Ohio History Journal

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LAFAYETTE'S VISIT TO OHIO VALLEY STATES

LAFAYETTE'S VISIT TO OHIO VALLEY STATES.

 

BY C. B. GALBREATH.

The fame of those who rose to eminence in the American

Revolution is secure. Time has not dimmed the luster of their

achievements or our gratitude for their patriotic service. The

monument reared to them in the hearts of the American people

has withstood the test of the critic, the sneer of the cynic and

the hammer of the iconoclast. This is well. If they have been

idealized and idolized it is not to the discredit of their posterity

and the Republic that they founded.

In the quest for historic truth, however, it is inevitable that

there should be a revision of opinions in regard to incidents and

men. No serious fault can be found with "the man from Mis-

souri" who wishes "to be shown." There can be no objection to

his doubt so long as it is a reasonable and honest doubt. Dispas-

sionate consideration of evidence in the determination of facts

is as timely in historic investigation as in the study of the nat-

ural sciences.  This, however, does not warrant conclusions

based upon unsupported assertion, however novel and original

they may be and however startling because they run counter to

long established public opinion.

The "higher criticism" is entitled to respect and some of its

revelations may well provoke a smile when applied to the ro-

mance and legends of the Revolution.  But the story of the

famous hatchet and cherry tree does not diminish the regard

for the Father of His Country, however much it may shake faith

in the narrative of the Reverend Mason Locke Weems. Nor

shall mirth provoking humor, even when used to camouflage the

keen shafts of sarcasm, prevail against the substantial worth,

the generous enthusiasm and the distinguished achievements of

the compatriots of Washington.

Lafayette has been fittingly styled "the fortunate friend of

liberty in Europe and America," but the success that crowned

his career on this side of the Atlantic was the meed of merit as

well as good fortune. The crowning testimonial to his achieve-

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