The address which forms this little book was not intended for
publication. It was prepared to be delivered at the celebration of the
Public Schools on the 22d inst. After it was delivered, Commissioners
of Public Schools and others regarded it as being worthy of a general
circulation in some convenient form, so that whatever benefit might be
derived from its use should not be limited to the pupils of the Public
Schools, but shared by the youth of our city and country, so far as the
same may be practicable. With this view the address was solicited for
publication by the Committee of Arrangements.
As usefulness was the aim of the author in preparing the address, he
hopes that every boy who may obtain a copy will read it with a view
to his improvement. Doubtless the model which is presented in our
illustrious WASHINGTON will be found to contain what is excellent and
valuable in character, and worthy the emulation of the American boy.
And if his ambition be excited to the pursuit of that which is high,
and honorable, and virtuous, the expansion of his manly faculties
may develope such character as shall render him a distinguished
man,――distinguished in his deeds, as he is in the proud name he bears
of American citizen.
_July 28, 1846._
[Illustration]
WASHINGTON
THE
MODEL
OF
AMERICAN CHARACTER.
MY YOUNG FRIENDS,
_Pupils of the Public Schools of Baltimore_:
The motto inscribed upon the beautiful banner of your Central High
School is the subject of my remarks to you to-day. PALMAM QUI MERUIT
FERAT――_Let him wear the palm who wins it._ And when I say that this
is a motto worthy of the American youth, I give it a place far above
that which it occupied in the proudest days of Roman honor, or in the
brightest days of Grecian fame. And if you ask me for the proof, I
point you to the American character, more brilliant in its enlightened
freedom, and in its patriotic integrity, than that of Greece or Rome
ever was, and to American institutions, blending republicanism,
intelligence, and religion in a greater degree than they were ever
blended in a nation before. And if you ask me for the cause of the
difference between the character of those ancient nations and their
institutions, and the American character and institutions, I direct you
to one grand distinguishing characteristic, and that is,