The Washington herald., 1910-12-08

Great as II is to-day. The word thor
ough' described II then. II describes it
now
Baron Won Steuben came to this coun-
try, actuated by the highest motives of
patriotism. 20 help us achieve liberty
and he brought with him that which was
without money and without price. and
which he infused into the rank and file
of the Revolutionary army-discipline and
organization. He began his desperate
task with the army at Valley Forge in
the winter OF 177-7S, and as early as
May OF rs his influence for good was
manifest in the battle of Monmouth and
in the other campaigns of that year.
Alexander Hamilton. an accomplished
soldier, testified to the marvellous effect
OF Won Steuben's discipline upon the ac-
ton Of the American soldiers under fire.
His Instruction as Lesson.
The effect of Steubens instruction in
the American army teaches US lesson
that it is well for us all TO keep in mind.
and that is that no people. however war
like in spirit and ambition, in natural
courage and self-eonfidence, can be made
at once, by uniforms and guns. military
force. Until they learn drill and disci-
pline, they are a mob. and the theory
that they can be made an army over
night has cost this nation billions OF
dollars and thousands OF lives
The history of Won Steubens service
shows him "A kindly. considerable. brave.
and accomplished soldier. AS inspector
general his achievements we're not the
successes of an independent command
but they were ,the preparation by pei
sistent, but tedious drilling and disci-
pline, of men to serve effectively under
other commanders and 10 win for them
victory. It seemed a thankless task. for
il had none of the spectacular in il. none
of the glory II military triumph IL was
the basic hard work without which such
triumphs could not be won. but the re-
suits Injured 70 the glory of others.
'Steuben asked for no regard. except
that if his services were satisfactory, at
the end OF the war he should be recon-
pensed for the sacrifices he had made in
leaving his home and giving up lucrative
rank and office. Washington. that calm,
sane, Just judge or men, recognized fully
the debt that he and the army and the
people owed TO Won Steuben and II is
gratifying TO know that he gave his evil
dence as he laid down his command OF
the army, in a letter full OF expressions
of gratitude to his comrade in arms
whose important aid at a critical june
ture he fully appreciated.
Plays Prominent Part.
when Baron Steuben came to this
country, he found Germans who had pre-
eeded him. and who, like him, had elected
to make this their permanent home. Since
his day, millions OF his countrymen have
come to be Americans. and it adds great
interest to our celebration, and empha-
sizes the propriety OF the action of Con-
gress in erecting this statue. 10 know that
the German race since the Revolution has
made so large a part Of our population
and played 50 prominent a part in the
great growth and development OF our
country. 1t is particularly appropriate
that there is present the German Ambas-
sador, the personal representative OF the
illustriOus successor OF Frederick the
Great The Germans who have become
American citizens and their descendants
may we'll take pride in this occasion ana
in this work of art, modelled by the hand
of an American Of German descent, which
commentaries the valued contribution
made by a German soldier to the cause
Of American freedom at the time of its
birth"
The address OF Count Won Bernstorf,
the German ambassador, follows:
Il highly appreciate the honor and
privilege of appearing before and adj
dressing this imposing gathering after
having had the pleasure of hearing the
eloquent speech made by the President.
Many descendants of the old German
stock who have found a new home IN
this hospitable country, and now form a
natural bond OF an ever increasing
friendship between Germany and the
United States, have come to Washington
to-day 10 do honor to the memory Of
one of the most distinguished OF their
number AT the foot of his statue, which
is also the work Of an American citizen
of German descent
Monument to Friendship.
I am therefore very pleased to be
able to regard this monument not only
as one erected TO the memory of a dis
tinguighed German officer, who ably
served this country, but also as a monu-
ment TO the unbroken friendship which
has existed between Germany and the
United States since the birth of the peo-
pie OF the United States as a nation.
In those days the great King from
whom Steuben learned the art of war is
sued his order refusing transit through
Prussian territory 10 the Hessian and
other German troops hired TO fight
against the colonists Frederick the
Great was also one OF the first TO recog-
niZe the independence of the colonies by
concluding treaty of commerce with
the United States
This monument will all the more be
token Of the old friendship existing
between the two great nations. as the
| United States Congress. besides muni6-
Gently providing for the erection Of this
statue, has decided to present a copy of
II to the Emperor Here and in Ger
many whoever regards one of the two
monuments viii be reminded of the
ancient ties of friendship uniting him
with his cousins beyond the ocean
"Steuben was not an adventurer puroTy
seeking personal fame and money. III
had been a distinguished officer in thf
great Frederiek's army in which he wa.
| connected with the quartermaster's de
parment and an aid-de-camp To tbs
/ King. He came 10 America at the re-
quest Of Benjamin Franklin and with q
/ letter of introduction from him. Stenber
| himself wrote 10 Congress that the honor
OF serving a nation engaged in the noble
! enterprise of defending its rights and lib
/ or ice NO he -.