The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-02

z Is big man OF feet and
III weighs two hundred pounds. He
IS heavily interested IN gigantic
business enterprises and thinks
IN big figures. Yet withal he IS as gentlc
as child and has a heart as big as
a barrel, and carries the burdens and
sorrowE OF many. People. especially
the widows and the orphans. the
friendless and the hopeless. seem 70
trust him instinctively. He carries
che confidence OF many, and shares the
sorrows OF all.
Just the other day. IN conversat ton. .
the thought was suggested that Il
seemed strange that a man with his
multiplicity OF interests should be 80
thoughtful and careful for those
around him, and a reason for II was
asked
The big man grew thoughtful. and,
leaning his head on his hands, made
reply:
Il think I an what 7 am because OF
the songs my mother used 70 singi'
Well here was a new thought. fresh
from the mines OF truth: I am what
am because OF the songs mother used
to sing!'
men many reasons for success. They
have laid down many pertinent rules
for other young men to follow. but
rarely II ever, did you hear OF a man
saying that the songs sung or crooned
by his mother had played q part IN the
development OF his character
Then the man began talking OF the
songs that his mother sang as she
went round about the house IN the
humble. yet necessary. duties OF his
ooyhood days He told that while he
was Just boy. and there was little
or no news from the front, she sang:
Mine eyes have seen a vision OF the
glory OF the LORD" and that she would
round out the chorus Of GLORY Eiorv.
hallelu1ah' IN a wonderful way. Tt.an.
as he was telling OF these songs AT
motner had sung. the tears came 10
his eyes. and he said: Boys. I never
hear those songs today but what 7
see the f-ce OF my dear mother. and
somehow those songs she sang ravs
me love for home and country thar
makes old America the dearest sno+
OF all TO ne"
Ihen ne paused for a moment ari
SAID There was another SONG sl-a
USED 10 sing that has helped me
was then young man OF tvsentv-ors
or twenty-five, perhaps a little older
had iearend 10 swear. gamble and
orlnk. and was rather proud OF nv
accom- pIshments. bur mother dis1,r
say word. She began 10 sing in her
no" trembling voice about the wander
iNs ooE' and there was one line that
rang In my ears I love him. he knows
Where Is my boy tonight And che
H.sht | went 70 her. told her I'd cut II
al ouI tell you. she was glad 10
near me say that, and said her prav-
were being answered. But il VAS
mighty hard. 1 tell you. for where Va
HNeu me boys were pretty roush. and
uioh want to run with the ola men
VINO had one foot in the grave for 7
was fuH Of sport and life So 7
thought I'd come 70 the CITY and
when I told my mother she 49,
making preparations for me. and tbe1
SHe Just began to sing another song:
'Shqn evil companions. bad language
diSdain.
Gods name hold in re,-ara-.,,
IL IN vain:
Be .thouChtful and earnest kind
hearted and true
And that song just impressed Itsel,
on my life. and in every time 81
trouble and trial I've Just heard
mother singing the dear Old songs. and
somehow and In some way they have
kept me true 20 the line Of truth and
duty"
The songs mother used 10 sing,
What about the songs she sings now
Are they songs OF rejoicing. now that
she mas come 10 ola age. because YOU
her boy. are a good man7 Arc then
songs OF triumph. now that she Ia,
gone Home" because YOU. who al.
ways will be her boy. are walking r
her footsteps. and going TO join her IN
inc sons Of triumph by and bv-
troubled and weary. sorrow stricken
and sore. just try living and singing
the songs your mother sang. and se4
II your life does not become a sons.