The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1916-07-05

where wealth eccumulafeS and men
decay" Great industries fail. wealth
takes wings, but the memory Of brave
deeds survive. Since Lexing ton and
Concord and Bunker Hill are inn
mortal. Functions as these. however
well meant, are worth but little il
they do not awaken within US
wuicker sense Of our obligations as
citizens of the most enlightened gov
eminent of the earth, and touch our
hearts with something Of that sacred
enthusiasm which moved its immortal
founders. Let US hope that we may
prove worthy Of the blessings we en-
JOY and that the Republic may con-
tinue to be the very home and abiding
place Of Liberty.
We conspicuously display the flag
upon this day It's presence is edu-
cational-it is goodly influence. The
sight of the emblem of our country's
greatness like the remembrance of
brave deeds in behalf of the Republic
should inspire patriotic emotions. It
is hopeful sign of the times that
patriotic organizations have multi
piled in numbers and importance, that
the flag is now conspicuous feature
on occasions Of ceremony, Of political,
social and even religious character.
1t floats over our public buildings and
school buildings and upon appropriate
occasions is seen upon the affairs of
our houses of worship. 1t should at.
tract with its singular beauty the
passing eyes Of youth and age and re-
call TO them the rich heritage of free
dom OF which they are at once the
beneficiaries and trustees. They will
not fail, | trust, as they look upon its
ample folds stirred by the loyal
winds that love it Well for a moment.
at least, to remember how much it
stands for of sacrifice and devotion,
and to feel an ambition to prove them
selves worthy citizens. Some of them.
l doubt not will go back in fancy to
that rare race of men who saw the
early dawn of the Republic, men
known as its founders, who added to
unselfish love Of country, prophetic
wisdom and practical craftsmanship
standing forth conspicuously great In
those hallowed memories will be the
lofty character of "our own Washing
tom forever In the forefront Of men
who loved their country and who
served it wisely.
Charles James Fox the distinguished
English orator, just after the death of
Washington said: my learned friend
has paid this night most just, de.
served and honorable tribute of ap-
plause to the memory of that great
and unparalleled character who has
been SO recently lost to the world. I
must, like him, beg leave to dwell a
moment on the venerable George
Washington, though l know that it is
impossible for me to bestow anything
like adequate praise on a character
which gave us. more than any other
human being, the example of a per-
feet man"
He was a man with the weakness
of man; he was not above the van
ity of good dress; he did not believe
that every sloven was a Solomon; he
did not believe that the frequent
changes of his ruffled linen was waste
full and eXtravagant excess; of the
social amenities he was the master.
was the habit of his daily
his austerity,-as brave as Caesar with,
out his sinister ambition; he was a
patriot, soldier, a statesman, and a
gentleman: not the first, there were
Greeks before Epamonondas; not the
last, we have them with us yet. They
do not crowd any walk in life, but are
found in all its honorable avocations,
but no man before or since his time
ever bore the grand old name of gen
tleman with easier grace or better |
title. He kept together, without pay
and without adequate food or clothing, |
the Colonial army against the persua-
sions Of the enemies at home. Other |
military chieftans with ample means |
have accomplished wonders, but when |
forced to play the forlorn game of /
they failed. He repre-
sents the best combination of natal !
and civic virtue the world |
has ever seen. What fair fame is |
his: his memory is not alone for
but for all the people of
he earth, wherever freedom lights her
nations dream or
nope or fight for liberty, his name !
will remain an inspiration. And they
will remember, too, the devoted Wom-
en- who, with fathers, brothers and
husbands. bore their share of the COM
mon danger, and more than their
share of anxiety and privation. 1t is
always so in War-its griefs are borne
~ woman--its glories are for man.
FOR him Fame twinest her greenest
her are the sable seeds Of
Patriotism does not consist of mere
of love of the union. A