The Washington times., 1905-02-21
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HOLD EXERCISES
Celebrate Today Birthday
of Washington.
WEST ExToLs CHARACTER
Commissioner Speaks of Far-Reach-
ing Influence of First
President.

In ali the public schools of the Dis
trict exercises were held today at l:2o
p. M 10 commemorate the anniversary
of Washingtons Birthday, which is with
them a holiday.
Elaborate programs had been arrang-
ed. and prominent speakers addressed
the pupils at the various schools.
Most Of the programs included the
singing of America ..,rhe Star
Spangled Banner, and other patriotic
songs. and many speeches and essays
fitting to the day were read by the pu-
pills.
Tie high schools had prepared especi-
ally attractive programs. The officers
presiding ever the meeting We're as fol-
lows: The Hon. Emory NJ. Wilson, for
Central School: Gen. George II. Harries,
Eastern; DR.. A. p Pardon, Western
Rufus r. Thayer, Business, and s. w
Woodward Mckinley Manual Speakers
of the day We're as follows: The Rev
Frank NJ. Bristol. the Hon. John c.
r. Golden Donaldson. DR.. d. s. Mont
gomery, the Hon. j. E. Watson, James
F. Bundy, the Hon. Henry L. West
James b. Stewart L. NJ King. II. {
Dyson, and the Rev. a. d. Mays.
vest dL NSAIutSy manual
At the Mckinley Manual Training
School the address was delivered by
Commissioner West. Mr.. Vests topic
was the steady development Of the hu-
man race toward liberty, and he descrfb-
ed entertainingly not only the great
movements toward independence In the
past but also presented some interest
ing comparisons between George Wash
who, like Washington, were identified
with efforts to obtain popular freedom.
Mr. West, In beginning his address.
analysed the Jewish exodus under Moses
as having been the first great revolu-
ton of a people to free themselves from
bondage. The growth Of democracy in
Europe, as shown by the development
of the British system of government to-
gether with the fact that in nearly every
monarchy there IS q popular representa-
tive BODY. was also emphasized as
demonstrating the progress which the
race has made in the direction of lib
erty.
Mr.. West, after referring to the crea-
ton OF the Swiss Confederation as one
OF the earliest efforts toward .ndepent-
cree. dwelt upon the effect which the
American Revolution had upon other
nations, citing the fact that Kosciusko
TIE FoilSn patriot, had served in the
ReVolutionars war ufder George Wash
roundingss. become d convert to freedC4a
and was thus led TO take a commanding
part IN the effort to separate Poland
frcn1 Russia.
Influence of Washington.
The effect which the character of
Washington an6 the outcome of the
American Revolution had upon the
French people was referred TO, and it
was also stated that Bolivar, the great
South American patriot who. more than
anyone else, enabled the South American
people to free themselves froI.l the yoke
Of Spain, had passed through the United
States on his way home from Europe
just at the close of our Revolutionary
war and that unquestionably il was his
association with the American patriots
which led him to become the apostle Of
freedom in: MS own country
In conclusion. Mr. West pointed out
that Of all the efforts which the world
has seen for the advancement Of human
liberty, the most glorious fruition is IN
the United States, whose influence in Sc
curing indlvidu al freedom would increase
with coming generations.