Evening star., 1926-04-20
TEXT OF COOLIDCE'S ADDRESS
TO ID. A. II. AT MEMORIAL HALL

TO ID. A. II. AT
The President s speech. delivered
! last night before the Daughters of the
American Revolution at Memorial
Continental Hall. follows in full:
: Members of the Daughters of the
American Revolution:
! Coming TO address the Thirty fifth
! Continental Congress of the National
! Society OF the Daughters Of the Amari-
! can Revolution reminds me that
j have had that privilege several times
in the past. You represent one of
the most distinguished patriotic orders
of our Nation in cherishing the mem
ory Of the people and the record of
the events of the great struggle which
resulted in American independence.
I Il is marked honor to he invited to
speak in Your presence But | do not
wish to be the sole recipient of such
opportunity. Perhaps You might
profit by some change in the future.
In fresh view Of a great period, ami
mated by great purpose, consecrated
/ by a great result, you are more likely
to secure much larger inspiration.
In Massachusetts the 18th of April
is known as Patriots day 1t is hon
ored and set apart. The whole Ma
ton is coming more and more to OBJ
serve it. AS the time lengthens from
the occurrences of 1775, its significance
becomes more apparent and its impor-
tance moro real. 1t stands out as
one of the great days in history, not
because it can be said the American
Revolution actually began there, but
because on that occasion it became ap-
parent that the patriots were deter
mined to defend their rights.
Lauds Practical Idealism.
The Revolutionary period has al
ways appeared to me to be significant
for three definite reasons: The people
of that day had ideals for the advance
ment of human welfare. They kept
their ideals within the bounds Of what
was practical, according to the results
of past experience. They did not hest
tate to make the necessary sacrifice
to establish those ideals in a workable
form of political institutions. AS l
have examined the record of your
society, l believe that it is devoted to
the same principles of practical ideal
ism enshrined in institutions by sacri-
flee.
This is but the natural inheritance
of those who are descended from
Revolutionary times In this day, with
our broadened view of the Importance
of women in working out the destiny
of mankind. there will be, none to
deny that as there were fathers in our
republic so there were mothers. If
they did not take part in the formal
deliberations, yet by their abiding
faith they inspired and encouraged
the men; by their sacrifice they per-
formed their part in the struggle out
of which came our country.
Cites Women's Courage.
We read Of the flaming plea of
Hannah Arnett, which she made on
u t'feary day in December, 1876. when
Lord COrnWalliS, VictoriuS at Fort
Lee, held a strategic position in New
Jersey. A group of the Revolutionists,
weary and discouraged, were dis
cussing the advisability of giving up
the struggle. Casting aside the prop
critics which forbade a woman to in
terfere in the counsels of men, Hannah
Arnett proclaimed her faith In elo-
quent words, which at once shamed
and stung to action, she convinced her
husband and his companions that
Righteousness must win. Who has
not heard Of Molly Pitcher. whose
heroic services at the Battle on Mon
mouth helped the sOrely tried army of
George Washington! We have been
told of the unselfish devotion of the
women who gave their own warm gar
ments to fashion clothing for the
suffering Continental army during
that bitter Winter at Valley Forge.
The burdens of the war were not all
borne by the men.
Such a record made it eminently
fitting that in the course of time there
should be founded the Daughters of
the American Revolution. Starting
in 1890, small in numbers but great
in purpose, it is little wonder your
society has grown great in member
ship and influence. From four
chapters and 800 members at the end
of the first six months, it has reached
a total enrolment of more than
10000, and a chapter roll of over
900. In recent years there have
been periods when new members have
been taken in at the rate of 1000
month TRULY a powerful force for
good in our country-such a body of
high-minded women with such a herit-
dSS "a Sel(A AitNC eNAib NS'c1ACi " NAA
ideal, What possibilities for future
service rest in such devoted body Of
citizens!
Quotes ID. 4. X. COnetitution.
have been reading your constitu-
ton and considering the objects of
your society there set forth. 1t de-
clares your purpose:
ITO perpetuate the memory and
spirit of the men and women who
achieved American independence, by
the acquisition and protection of his
torical spots and the erection of
="
How we'll this has been carried out
is known to all who have visited such
spots. That 1t has been done is
reason for your existence Who can
measure the inspiration that may be
drawn from such symbols Of heroic
deeds.
You have encouraged research into
history, published the
results, aided in the preservation of
documents and relics, of the individ-
ual service records of soldiers and
patriots. You have promoted the cele-
bration of patriotic anniversaries.
Worthy acts of service to the Nation,
each and every one!
Vor IN nroYn0fQ inStitJl.