The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-22
Washington's Undiminished Fame

WaShlngtOnS Un01mlhished rd"e
 The twenty y-second of February is one of the few holidays in this coun- try that is observed by law in all the states.
 It is the anniversary of George Washington's birth, and although 115 years have passed since the first President of the United States was laid to rest the impress of his char acter and the influence of his wise and patriotic counsel are still strongly felt in our national life and aspiration.
 Washington's memory will be cher ished so long as this republic lasts or a free people appreciate the bles- sings of liberty, but there have been so many American heroes of more re- cent times-heroes that seem close to men and women now living-that some of the lofty clements which inn mortalized Washington have been we'll nigh lost sight of by all but students of history.
 The father of his country was one of the most remarkable men who has lived in any age. Being of giant frame and possessing natural dig nity, he looked the born leader. His older brothers had been educated in England, but as his father died when he was only twelve years of age his schooling was limited. He loved na- ture, and the greater part of his young manhood was spent in the forests.
 Although a surveyor by profession he could not have passed an examina- tion according to modern standards. But by applying himself to books he became in time a scholarly man. He was not what the world would call a genius. There was no brilliant wit in his mental composition. All the prob lems of life were thought out calmly and slowly, and his conclusions were unerring.
 His private and his official letters all go to show that Washington was a master of English style. Always grave in the discussion of large ques- tions, his admonitions may seem somewhat suited compared with twen- tieth century naturalness in literary but in the choice of words no classical writer of today surpasses him. His famous farewell address is not only a masterful state paper in content, but it is very model of literary elegance. In Washington's day and some years later it was hinted by certain critics that Hamilton wrote Washington's farewell address, but nothing could be farther from the truth. To begin with, Washington was too proud in spirit to attach his name to an address that someone else had written; but the fact that in Washington's voluminous manuscripts that have been preserved the same style that is remarked in the ad- dress should be conclusive evidence that the first chief magistrate was the author of the document in ques- ton.
 In youth Washington's mind was matured far beyond that Of the aver age person. Even then his ideals were exalted. Truth and righteousness in formed his mind and heart, and as he advanced in responsible positions his mental views broadened, and his wis dom seemed all but inspired.
 He possessed those admirable traits, prudence and fortitude. No great commander ever had more to contend with than Washington. Politicians were finding fault with him and off cers in his army were plotting against him. But he was never perturbed and never swerved an iota from the course he had marked out.
 Az President of the United States, \a)though he had been acclaimed First war. first in peace and first in the