Show Gladstone on Washington When I first read in detail the life of Washington I was profoundly impressed Tub the moral elevation and greatness of ha character and I found myself at a loss to name among the statesmen of my age or country many or possible any could be his rival In saying this I aim no disparagement to the class of ylticians the men of my own craft and fcfo whom in my own land and myTh my-Th experience I have found no less TOrtiy than other men of love and adoration ad-oration I could name among them those who seem to come near even to hm But I will shut out the last half century from the comparison I will then toy that if among all the pedestals Applied by history for public character of extraordinary nobility and purity I W one higher than all the rest and if I were required at a moments notice to name the fittest occupant for it I think my choice at any time during the last fortyfive years wonld have lighted and It would now light upon Washington |