The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1919-02-20

self-government. II may be little
known to Nirginians, but it is none
the less a fact, that on frequent oc-
casions many of us have pointed to
the record of Czecho- SlovakS in VIZ
GINA as repudiating this made-in-
Germany theory. We have frequent
ly pointed to the fact that Czechs and
Slovaks have occupied with credit i'm
portant public offices in the United
States and In such commemorative
as Virginia; that all that is necessary
is to remove from their hands the
shackles of subsection by an alien
race.
Real Affection for Virginia
SO you see we have more than one
reason to come with real affection and
real gratitude to Virginia, and we
come to assure you that while our
people throughout the United States,
and particularly in this common
wealth. take great pride in their ra-
cial origin. that also they take great
ride in being Americans, and not
only in being Americans but in re-
naming citizens of the United States.
They have struck firm roots here. and
here they shall remain themselves
Americans, and their children and
grandchildren and all their posterity
Americans. They can serve az me-
diums between America, between Vir
ginia and the land Of their birth.
Just as they demonstrated here the
capacity of the Czech and Slovak for
self-government. just SO they can
convey to their brethren at home
many a lesson, IL not perhaps entirely
learned here, still emphasized in the
United States and in Virginia more
than anywhere else. For Virginia has
many lessons to teach Europe. One
of the native sons OF Virginia, and
one OF the greatest of Americans, in
perhaps the most critical time of
American history. taught the world
that no progress is possible, and that
stable government is out of question,
without obedience TO law and legally
constituted authority. | refer to the
great expounder and interpreter of
the American Constitution. to that
great law-giver and law maker. Chief
Justice John Marshall whose fame IN
not only firmly established, but. with
the march of liberty around the
world. is gaining additional luster.
The lessons that John Marshall taught
are those that Europe must learn first
Of all in these turbulent times and the
most Important one of all these is that
while at no given period of the
worlds history has the evolution of hu-
man society stopped. still no progress
is worth while IL it is not orderly. and
that those suffer most by excuses
whom those responsible for them fire.
quently endeavor. or say that they
endeavor. to serve. II you will par
don A. personal remark, while l am n
Czech by birth and descent, yet az an
American lawyer it will be one OF the
most joyful days OF my life wien I
hear that the opinions and decisions
OF John Marshall are being cited in
the courts of the new Czecho -Slovak
Republic.
From all this I think the propriety
Of presenting to the State of Virginia
the flag OF the new republic suffici-
entity appears. There has always been
a bond between the people of Virginia
and the people of Czecho-Slovak ma
tionality. From now on there will be
close relationship between the peo-
pies of the two commemorative, and
between the two states as we'll
I. Is great honor and great
privilege to present to the State of
Virginia. through you as it's repro
sentative. and a worthy successor of
a great line of governors Of the COM
monwealth, the banner of the czecho-
Slovak Republic.
Brief and fitting were the ceremo-
MES that attended presentation of the
flag of the new Czecho-Slovak repub-
&c to the state OF Virginia in front OF
he capitol shortly after noon yester-
day.
The presentation speech was made
by Charles Pergler. commissioner of
the republic in the United States. The
emblem was received by Governor
Westm oreland Davis and will be pre-
served in the executive Offices.
The exercises were attended by the
governor and his staff the latter at
tending in fun uniform: several hun
dred local citizens of the republic and
others interested.
Invocation was pronounced by the
Rev. Andrew Slabey, of the Baptist
church. who was followed by John r.
Kohlar, young business man of Dis
putanta. Va. who reviewed the aims
and purposes of the people from
whom he descended. He recounted
the vicissitudes of the two races which
have algamated and now arc
united for a common ideal.
He was profuse in his praise OF his
adopted home declaring that Sere
his people would find opportunity.
freedom. liberty and a country to
love. They had sent many to the
front as soldiers of America. marched
side by side with the people of this
and the other countries lighting for
their freedom and to remove once for
all the heel OF the tyrant
Mr.. PerCler Was received with APP
plause He made careful and con-
servative speech. evincing the deter
mination OF his people to stand with
and for America. Mr.. Pergier spoke
IN presenting the nag as follows: