Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 February 1910 — HERO AND STATESMAN. [ARTICLE]

HERO AND STATESMAN.

Washington Well Earned the Place He Holds In History. Our country has among Its statesmen many noble and worthy men whose names and good deeds should not be forgotten and whose memories should live forever In the hearts of a grateful and liberty-loving people. Of all these, Washington stands pre-emi-nently at the head. Naturally, and very' rightly, he holds the first place in our thoughts and in our patriotic affections. The anniversary of his birth has long been a legal holiday, and if not observed with the same demonstrations of enthusiasm that mark Independence day, is yet enough of an event to turn our minds towards this great and commanding figure in American history, to keep before us this noble character and to stimulate within us a truer love of our country, together with a broader and higher devotion to those, principles of human liberty for which Washington and our fathers fought. Washington well earned the place he holds in history and in the hearts of his countrymen; and while he was only human and, therefore, subject to human frailties and weaknesses, he was, at the same time, and despite these facts, a great and a noble character. A study of the man, as shown in his career from a surveyor to president of the United States, discloses, we think, the leading traits of his character. In the first place, he was of a thoughtful, deliberative nature. He was possessed of tremendous will force, and this faculty, turned as.it was Jn his case into the right channels, enabled him to carry forward that work of self-training which he began in his early youth and continued, so far as we know, to the close of his long and eventful career. He was studious in his habits, loved truth, honesty and sobriety; and these virtues, with the constant use of his reflective powers, soon gave to him a Judgment ripened by thoughtful observation, far superior to that possessed by most men of twice his age and experience. His innate modesty, too. Is well known. In about,, the only letter to his wife that has been preserved he assures her that he did not seek the high place which the continental congress had given him as commander In chief of the American army. He also te'ls her In the same epistle that he could not shirk the grave responsibilities thus thrust upon him and that he could not, without bringing reproach and disgrace to his good name, decline the proffered honor. At the same time he expresses his fears as to bis ability to handle the great interests intrusted to him. but adds, with modest confidence that he will do the best he can and leave the rest to that Provi. dence who had all along guided and protected him in every Important undertaking. This, then, is enough for us to know, that he did succeed in his new and responsible position, and in the discharge of his duties as commander in chief displayed the heroism, fortitude and courage that won for him the undying love and veneration of every true American. Why should we, then, both-

er about the minor blemishes, if there were any, of such a man? We was still the great general, the patient, uncomplaining patriot, sharing the sufferings and hardships of his faithful soldiers, and never, for one instant, swerving in his splendid devotion to his country and the great cause of human liberty. Washington was a hero. He was also a patriot and a statesman. And let us rather be guilty, in his case, of a little hero worship than forget what he did for his country and humanity.