The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-11-29

The public schools give sap TO our oak,
but they must return to the essentials.
There are truth and necessity in the
three R's-less Latin and more English
for the ordinary boy and girl. Less biol
Ogy and more geography. Less smatter-
ing and more substance. a hand that can
write iegibly. and a tongue that can
read aloud easily reci;e the multiplied
ton tables. and even the entire alphabet"
said the Rev Dr. Wallace Radcliffe. pas
tor Of the New York Avenue Presbyte-
rian Church yesterday IN the course OF his
Thanksgiving sermon u reference to the
present school trouble IL The city.
Dr. Radcline's theme WAS The Trees
Of Washington" His sermon. for time.
was devoted TO the literal exposition Of
his topic, bat he did not adhere closely
to this He told Of the trees" Of life in
this city and what they meant
The elm speaks Of stateliness." contin-
ued DR.. Radcliffe. The generation has
become frivolous Il seeks the Jests and
waving bough. It Is skeptical Of high aim
and noble ideal. and often finds its most
enjoyable impression IN the comic supple
ment The old fashion must return. and
Will demand the dignity OF life and nobil-
fly Of common act and purpose II VII
recognize that Thanksgiving Day Is not
chiefly for fun and football. feasting and
reveIry. but for brotherhood and love al
home, day Of anthem and song. Of
prayer and benediction, a day OF pleasant
memory and Of sober thoughts, OF high
inspirations.
The Beauty OF Washington.
The beauty Of Washington" said DR..
Radcliffe. is in its trees They give the
! grace and life for the terraces Of our
national temple. We have along our
streets s2,7Os trees. They cover Sc Der
| cent Of the mileage OF the city and about
! seventy-ave miles OF complete srching
/ by branches and foliage.
/ 1T would seem as though Ezekiel were
| speaking in prophetic vision OF u when
he said, have made thee fair with
/ the multitude OF HIS branches Tho
/ original idea was &c have distinct va
riety for each street and avenue. This
would have been unique and beautiful
! Though not entirely adhered 20, the plan
/ has given Us four miles Of linden on
! Massachusetts avenue, thus making II
| longer than the celebrated Inter de I'm
/ den in Berlin. z has given Us three
miles Of elm on New Hampshire avenue,
and long stretches OF sycamore and elm
on Florida and North Carolina avenues
These give analogy 20 the virtues that
must grace the approaches TO our ns-
tional life and virtue-hve terraces which
must be adorned with the oak. the linden.
- TTrvr Al - - -
national life that endures must retain
/ the rigid conscience. willing daring. high
/ intelligence, and love OF liberty OF its
I founders"
! schools Like the Sturdy Oak.
Then DIT. Radclin spoke Of the public
schools. comparing them 10 the sturdy
oak that supply the strength Of the
forest. and declared that we must return
10 the principles Of our fathers in this
matter He said that the basic idea was
/ lost sight Of
The linden speaks OF affection con-
tinued Dr.. Radcli1. We have given the
/ individual a chance, but IL is in order
4 that he give society its chance. We must
not destroy. We must combine the in
I dividualities. We need several commits
! sioners when Ephraim will not vex his
( bTOIher-and labor and capital shall dwell
/ together. Notes are Sweeter in a chord
The willow has its place. Sadness
4 comes with grace and benediction- We
/ DO not destroy our harps. we only hang
I them for a while on the willow Weeds
| are everywhere but more grass grows-
\ Clouds too. but the blue OF the sky Is
I larger. God has touched the financial
/ nerve OF the nation and the shock had
/ awakened US In the thunder His voice
I Is calling Man shall not live by bread
/ alone. The nation has been having too
much mince pie and the ultimate result
| will be health. honesty. righteousness. and