Evening star., 1939-09-17

compatible with successful diplo-
macy as they are with national
dignity. We should especially cul-
tivate and extend our diplomatic
and commercial relations with the
Central and South American states"
Many of Gen. Harrisons finest
expressions and most brilliant
flashes of oratory were made ex-
temporaneously. Other speeches
were carefully prepared, polished,
revised and rewritten into oratorical
gems.
Dignity always marked the words
Of that law-trained statesman.
Never did he utter a careless word
bordering on the vulgar or COM
monplace even in the white heat of
political enthusiasm. His COM
mand of the language was pro.
found. He could think creatively
and logically on his feet, and convey
his ideas convincingly. His expires.
sions were always polished. Re.
flnement and calmness marked the
operations of his mind Statesman.
ship and patriotism found express
sion constantly in his spirit and his
ideas.
In his inaugural address on
March 4, 1889, President Harrison
urged constructive citizenship.
Let us exalt patriotism" he as
serted, land moderate our party
contentious. Let those who would
die for the flag on the field of
battle give better proof of their
patriotism and higher glory to
their country by promoting fra
/ ternlty and justice"
President Harrisons ancestors
played important political roles
since the early days of the Virginia
Colony. Maj. Gen. Thomas Harri-
son, a trusted follower of Oliver
Cromwell, had signed the death
warrant of King Charles I and
later was hanged when Charles II
was restored to the British throne.
Five Benjamin Harrisons partici-
pated in Colonial affairs, but it was
the fifth who had the honor Of be-
ing a signer of the Declaration of
Independence and later serving for
three terms as Governor of Virginia.
That statesman, an intimate
friend of Gen. Washington, had a
son named William Henry. This
young man planned to be a doctor,
so he began the study of medicine
at Philadelphia. Then Indian wars
broke out in the wilderness of
| the Ohio and Wabash Valleys.
Young Harrison's blood was stirred.
He obtained an ensign's commission
from President Washington and
headed for the frontier as a soldier.
William Henry Harrison at the
amazingly early age of 81 was made
Governor of the Indiana Territory
and of Upper Louisiana. That was
in 1900. Chief Tecumseh's confer
ence with Gov. Harrison at his Vim
cennes home along the Wabash is
a classic of frontier history. Har-
rison's battle of Tippecanoe In No
vember, 1911, was the last major
Indian conflict on Indiana soil.
William Henry Harrison later
served in Congress and was elected
ninth President of the United
States. One month after his in
auguration he died.
The fifth of his 10 children was
John Scott Harrison, born at Vim
cennes. He became a farmer on
400 acres owned by his father at
North Bend, Ohio, near the con-
/ fluence of the Miami and Ohio Riv-
ers. He was twice elected to Con-
gress from the Cincinnati district.
as Democrat.
On this North Bend farm, August
20, 1888. Benjamin was born. His
boyhood was spent on the farm.
He was wiry, tow-headed. slender
boy of when his grandfather was
elected President.
Studied Law at Cincinnati.
Graduated from Miami University
in 1852, Benjamin began law study
at Cincinnati, then married his
college sweetheart and at the age
of 20 took his bride to Indianapolis
Caroline Scott Harrison, that girl
bride who helped young Harrison
rise to the top of his profession,
became founder of the Daughters
of the American Revolution. Next
october II national D. A. r. officers
will contribute life-sized portrait
of her to the Harrison Memorial
Home at ceremonies in Indianapo-
lis. Mrs. Harrison died at the White
House.
The Harrison Memorial Home
contains many of the former Presi-
dents possessions. Visitors there
see his law books in the large IL
brary room where he conferred with
so many of the Nations great.
Along hallway walls are paintings
by Caroline Scott Harrison. Most
of the furniture is authentic. In
the new museum are banners used
in the 1888 campaign, personal gifts
Harrison received as a Civil War
officer, more books from his private
library and numerous interesting
pictures Of historic importance. A
few possessions of William Henry
Harrison are included.
Harrison mementoes and relics
are constantly being added, increas-
ing national interest in this museum.
Mr.. Harrison returned to his In
dianapolis home after he left the
White House and continued law
practice until his death in 1901.
Throughout his later life he was
acclaimed as the first citizen of
Indiana.
Released by the North American
Newspaper Alliance, Inc)