Oh, my friends, we must live so that the spirit of these men shall settle all about our lives and deeds; so that the patriotism of their service shall burn as a fire in the hearts of all who shall follow them.  The Constitution which came from one, the universal liberty which came from the other, must be set in our hearts as institutions in the blood of our race, so that this Government shall not perish until every drop of that blood has been shed in its defense; and we shall behold the flag of our country as the beautiful emblem of their unselfish lives, whose red ran out of a soldier’s heart, whose white was bleached by a nation’s tears, whose stars were hung there to sing together until the eternal morning when all the world shall be free.

FOOTNOTE: 

[7] Extract from an address on the occasion of the celebration of Washington’s Birthday by the Ellicott Club of Buffalo, New York, February 22, 1906.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WASHINGTON[8]

BY WILLIAM McKINLEY

Fellow Citizens:—­There is a peculiar and tender sentiment connected with this memorial.  It expresses not only the gratitude and reverence of the living, but is a testimonial of affection and homage from the dead.

The comrades of Washington projected this monument.  Their love inspired it.  Their contributions helped to build it.  Past and present share in its completion, and future generations will profit by its lessons.  To participate in the dedication of such a monument is a rare and precious privilege.  Every monument to Washington is a tribute to patriotism.  Every shaft and statue to his memory helps to inculcate love of country, encourage loyalty and establish a better citizenship.  God bless every undertaking which revives patriotism and rebukes the indifferent and lawless!  A critical study of Washington’s career only enhances our estimation of his vast and varied abilities.

As Commander-in-chief of the Colonial armies from the beginning of the war to the proclamation of peace, as president of the convention which framed the Constitution of the United States, and as the first President of the United States under that Constitution, Washington has a distinction differing from that of all other illustrious Americans.  No other name bears or can bear such a relation to the Government.  Not only by his military genius—­his patience, his sagacity, his courage, and his skill—­was our national independence won, but he helped in largest measure to draft the chart by which the Nation was guided; and he was the first chosen by the people to put in motion the new Government.  His was not the boldness of martial display or the charm of captivating oratory, but his calm and steady judgment won men’s support and commanded their confidence by appealing to their best and noblest aspirations.  And withal Washington was ever so modest that at no time in his career did his personality seem in the least intrusive.  He was above the temptation of power.  He spurned any suggested crown.  He would have no honor which the people did not bestow.