Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-19
YORKTOWN SPIRIT
IS NEEDED TODAY,
HOOVER DECLARES
President Calls Upon Nation
to Solve Problems With
Courage of Foretathers.
SPEAKS ON BATTLEFIELD
BEFORE VAST THRONG
Stirring Atmosphere of War for
Independence Recreated
for Fete.
BY JOSEPH S. EDGERTON,
STAFF Correspondent of The Star.

4OHh 1OWN, va, OCIODer ~. -
Calling upon the American people to
turn to the solution of the distressing
national problems of today with the
courage displayed by their forefathers.
President Hoover today brought to a
climax four days of celebration of the
American victory here $50 years ago,
which created the Nation.
The Presidents plea for courage and
patience in time of temporary dislo-
cations" was made on the battlefield
where the first President brought to a
glorious close nearly seven years of mill
tary struggle and nearly century of
political striving for American freedom.
Standing on the soil where American
soldiers won for American citizens the
right to solve their own problems, the
President called upon his fellow citi-
xens to draw from the past confidence
end faith"
The Presidents Yorktown message
vas delivered in the stirring atmosphere
Of the last day of the American strug-
gle for independence, recreated on the
original battlefield by American troops,
who this afternoon will reproduce the
surrender of Lord Cornwanis to Wash
mgton and Rochambeau.
Four Armies Represented.
Even as the President spoke, more
than 1000 American troops in the uni
forms OF the heroes of the Continental
Army OF Washington and the French
allies and of their British and Hessian
Toes, were gathering on the battlefield
IN the positions held at the close of
hostilitieS $50 years ago today.
Because Of its results. President Hoover
declared, the battle of Yorktown ranks
as one OF the very few decisive battles
IL the history of the world" 1t is ex-
tremely doubtful if the struggle for in
dependence could have succeeded had
Washington lost at Yorktown, he said.
The memory of French aid to the
American Colonies in their struggle
against England, the President said,
has been cherished by all true Ameri-
cans for $50 years and reached its full
flower In the cooperation which the
American people gave to France in
their defense against an overwhelming
enemy.
Petain ana Pershing Present.
The presence in the presidential
stand Of Marshal Henri Petain, SUI
preme commander of the French ARMY
at the close of the World War. and of
Gen. John j. Pershing, the President
said, "sSmbolizes this second comrade-
ship in arms so magnificently begun by
De GraSSe, Lafayette and Rochambeau. "
While the drums of a contingent of
the recreated Colonial Army throbbed
family far across the battlefield, the
President, bareheaded, uncer a brilliant
Fall sun, told great gathering of
American citizens, assembled here from
all parts of the country, that the great
international celebration closing here
today is not in rejoicing for a victory
over the British, but is in gratitude for
the winning of independence.
The long span of history" he said,
will interpret the American War for
Independence and this battle more in
the light of struggle amongst English
speaking people for the establishment
If government of an extension of a
common philosophy of human rights
begun at Runnymede"
The victory of the Americans, the
President said, gave impulse to new
order throughout the world and, while
the SovereigntieS of America and Eng
land definitely diverged at Yorktown,
yet the march of the ideals for which
the Americans fought also went forward
and triumphed in England itself
Lauds Washington's Spirit.
"Our purpose today" the President
said, lis to pay homage to glorious
event in our national history. Among
many benedictions offered to us by this
ceremony, one is renewed acquaintance
with the spirit of George Washington.
The campaign, which led to its final
climax here, established his military
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