Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-09
Gen. Sternberg's Response.

Gen. Sternberg's Response.
Gen. Sternberg. in responding to the
many tributes and compliments paid him,
spoke as follows:
II am overwhelmed by your kindness.
To enjoy the esteem of the leading citi-
zens of a community in which one has
lived and labored is the highest reward
that can come to an individual whose am
btion does not lead him to hope for a
permanent place in the annals of the
worlds history. And in my opinion it is
a more satisfying reward than would be
the hope of appearing in future records
as one of the many who have accom-
plished something for the advancement of
human knowledge or for the material
advantage of the human race.
Not that such ambition is unworthy.
but because the know ledge that our fee
BILE efforts have met the approval of
those who know US best is a sweeter
thought to carry in our hearts to the
grave than the uncertain dream of more
lasting fame. The flowers Of oratory
do not wither for the recipient when the
banquet is a thing of the past. But
funeral flowers come too late to be ap-
preciated by the one for whom they are
intended. and they are soon withered.
Ambition most men have felt. 1t is
the spur which leads to the accomplish
ment of many great deeds and Of some
which were better not done. But amb1-
ton and happiness often do not dwell
together. 1t is for this reason that the
last years of a mans life are often the
happiest.
Approval Is Sweet.
1.-THE true philosopher should be satisfied
with the approval of his own conscience
and should work, not for the applause
of posterity or of his fellows, but from a
love for useful employment and desire
to benefit his fellowmen. But few reach
this high plane of philosophic beatitude
and the words of approval We receive are
as sweet morsels which we enjoy at the
time and the flavor of which we recall
with pleasure.
For me this occasion will be one of the
most agreeable recollections of my life,
so long as memory lasts. For fifteen
years this city has been my home and
have no thought of looking for another.
My birthplace and boyhood's home was
segO county. n. Y. made famous by the
writings of Fenimore Cooper.
After his death we had but one great
man in our part of the country. He was a
member of the Supreme Court of the
United States, man to be regarded
with awe and reverence, for he as
ISOLATED with senator's and judges and
even Presidents when he left his home in
Cooperstown to attend court at the ma
tons Capitol.
father, and gave me a letter to accom-
pany my application for permission to ap-
pear before an army examining board in
the spring of 1851. AS result of my
success in passing that board l am here
today as your guest, after forty-seven
years of continuous service, counting in
the six years which have elapsed since
my retirement for age.
when l look back at the young as
sistant surgeon Of 1861 l find it hard to
identify him with the man of seventy
who stands before you. When / think of
all the trying and exciting experiences
that l have passed through during these
forty-seven years, 1t is matter of con-
slant surprise to me that I am still in
the land of the living.
Has Led Strenuous Life.
Most of my comrades of the civil war
have fallen by the way. If at seventy
enjoy good health and a fair degree of
physical vigor 1 owe it to my parents and
grandparents rather than to any special
efforts of my own to avoid the causes of
disease. 1 suffered a severe attack Of
typhoid fever in 1862 and came near fall
ing victim to yellow fever in 1873 But
with these exceptions 1 have usually en-
joyed excellent health and have been able
to lead somewhat strenuous life.
Among the greatest blessings of my
life have been the constant companionship
and loyal support in all my undertakings
of a devoted wife. / do not remember
that have ever been without some work
ahead which l earnestly desired to COM
plete, and my habit has always been to
look forward and not backward and to
lend a hand.
Upon such an occasion as this the
70 I'M nj a g a 70
retrospective. But indulgence in remi-
nscence and garrulity are indications of
advancing years. 1 would fain have you
regard me as not yet past the age of use
full endeavor For the kind thought of
those who organized this complimentary
banquet. for the kind words which have
been spoken. and for the presence of all
my good friends who sit. at these tables
/ am most grateful
Among the honors which have been
conferred upon me none has been more