School sing in closing “Speed Our Republic” etc., or some other patriotic hymn.

* * * * *

SOMETHING BETTER

BY CLARA J. DENTON

For a Very Little Girl

  I cannot be a Washington,
    However hard I try,
  But into something I must grow
    As fast the days go by.

  The world needs women, good and true,
    I’m glad I can be one,
  For that is even better than
    To be a Washington.

* * * * *

THE STATES CROWNING WASHINGTON

BY KATE BOWLES SHERWOOD

For Forty-five Children

This exercise will require forty-five children, boys or girls, or both, as most convenient.  Where a stage and curtain are obtainable, have the speakers grouped upon the stage at rise of curtain.  If a stage and curtain are impossible let the speakers sit near the platform, each coming forward quickly, as the predecessor retires.  A bust or framed portrait of Washington must occupy the center of the stage or platform; surrounding it must be an arch containing forty-five nails.  Each speaker at the close of speech hangs upon a nail the wreath he or she carries.  Where flowers cannot be obtained in the winter time, use wreaths of evergreen.  If a stage is possible, but not a curtain, the States may form at back of schoolroom and march upon the stage in time to martial or patriotic music.  Each State may wear a badge with name if convenient.

  1.  Maine comes marching on as one
  To crown immortal Washington.

  2.  New Hampshire brings him honor, too,
  In offerings both sweet and true.

  3.  Vermont here comes to take her stand
  To crown him with a lavish hand.

  4.  Massachusetts, Pilgrim state,
  Proclaims him hero grand and great.

  5.  Rhode Island comes with willing feet
  To place a garland fair and sweet.

  6.  Connecticut, with laurel’s light,
  Would keep our hero’s honor bright.

  7.  New York, a mighty empire now,
  Still crowns her gallant leader’s brow.

  8.  Pennsylvania holds him great,
  Who spurned a crown to make a state.

  9.  New Jersey, Trenton can’t forget,
  Her hero claims her honor yet.

  10.  Delaware will wreathe her bays
  To tell our hero’s matchless praise.

  11.  Maryland crowns the peaceful heart
  Unspoiled by cruel deed or art.

  12.  Virginia hails her first-born son,
  The proud and peerless Washington.

  13.  West Virginia will proclaim
  The splendors of a patriot’s name.

  14.  North Carolina’s wreath is brought
  To him who independence wrought.

  15.  South Carolina follows on
  To twine a wreath for Washington.