, 1921-11-25
A WORTHY

We Americans will always delight to honor the
memory of George Washington. And why should we
not? His life and his works were worthy in every
way. They are an inspiration today as they have been
for more than a hundred years. The youth Of this
nation can find no more perfect model for emulation
than the first president
In his address on the occasion of the laying Of the
cornerstone of the national Victory memorial in
Washington, President Harding giving an analysis Of
the will of George Washington. called attention to the
fact that among many other devises was one "for the
endowment of n university in a central part Of the
United States" and the president, in his concluding
remarks, said Of that document, "as n charter Of good
citizenship and patriotic purposes this last will and
Testament has been an Inspiration many times to me-"
The truth of that statement was evidenced by the zeal
with which Harding revered the memory Of, and the
policies laid down by, Washington in the campaign of
1920, which resulted in the overwhelming decision
that this nation should maintain its independence.
As for the clause of Washington's will which pro-
vided for n university, it is understood that a sum
considerable for those days was set aside to initiate the
founding Of a university and that this sum was in the
form Of certain canal bonds. The canal was long
since filled in but the purpose Of the Father of Our
Country, while il has been permitted to ianguish, has
never died. Several attempts have been made to
AIRY it out, notably in 1907 when the George Wash
ngton university sought 10 constitute itself the nu-
.leus of a great national university and solicited
funds for its enlargement. But the administration of
hat institution may not have been such as to COM
iend itself to prospective contributors at that time
md after n few months of feverish and futile activ-
ity the movement persisted of inanition.
When it comes to pass that the almost crushing
'egacy Of debt left by the Wilson administration to
he nation shall have been lightened. the project con-
rerned by Washington may we'll be carried out by the
earty that has been so faithful to his memory. A
-reat university at the capital of the nation. limited
perhaps to graduate work, would be an admirable and
practical monument to him who was first in war,
rst in peace, and first in the hearts of his country
ien." Such an Institution could capitalize the wealth
: mater al to be found in the archives of the govern
sent. the library of congress, the various scientific
ureaus, and The Legislative halls. OF 'storied urn
md animated bust" of plinth and architrave and
'nowy shaft to commemorate the great liberator, there
= no lack. He did not ask for these. But he did ask
FOR IAN Institution to disseminate learning, culture,
md a proper understanding of right principles in gov
eminent" to quote the words of President Harding.
Attendance at this university might be assured to
those designated by the faculties of the five hundred
odd colleges and universities in the United States,
whereby the enrolment of this graduate institution
would be composed Of the intellectual cream of the
land; while from every country in the world would
come students who would wish to train themselves in
the science of republican government and to explore
the upper strata of those sciences and newer human
tiles in which this country is taking such a leading
part. Associations enjoyed at such an institution
would work incalculable good in cementing friendships
of future governing officials and social leaders, in
creating better understandings of racial psychologists,
and in assuring the peace of the world.