Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-02-22
Thursday, February %, 1923.
CERTAIN ENDURING QUALITIES
OE WASHINGTON

OF WASHINGTON
1t is customary in this country to
observe in some manner this day as
the anniversary of the birth of an
American, but for whom it is ex-
tremely doubtful whether the people
of this land could have thrown off the
British yoke. The date is marked in
red on many calendars be on
every calendar hung in an American
home or public place.
Long ago the world recognized the
generalship and statesmanlike quail
ties of George Washington. Former
foes as we'll as friends united in this
conclusion. Every pupil in the pub
lie schools should learn of it as an
accepted fact. Further discussion of
this does not appear necessary to
better understanding. But is not
better understanding of some of the
qualities of the Father of his Coun-
try" appropriate to this occasion, 191
years after his birth, qualities that
are not affected by time?
Appropriate for consideration are
some of these characteristics and
circumstances, if not all of them.
Washington had much of that which
human beings dislike to jeopardize,
when he became rebel against
powerful England. 1t is very prob
able that his life would have been
forfeited in event of his capture by
the forces of King George. He was
a wealthy man of his day. His
property would be confiscated if the
Colonies should be defeated and he
would become poor man even
should his life be spared.
He did not hesitate. He was a
conservative of his time, said to
have been arstocratic in his tastes
and views, in no sense a radical, a
fire cater, an orator indulging in
words and protcstations, but he was
able to accomplish more than would
haze been humanity possible for a
score of Patrick Honrys, which may
be.said without disparagement of that
wonderful champion of American
iilHrty. Yet he put his all to the
test that his fcllowmcn might be
BORN free and equal before the law.
No radical could have done moro and
there was none in sight who could
have done as much.
There has been a lapse in hero
worship of Washington, and it is
we'll that it should be so. 1t is well
for us to learn to pay homage to men
as well as to heroes where they de-
serve it. The man George WASH
ington, with all his faults, certainly
did deserve the homage of his fell
of it, he nevertheless was mindful Of
his limitations and was not ashamed
to get on his knees to tho God in
whom no believed.
This is no occasion to laud the
rich, hut to recognize there is much
to indicate that it takes a mighty
smart man to be both rich and
humble, and remain in touch with
his fellows over any considerable
period of time. George Washington
was that kind of man and he be
came of more use to his country
than any other one man among all
the patriots of his day. This indicates
a use for that class of men. A distin-
guishcd prelatc the other day en-
deavored to correct any impression
that the rich men in this country are
always cold-blooded and EraSping.
On the contrary he had found very
many of them disposed to do much
for the good of the world. Some
may snocr that he wished to keep on
good terms with the source of future
requests. But a little careful think
ing respecting those of our &C
QuaintanCe will confirm much of
what he said. Those who have the
vision and constructive ability to
build for their own future success
fully--and these would not ncccssar-
lily include the Hct-rich-quick va
riety-posscsS qualities that may be
made very useful to their fellows.
Certainly they shouldn't be tliscour-
aged in making ? decent attempt to
= be helpful. If George Washington
had been discouraged most will agree
that it would have been very bad for
what is now the United States of
America. pretty good country, to
have in the world. 1t will be a better
country when it can make better use