The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-02-21
The PEOPLES FORUM.
Washington The Man.


When we speak of great generals, or
great statesmen we naturally think
first of all of the one who did more than
any other man to found the American
Republic and create a firm foundation
on which to start her on her splendid
career. We may speak without vanity
or foolish pride, but with real graft
tude and say without doubt we have
the first and greatest Republic in the
world. Though Washington lived over
sixty seven years he did grand work.
He helped to wrest the colonies from
France and the Indians, he led the
forces Of the revolutionists to victory
through one of the bitterest wars of
history; by his prudence and wisdom as
the first President of the new republic,
he gave her the basis of sound govern
ment and left behind him ideals and
glorious visions of the future. He Sc
cured for US liberty and what mighty
word that is. We know what it really
means in this country, though it is be-
ing furnished and curtailed by the am
bilious aspirations of some selfish and
self seeking men. Il had apparently
gone asleep for a while but it has been
rudely awakened by this present war.
Our country went INTO the Spanish
war for the sake OF this principle. We
are now in the most awful war of the
worlu for the sane OF the same prin-
cipie-to make the world safe for de-
mocracy. But democracy in is self will
not meet the end. We must make it a
spiritualized democracy.
But while he was a good and bra We
soldier he loved peace. If we compare
him with the heroes of Hebrew history.
warriors, judges, lawyers, or with the
ideal pictures of them IN Psalm or
Chronicle, We find that as man, he is
worthy to receive our commemOration,
while above all. we give praise to God
for his gift to our nation.
He did not love war, but would great
ly have preferred to live peaceably
with all men. But when he was called
to fight he buckled on the whole armor
and did his duty. He was one of Paul's
type of soldiers. In the words of the
poet Bangs
"He loved his trees, his flowers and the
yields
OF lush green meadows and the harvest
fields.
The soul within him yearned for paths
of peace,
For warlike spoil
He had no temper, yet at duty's call
Wife, home and flowers. peace and COM
fort all
He sadly left, lest honor be undone
Nor e'er know rest again, Washington!
No crown of gold aIght with jeweled
sheen
Adorns your brow, but one as fresh and
green
AS were the scenes you loved-the
laurel leaf
The diadem of our unselish chletI'
1t is worthy of note that he placed a
high estimate on the value of religious
influence as 8 saving force in the State.
1t is well to remember his words: "Of
all the disposition and habits which lead
to political prosperity, religion and
morality are indispensable supports.
Vainlv would man claim the tribute
of patriotism, who should labor to sub
vert these great pillars of human hap
piness these firmest props of the duties
of men and citizens. The mere politi-
clan, equally with the pious man, ought
to respect and cherish them. A volume
cannot brace all their connections with
private and public felicity: Let it
simply be asked where is the security
for property, for reputation, for life, if
the sins of religious obligations desert
the oaths.
He has stood the test of the years.
Human he was and had the weakness
of humanity, but he was grandly noble,
a fit leader of the people in his day and
fit example of private virtue and