Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-02

CONTINUED From Third Page.)
of proof that present thought and feel
ing are nodded by the past. No value ia
sentiment? Make a proposal tonight to
tear down a landmark, remove the hall
lowed relics of a museum, or bring low
a monument, and guarantee a wave of
public protest that will put you at your
wits ends to still.
Do we sense as we go about our dailv
tasks that the very atmosphere of this
city rouseS memories OF great person
ages and of great events? Pennsylvania
avenue has resounded to the tramn of
political and military legions. It has vi
brated under the ponderous impact of
armored tanks and the rumbline wheels
of artillery. The pomp and panopIv OF
foreign powers is no stranger here.
That city can boast the two hundred
I'D, white and blue shields that are
found at various places throughout this
city? Do you know what they are?
They are symbols of imperishable senti-
ment, tmportunate signs that say to the
pasSerby, Stop moment and take
thought, for here history was made. -
And he who does, comes to a better un-
Outstanding of his country's travails and
triumphs. Why. the very bricks and
stones and streets Of this city are pro-
fessorS of history.
What var1egated texture we find in
WaShington's history. Here debauchery
ana corruption have held sway in high
places. Here we have had indecent
scrambling for political prefermentS
and to the ears Of citizens the ominous
sounds OF battle have been borne by the
fateful winds.
But also here men have planned great
projects and performed prodigies OF
courage and devotion to principle and
to country.
And I doubt If there is one here to-
night who has not stood a time in
reverent silence among the tombS of our
heroic dead. The crypts of Arlington
ana st. Adams are powerful influences
IN the land Of the living. Citizens OF
other cities regard a visit to Washington
as pilgrimage to shrine.
Roles Of Grace and Beauty.
Grace and beauty have plaved roles
no less renowned than the strategy OF
craftsmanship and war, and the charm
OF their presence still persists in the
OLD houses. A hard-boiled real estate
man told me once he believed every
OLD mouse had a SOUL He saw in each
one OF them the imprint of the former
owners record of life and living. This
real estate man knows the value of sem
tlment, because every old house does
nave soul. The softening touch of age
has descended upon it. It has met the
world and the weather on even terms
ana survived with dignity. Its door
ways are inviting. There is hospitality
IN It's corridors. On its rooms have been
lavished the loving care of a wounan's
hands. It has felt the glow of many
cheerful fires,
Take a walk with me. There Is
Tudor place, in Georgetown, where
washington and Lafayette and MANY
another distinguished guest were enter
tanned. Not far from it is the
Bellevue" where a Presidents wife
Dolly. Madison. found refuge from the
invasion by the British; from there
Sne took up her residence IN the
famous "Octagon" house, with its secret
doors and panels. Only a block away
from here Is the house built by Conn
modore Decator, hero of the war with
the Tripoli pirates, and where his
broken body was carried to his bride
after a duel of which she was unaware
And across from the State Department
Building is the house built by Francis
Preston Blair, where Gen. Lee was
offered the command of the Union
troops.
WHen you pass ST. johns Church do
you get the fun significance of why 1t
is called THE Church of the Presi-
dents? Stop moment and realize
that over those stones and into that
door came Presidents Madison, Monroe,
John Quincy Adams, Jackson, Van
Buren,, Harrison, Tyler, Fillmore, Blu
chanan and Arthur.
Story Of Our Life Written Here.
On every hand Washington is touched
with an historical significance. Here
has been written the story of our ma
tional life. Tragedy and sorrow have
Stalked here. Men burdened with great
cares have sought solace in the silent