wn and their country's welfare should
never cease to gaze upon his great example, or to remember that the
brightest gems in the crown of his immortality, the qualities which
uphold his fame on earth and plead for him in heaven, were those
which characterized him as the patient, brave, Christian gentleman.
In this respect he was a blessing to the whole human race no less
than to his own countrymen, to the many millions who annually
celebrate the day of his birth.

Such sentiments fitly illustrate the controlling element of character
which made the conduct of Washington so peerless in the field and in the
chair of state. His first utterances upon assuming command of the
American army before Boston, on the 2d of July, 1775, were a rebuke of
religious bigotry and an impressive protest against gaming, swearing,
and all immoral practices, which might forfeit divine aid in the great
struggle for national independence. Succeeding orders, preparatory to
the battle of Long Island, in August, 1776, breathe the same
spirit,--that which transfused all his activities, as with celestial
fire, until he surrendered his commission with a devout and public
recognition of Almighty God as the author of his success.

FOOTNOTES:

[19] From the "Patriotic Reader." Lippincott Co.

* * * * *

FROM THE "COMMEMORATION ODE"

_World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, October 21, 1892_

BY HARRIET MONROE

WASHINGTON

When dreaming kings, at odds with swift-paced time,
Would strike that banner down,
A nobler knight than ever writ or rhyme
With fame's bright wreath did crown
Through armed hosts bore it till it floated high
Beyond the clouds, a light that cannot die!
Ah, hero of our younger race!
Great builder of a temple new!
Ruler, who sought no lordly place!
Warrior, who sheathed the sword he drew!
Lover of men, who saw afar
A world unmarred by want or war,
Who knew the path, and yet forbore
To tread, till all men should implore;
Who saw the light, and led the way
Where the gray world might greet the day;
Father and leader, prophet sure,
Whose will in vast works shall endure,
How shall we praise him on this day of days,
Great son of fame who has no need of praise?

How shall we praise him? Open wide the doors
Of the fair temple whose broad base he laid.
Through its white halls a shadowy