Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-12
THE SPIRIT OF DEDICATION

When President Wilson on last Christmas day review
ed the American troops near Chaumont, and delivered to
them an address in which he expressed a nations graft
tude, his thoughts must have reverted to that memorable
occasion at Gettysburg when Abraham Lincoln in a few
words which remain ~indelibly engraved upon the public
mind Of America, referred to the new dedication that was
to be a consequence of the Civil war.
While Mr.. Wilson spoke about being ready to make
good in the esta Adjustment of peace upon the permanen:
foundation Of right and justice" it seems reasonable to
suppose that his soul was filled with the Gettysburg spirit,
and that he involuntarily recalled Lincoln's words: 1T IL
for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfin-
ished work which they who fought here have thus far
nobly advanced"
Though the darkness of sad ages certain words pierce
now and then like sudden lightning to sustain humanity
when it is in need Of consolation and inspiration. History
has recorded may Of these phrases which become immor-
tai not merely because Of the perfect form in which they
were uttered, but also--and chiefly-because Of the spirit
that found expression in them.
The spirit OF Abraham Lincoln-the man born one
hundred and ten years ago today-perceivel clearly the
problems confronting the nation and the generations fol-
lowing his. Because of his acute understanding he was
enabled time and again to say just the right word which
was needed-the word that carried more warmth with it
than many famous utterances Of other men because Of the
peculiarly expansive generosity Of heart which was one Of
the great traits Of Lincoln's rugged character. Y
The spirit OF Lincoln still lives and almost every sig
nificant step that has been taken by the United States
since his day has been more or less consciously Influenced
by his trend Of thought. He established an idealism which
was not set forth in certain formal programs for the well
fare Of his country. but which was tangible and vital to
the extent that it still dominates much of our public life,
and will continue to be Almost important factor here if fu-
ture development does not run counter to the principles
for which the Civil war was fought.
To dedicate oneself is not merely to say 20. It is to
give all that a man is. and all that he believes and loves,
to the task Of creating a wide belief in fundamental ideals
which have been found true.
This country has just passed through a period where
its ability to dedicate itself to certain historic task. has
been amply and bravely demonstrated. In dedicatinr his
life and all his efforts to a great cause, be it national or
international. the man who decides so to do, thinks Of no
reward that may ultimately come to him. The fact that
he may contribute. bs 1t ever 30 little. to the progress of
humanity. is in itself q glory higher than which he wishe,
none.
The humble and noble spirit Of dedication is exemp-
Lifted also in the person Of Charles Darwin, who ~. Dor,
on the same day in the same year as Abraham Lincoln.
Tne difference between the two men lies in the method of
approach. Both looked foF certain elemental truths. cor.
LIN eternal facts and both applied themselves to their set
tasks with the immense patience which is born Of the con-
viction that some day those truths will be fully revealed
even though others may have to lift the final veil.
There was a time when the mere name Of Lincoln
evoked controversy-and when the whispered mention Of
the Darwinian theories caused derision and contempt. Rut
that day has passed. The perspective HIS been altered.
and we who live in another age. Judge from the results
more than from the struggle which accompanied the in
eeption Of their ideas. Both men were sorely. tried. ana
much Of what they held dearest was held up to public
scorn. Men Of less stamina and weaker conviction. would
have Yielded whers these men stood their ground. For
the spirit Of dedication u one Of patience. tenacity and su-
tprens bravery a. we'll.
Ine spirit still lives in todays petrAstis iasai4 g it
leontinuss to exist IN the halls 81 learning. II. ,.ho,. ,o.,..
OF the scientists. without II the nation. ana n. ~o,,d
would soon reach ths lsad point Of stasnaueu. lGa