Evening star., 1923-02-22
SAYS WASHINGTON
WOULD ALTER VIEW
Policy of Isolation Would Not
Last, Oldest Inhabitants
Association Told.
OUTLOOK HAS CHANGED
Paper by Rev. Page Milburn Re-
veals Insight Into First
Presidents Problems.
OUTLOOK HAS CHANGED

II George Washington occupied the
White House today he would not in
sist on his policy of isolation from
European affairs. Rev. Page Milburn
told the Association of Oldest Inhabit-
ants of the District Of Columbia. in
paper read at patriotic exercises
of the association in Union Engine
House, 10Th and II streets, today.
Rev. Mr. Milburn was prevented
from attending the meeting by a
death in his family and his paper was
read by Rev. Harry Dawson Mitchell.
During the more than a century
since Washington died." Mr.. Milburn's S
paper began, the nation has grown
territorially and in population. Wash
ington's problems were great. but
Harding's problems are much greater.
State Papers Amazing.
But. while Washington may not
have had a vision of a nation such as
ours is today, 1t is amazing to read
his state papers and recognize the
Scers conception of an American
nation which would take an honor
able place among the nations Of the
earth.
"Wash.ngton problems were great
but circumScribed, and he sought To
keep them SO, but today we could
not keep to ourselves if we would;
We dare not withhold our hand from
the bruised, mangled, Sobbing, plead
ing millions that need the succor
We and we alone can give.
Would Drop Isolation.
And. notwithstanding Washing
tons expressed wish that the new ma
ton should not seek participation in
the affairs of foreign nations, / firm
ly believe were George Washington
President of the United States in this
year of Our Lord, 1923. he would not
persist in isolation, but he rather
would, for the physical and moral
wellbeing of humanity, be eager to
dedicate our immense resources of
money, genius and heart to an intense
cooperation in the best attempts to
quell war and bring peace on earth.
Here is where Washington and LIN
coin would cooperate. The spirit Of
each is needed in the nation today"
The speaker devoted much of his
paper to an analysis of the character
of the Father of His Country.
Many Never Famous.
1T is well for US today he said,
ito inquire into the elements of
Washington's character and go far
ther and seek to discover the reasons
for his pre-eminence. For there are
never become famous. And some
are neither good nor extraordinarily
capable. Temporary notoriety is one
thing; lasting fame another
Each century produces some. men
OF distinction, but their names and
deeds are soon forgotten. Others are
remembered to be hated and cursed.
In the hall of fame are only a few
names which endure and become more
dazzling as years go by"
Mr.. Milburn voiced the belief that
the outstanding reason for Washing
tons greatness was the fact that he
combined high religious principles
with his great talents.
The Great Serve God.
"Heredity, education and natural
talents may afford men a favorable
opportunity" the paper continued,
but only the man who realizes that
he is serving God. that Gods opinion
of right and wrong must control his
every act. and that to God alone hs
must look for aid and reward-only
that man, can be great. Anything
else dwarfs character and enshrouds
life with distrust."
The patriotic exercises began at
noon with an invocation by DR..
Mitchell. The members then joined
in reciting the Americans Creed. aft.
er which America" was sung
Washington Topham read passages
The association again joined in sing.
ing The Star Spangled Banner" and
"Auld Lang Syne.'
At the business session the asso-
citation elected S. Willard Saxton to
be vice president. John Clagett Proc
tor also was nominated for this posi-
ton, but declined in favor of Mr..
SaXton.
On motion Of Judge Charles s.
Bundy it was voted to send resolu-
tions Of coincidence to Vice President
Matthew Trimble upon the death Of
his wife.
Capt. George w. Evans submitted a
report of the financial condition of the
association. showing a total member
ship on January l Of 463 members
The following were elected to mem
bership: Wilfred NJ. Barton, Clement
A. Lounsberry, A. B. Coolidge, Nathan
Horn, William S. Torbert and Fred G.
Coldren.
The Columbian Quartet rendered a
number of vocal selections at the pa
Henry l.. Bryan presided.