WASHINGTON BI-CENTENARY

Taranaki Daily News, 1 August 1931, Page 2 (Supplement)

WASHINGTON BI-CENTENARY

CELEBRATION PLANNED, UNITED STATES PREPARATIONS. As long ago as 1924 the United. States Congress approved and recommended a S roper celebration in 1932 of the two undredth anniversary of the birth of that great American, George Washington. In making the decision, Congress expressed the motive “That future generations of American citizens may according to the example and precepts of his exalted life and character and thus perpetuate the American Republic.” . A commission was formed to hear suggestions, devise plans and make arrangements for the celebration on February 22, 1932, and it is expected their celebrations will result in a fitting and impressive ceremonial. In an address to the nation at the time the decision was made, Calvin Coolidge; then President, pointed out the.exact significance of the anniversary' of the birth of sdeh a soldier and statesman. “Wc have seen,” he' said,

"many soldiers who have left behind them little but the memory of their conflicts, but among all the victors the power to establish among a great people a form of self-government which the test of experience has shown will endure was bestowed upon Washington and upon Washington alone. Many others have been able to destroy. He was able to construct. That he had great minds associated with him does not detract froih his great glory. Ho was the directing spirit without which there would have been no indcpctndeiice;' no Union, no Constitution and no Republic. His ways were the. ways' of truth. He built for eternity. His influence grows. His stature increases with the increasing years. In wisdom of action, in purity of character, he stands alone. We cannot yet estimate him. We can only indicate our reverence for him and thank the Divine Providence which sent hint to serve and inspire his fellow men.” The United States Government is embarking on a programme in honour of its first president that will surpass in dignity and impressiveness, any. similar event in the history of the nation.