Governor Wilson's Visit to Staunton

GOVERNOR WILSON'S VISIT TO STAUNTON.It is a very human impulse that takes Governor Wilson back today to the little city where he was born, and which, in spite of winter weather and the risks of exposure, made it impossible for him to decline the invitation of his native community. His is, in the best sense of the term, a “sentimental journey,” a journey which appeals to the hearts of political friends and foes alike; and we believe that with one accord American men and women will sympathize with him and the good people of Staunton in this pretty home-coming and in the fine and genuine sentiment it represents. We do not recall an exactly similar experience on the part of any former President, or any community demonstration of precisely the same character, and it forms an exceedingly pleasant and sweet interlude between the clashes of political arms.
In revisiting as President-elect the place where he was born and clebrating his birthday there, the Governor goes back to a very congenial atmosphere. Staunton is a small but by no means insignificant city. Situated in a mountain country which became famous during the Civil War as the scene of brilliant military achievements and important operations, it is historically a part of classic ground that must always be full of interest to Americans. Many of the first settlers in that beautiful and inspiring section were of Scotch-Irish blood, and it was in accordance with the eternal fitness of things that a quiet Presbyterian “professor” should have made the Valley immortal by his wonderful military genius. All the territory thereabouts has been fertile of strong men, vigorous in mentality and body. Staunton itself has been a centre of social elegance, culture and legal ability. Its bar has included men of national reputation, and at times has been illuminated by legal lights of the first class.
It seems something more than an accident of birth that made Woodrow Wilson a native of a section that has been so long identified with strength and earnestness, courage and intellect. At all events, his birthplace was in harmony with the man it produced, and some, at least, of its inspiration finds expression in the genius and character of the son who returns to her motherly arms today.