Evening star., 1914-02-22
George Washington.

What would George Washington think
of his country if he were alive and
fully alert to the conditions of today!
He would, by the way. be 1S2 years OF
age. He would have seen the changes
occurring through the decades and
would have adjusted to them. But a
return after a century and more spent
in spirit land would reveal to him an
American republic SO different in every
aspect from that which existed when
he PASSED away that he would not
know 1t for the same The rivers run
their old courses to be sure. and the
mountains stand where they did in his
dav. and there are cities where then
were cities. But what. greatly grown
places they have becoma. al of those
he knew have dsveloped swonderfuiiy.
some faster than others. washington
his namesake. has come almost wnoliy
into being, for it was but the 'oares.
heoinring when he c,nsed his eyes.
Far. far to the south and west no"
stretches the sSilcof the states. 1arther
even to the nnrthWest. No longer 90 me
coaches trunii1e slowly over the wre'cn-
ed roads. Swift steam and electric
trains shuttle in every direction. AUTO
mobiles make nothing OF distances. Ihe
wires carry 4,pulsing messages instan-
taneously, and even without wires IN
telligence is conveyed over land ana
sea- Swift ships ply the ocean. nr1ne-
ing Europe within week OF America
instead Of the month or more OF Wash
ington's day. Airships dart here and
there, even carrying passengers. Rays
have been developed that render solid
things transparent Electricity has con-
uuered gravitation and made the night
as light as day. Speedy printing
presses. fed with information by the
electric spark from all parts Of the
world. spread the tidings Of happen
ings in the remotest corners within a
few hours.
Cities have developed in convenience
and great advances have been made
toward their cleanliness. Streets are
smoothly paved and brightly lighted.
Science co-operates with government
to safeguard life Many diseases have
been conquered and others are now un-
der attack with bright prospect Of
early lessening of their heavy toll Of
death. Life is more complex. but un-
deniably more rich in opportunity and
outlet. It is safe. more comfortable and
more interesting.
Education has advanced to a remark
able extent and every child now has a
chance to learn. Marvels Of science have
been brought into the schoolroom to
widen the horizon Of youth and to
quicken the intellect Pictures of distant
lands and people. that move in perfect re-
production Of life and nature. are part
now Of the class work of the teacher.
Machines reproduce perfectly the finest
music of the greatest artists. and the
poorest may hear and enjoy. Men and
women. even children. are working un-
selfishly for the betterment Of the less
fortunate members of society, seeking
to cure poverty. correcting evil tenden-
cies. alleviating distress. Altruism pre-
walls in all circles and all places.
This Is undeniab!y a better country
than it was when George Washington
closed his eyes. Many Of the benefits
enjoyed by the American people today
are attributable in great measure to his
wisdom and foresight. and il he were
here today he would receive birthday
greeting from ninety millions of crate
full Americans. who recognize that he
was in the best and broadest sense the
father of his country. Changed and
still changing as 1t is. the United States
has not and never will fail In recog.
nition of the service rendered by him In
the days of creation and organization