The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1911-02-24

Washington made considerable pro-
gress, especially in mathematics, to
which his mind naturally turned.
AT an early age he was recognized as
leader among his associates. Tall and
straight. broad shouldered and deep chest.
ed. he was an athlete of great ability and
loved to jump and run asd ride horseback.
and had no equals in all the country around
IN outdoor sports. thus early building up a
strong physique to bear the great mental
burdens OF the ooeoming years.
When only i9 years OF age he received
his FIRST commission. and went at his coun-
try's call to 90 in obedience to the dictates
Of his patriotic spirit to struggle for free
dom.
Early in life he realized the value of time
and applied himself to his studies with I'M.
iaging zeal. That young man or young
woman is wise Who recognizes the value Of
time and the necessity Of taking advantage
OF opportunities for securing intellectual
proficiency while youth and susceptibility
are theirs.
George Washington had learned and ap-
Piled to himself in his endeavors those
words Of Shakespeare There is a tide in
the affairs Of men which taken at its flood,
! leads on to fortune: omitted. all the voyage
OF life is bound in shadows and misery"
Lost opportunities are never retrieved.
when past they are gone forever.
Washington was an ambitious student of
history which was his iavori,e study and
the lives OF Miltiades of Greece. Caesar of
Rome, Charlemagne and Cromwell formed
the foundation of his career as the CREATES,
Statesman OF his time
In the great struggle Of the colonies for
Independence. Washington entered upon
his career a. a commander of American
patriots and with the slogan. Liberty or
Death marched through those terrible
years Of carnage and hardship of war. shar-
ing the rigors Of prvst,on and suffering at
Vale, Forge with his troopers as we'll as
the victory at yorktown.
lie was a true American patriot who
considered America his country and Con
gress his government and during his long
life was ever loyal to the best interests of
his state and nation.
OF a retiring disposition he sought no
elevation, and refused the cry of those who
would make him king, declining with
courtesy such exalted honor, although had
he wished il he might have bean dictator
greater than Napoleon OF Caesar. lie
chose rather that fe,l-ral government free
from all tyrany might br established not
even suggesting that h. might b- president
The Congress. recognizing hts great abil
ity and grander service unanimously elect
ell him a. fIst President Of the United
States aud called him the Father of his
Country"
| In all his experience he manifested a
high sense Of int-gr,t, and his dominating
influence shows the spirit Of the age and
proves that the principle of independence
was deeper than the surface
II would he we'll for our nation today il
more Of our leaders in politics and govern
mental affairs possessed larger spirit of
Moral integrity aud pious justice insis al OF
the intrigue and Grating which character
Ives politicrans. and makes them suhs-r-
Went poltToonS. instead OF statesmen.
And what shall | say more. Tor time
would tail me to tell of Washington As a
general. who ranks even ahead of Hanni-
bal nr Napoleon or Wellington. or of his
ability a. a statesman who stands we'll be-
side Caesar. bismarck or Gladstone, or to
speak OF patriotism which rises higher than
that OF LeonIdas, Of Th-rmopslya. or Gar.
ibaldi OF Italy. OF to speak of his heroisrn
A. whole which has no equal an all the
pages of profane history.
As Christian man he was a member oi
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and il i,
needless for me to say that Washington
! like all Great men. wa, a d-vout believer
in the providence Of God and a firm and
faithful Christian who never forgot to pray
Tor divine guidance and thank God Tor hi,
m-rci-s. and even in his last words express
ing his confidence in God.
That man is wise who trusts in God a,
his source of strength. In all the depart
ments of life the great men have been mer
Of God. Who have been the great literaI,
men OF the worldl Shakespeare, Milton
4 and Tenn,son. Who have been the grea
= lawyers OF the WORLD Moses. blackstone
and Webster. Who have been the srea
military leaders, Washington. wellingtor
and Grant. Who have been the great pny
sicians' Mott. Alternately and Rush. whs
E have been the great scientists' Herschell
Newton and Asgasiz. Who have been tn,
? great statesmen Cromwell. Lincoln anC
4 Gladstone. and all of these we're believer,
; in God and his word