During the events of the past two years every thinking man and woman must have been impressed by the gravity of the problems with which our present Chief Executive has been forced to grapple:  problems that have demanded of him many of the great qualities which distinguished our first President.  These problems involved a steady adherence to what is right, a lofty patriotism sinking the individual in the consideration of the public good.  Firmness before the enemy, buoyancy and strength before friends, and humility before the Creator who disposes of all things.  These are elements of character which not only distinguished George Washington, but which I am only echoing public sentiment in saying likewise have distinguished our present Chief Executive, and inspired an affection for and a confidence in the name of William McKinley.

It is peculiarly befitting at this time, therefore, to study those characteristics of great men which enable them to meet great emergencies and at the same time preserve their own simplicity and nobility of character untainted by selfishness.  Of the living we may not speak too freely, but every act and sentiment of him “who by his unwearied exertions in the cabinet and in the field achieved for us the glorious revolution,” is ours for contemplation and comment.  Both time and place are singularly appropriate.  In this city bearing his name, facing the noble shaft erected to his memory, within the territory which he most frequented, and almost in sight of his stately home on the Potomac, it is befitting that we here celebrate his natal day. [Prolonged applause.]

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] Robert G. Ingersoll.

[2] Jay Gould.

[3] TRANSLATION.—­Will you kindly allow me to make my speech in French?  If I address you in a tongue that I do not speak, and that no one here understands, I must lay the entire blame on that unfortunate example of Mr. Coudert.  What I desire to say is—­

[4] TRANSLATION.—­When the heart is full it overflows, and this evening my heart is full of France, but—­

[5] Henry W. Grady.

[6] Glaucopis.

[7] Allusion to John T. Hoffman, who occupied the post of Recorder previous to his election as Mayor.

[8] Mrs. Ripley.

[9] Charles Cotesworth Beaman.

[10] Horace Porter.

[11] Harriet Beecher Stowe, died July 1, 1896.

[12] Abraham Lincoln.

[13] Professor Woodrow Wilson was, at the suggestion of the retiring president (Francis Landey Patton) of Princeton University, unanimously elected to fill his place as president, June 9, 1902.