Independence Day

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 52, 10 July 1931, Page 8

Independence Day

T the. request of the 1YA_ station director, the American Consul in Auckland, Mr. Boyle, anticipated the 4th of July bya: few days in his:inter~ national talk on Tuesday.. The: speaker referred feelingly ‘to that "Great Father of the United States’-George Washington. As he said, Americans have. been accused ‘of ‘deifying Washington. © Still, they have never exceeded the ° great tribute paid to him by a famous English- ; ; ian, Lord Bryce, who said.... "Washington stands alone and unapproachable, like a snow peak rising above its fellows into the clear air of morning, with a dignity, constancy. and purity which have made him the ideal type of. civic virtue to succeeding generations." _ Very shortly Americans will celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of Washington’s .birth and, as one looks back over the cold history of events to examine his leadership with an unprejudiced eye, one -wonders if the pedestal upon which’ .Washington has been -placed by the American people is really high enough. Mr. Boyle read a few’ excerpts: from Washington’s "Farewell ‘Message to the American "People," ‘some hundred: aid thirty-five years: ago. It is-a> wonder® message | of Council and, Good . Cheer.’ A message’ which ‘must’ ‘have inspired countles$ numbers of’ ‘leaders, bath great and small,, American and.’ otherwise. While space does. not -permit, of a-repeti-tion of. all. the éxtracts. quoted by Mr. Boyle, still, I’ would, like. to quote these words: "Observe ‘good ’ faith | and justice towards all nations;~ peace and harmony with. all. : Religion ‘and? morality enjoin:this conduct;:and,.can-it be that :godd policy does not: ‘equally enjoin it? It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant. ‘period, great nation to give to mankind the maganim-' ous and too: novel -exaniple-.of a: people always guided ‘by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can-doubt that-in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might.:be. lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be

that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation, with its virtue? The experiment, .at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! Is it rendered impossible by its’ vices?" Just how-near to the precepts laid down by their founder, the Americans have steered their country’s destiny, only unbiased and careful students of history may judge. But that these same precepts, had they been addressed to every country in the world and faithfully followed,- would have prevented the Great War and all future possible wars, seems undeniable. Mr, Boyle concluded a valuable talk by expressing gratification on his own and Mrs. Boyle’s part to New. Zealand for having provided them with a second "home" during the last six years. I am sure that Auckland, in particular, will eel richly repaid for any hospitality Rxtended if Mr. and Mrs. Boyle elect to remain with them for many more periods of six years,