“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 of 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 the suggested crown.  He would have no honor which the people did not bestow.

“An interesting fact—­and one which I love to recall—­is that the only time Washington formally addrest the Constitutional Convention during all its sessions over which he presided in this city, he appealed for a larger representation of the people in the National House of Representatives, and his appeal was instantly heeded.  Thus was he ever keenly watchful of the rights of the people in whose hands was the destiny of our Government then as now.

“Masterful as were his military campaigns, his civil administration commands equal admiration.  His foresight was marvelous; his conception of the philosophy of government, his insistence upon the necessity of education, morality, and enlightened citizenship to the progress and permanence of the Republic can not be contemplated even at this period without filling us with astonishment at the breadth of his comprehension and the sweep of his vision.  His was no narrow view of government.  The immediate present was not the sole concern, but our future good his constant theme of study.  He blazed the path of liberty.  He laid the foundation upon which we have grown from weak and scattered Colonial governments to a united Republic whose domains and power as well as whose liberty and freedom have become the admiration of the world.  Distance and time have not detracted from the fame and force of his achievements or diminished the grandeur of his life and work.  Great deeds do not stop in their growth, and those of Washington will expand in influence in all the centuries to follow.

“The bequest Washington has made to civilization is rich beyond computation.  The obligations under which he has placed mankind are sacred and commanding.  The responsibility he has left, for the American people to preserve and perfect what he accomplished, is exacting and solemn.  Let us rejoice in every new evidence that the people realize what they enjoy, and cherish with affection the illustrious heroes of Revolutionary story whose valor and sacrifices made us a nation.  They live in us, and their memory will help us keep the covenant entered into for the maintenance of the freest Government of earth.