosures and
contagious good humor which he gave
to intimate companionship. The mon
ument that recalls these features OF
his heart and soul is built on the
hallowed ground of memory.
And yet none of us should go from
this place untouched by the lesson
which this statue teaches. Here we
should learn that character, uncof-
rupted by the contagion of ignoble
things and unweakened by the corr0-
sion of sordiness and money-madnes-,
is the cornerstone of every truly usefCi
achievement. We shall do violence tn
the moral sense which God has vouch-
safed 10 humanity if amid the sur
roundings we close our minds to the
truth that character represents the
real value of man according to the
unaltera bic standard of fine gold; and
that il differs UNNECESSARILY from rep
utation which measures mans
worth by the shifting and untrue
standards of mean ambition or sue
cessful cupidity. We have fallen upon
days when our people are more than
ever turning away from their old faith
m the saving grace of character, and
Hooking to the worship of money
making idols Daily and hourly in the
light of investigation and exposure,
characterless lives are seen in appall-
ing numbers. without chart or com
pass crowded upon the rocks and
shoals of faithlessness and breach of
trust. How i'll have these wrecked
lives exchanged the safe course and
the harbor of honor and usefulness
which character and rectitude point
out, for a wild and headiong rush over
unknown seas in a consuming search
for pelf
If our people ever return again to
their trust in character as a steadying
force in our restless enterprise and
immense material growth, it will be
when they take TO heart the full SiG
nificance of such commemoration as
this. We memorabilia a man who rot
only earned the lasting honor of his
countrymcn, but whose life, in ali
things worthy of high endeavor, was
lbundantly successful. AS pioneer.
who labored to improve the new coun-
try of his home, he lived to see il
blossom as the rose, as scholar he
cultivated his own mental powers and
acquired knowledge in order that he
might be able to instruct and benefit
others; as a statesman he left the i'm
press of high aspiration upon our cit-
zenship. and of usefulness and fidelity
upon our public life: and rs the father
of tree planting he gained the CRATE
ful remembrance of the old and young
Of the present generation and that of
generations yet unborn. All these
things he wrought out through the
power OF a strong, wholesome, patri-
otto and beautiful character.
Let those of us who were his fellow
citizens and knew his life, heed his
example, to the end that our work
may be more unselfish and more loyal
10 the purposes of God and the better
mcnt Of our fellow-men. Let his sons,
IN whom was conferred all his worldly
pride, remember that the only sue
cess that is satisfying and honorabl
is that achieved in their fathers spirit
AID high resolve
1t is fitting that this monument
should recall memories that must not
die. 1t is we'll that it should arouse
the living to noble endeavor But to
the dead it avails not. He has reared
his own monument more durable
than brass or stone.
Other addresses were by Governor
Mickey who welcomed the visitors;
Hilary A. Herbert, David r. Francis,
Mr.. Stevenson and DR.. George l.. Mil
Ter, the latter of Omaha.
JUDGE HENRY SEAWELIi.