“From the dawn of intellect and freedom Greece has been a watchword on the earth.  There rose the social spirit to soften and refine her chosen race, and shelter as in a nest her gentleness from the rushing storm of barbarism; there liberty first built her mountain throne, first called the waves her own, and shouted across them a proud defiance to despotism’s banded myriads, there the arts and graces danced around humanity, and stored man’s home with comforts, and strewed his path with roses, and bound his brows with myrtle, and fashioned for him the breathing statue, and summoned him to temples of snowy marble, and charmed his senses with all forms of eloquence, and threw over his final sleep their veil of loveliness; there sprung poetry, like their own fabled goddess, mature at once from the teeming intellect, gilt with arts and armour that defy the assaults of time and subdue the heart of man; there matchless orators gave the world a model of perfect eloquence, the soul the instrument on which they played, and every passion of our nature but a tone which the master’s touch called forth at will; there lived and taught the philosophers of bower and porch, of pride and pleasure, of deep speculation, and of useful action, who developed all the acuteness and refinement, and excursiveness, and energy of mind, and were the glory of their country when their country was the glory of the earth.”

William McKinley

An eloquent speech, worthy of close study, is that of William McKinley on “The Characteristics of Washington.”  As you read it aloud, note the short, clear-cut sentences used in the introduction.  Observe how the long sentence at the third paragraph gives the needed variation.  Carefully study the compact English style, and the use of forceful expressions of the speaker, as “He blazed the path to liberty.”

“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.