New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-07-21
WASHINGTON on SLAVERY.

That the history of mankind presents no character
unop the whole more deserving of spec and admirs-
tion than GEORGE WAsHINGToN's, is 8 trlte OBSERVE
ton yet very few of those who most unhesita'insy
assent to its justice are aware, or have taken any
pains to inform themselves Of the grounds upon which
il rests nor even among the special students OF our
history is there apt to exist any adequate impression
Of the abilities any more than of the peculiar virtues
which first compelled and have since preserved so
profound and universal an homage to his name. The
lives of great en are wont to shine with the brightest
luster when first exhibited to the world; their
passions powers. and meritorious deeds are seldom
displayed more effectively, or with more Uniform
ex.elance than in funeral Oraons and memoirs com-
posed for contemporary appreciation But the case oil
Washington is exception; his reputation has
grown with every year since his death, while the
mild and searching beams Of historical truth have
swept away many an apparent blemish, as the sun
sw.eps from mountain the clouds which have been
thrown about il in the night.
That foresight which nothing could surprise, that
Judgment which nothing could deceive, that wisdom
of which the resources were apparently incapable OF
exhaustion that ndomiabe energy and perseverance,
and resolute but modest spirit which entered into his
nature are at length generally seen and confessed;
but there are two points connected with his fame
which have been contemplated with regret by those
who would gladly have recognised in the Father of
Lis Country harmonious combination OF the
most shining qualities of manhood.
OF these two points, that which has been most fire.
quentIy dwet upon is certain meanness of personal
expenditure ard tleness in private affairs, alleged
10 be altogether inconsistent with the beraity of his
fortune the dignity of the situation to which he was
called and the intellectual and moral elevation claimed
for him. The other is that he was STAKEHOLDER, aud
voluntarily left to Slavery the support of his example
and approval.
We are fortunately in possession of ample evidence
Of he Injustice of both these allegations.
That Washington was careful and economical in the
administration Of his domestic concerns is uEques.
tionaby true but this in no degree consequence
OF inordiDate selfshness; he was simply honest-ln-
exOraby Just in all the relations of llte-and to be
So to maintain that repectability of external appear
ances which he considered necessary for one who had
occupied so largely the attention of the word-wltd-
out living beyond his means without running into
debt beyond the sanctions of hOnesty-it was indis
peusable that be should husband all his resources and
apply every energy of industry and slgacy to render
more productive an estate which his long career OF
military and civil public service had compelled him to
neglect.
Washington was STAKEHOLDER in the first place by
inheritance and afterward as trustee The larger
number Of TIE slaves his estate it was not in his
power to lberate under any circumstances, and his
poverty alone prevented him from giving the others
TIER freedom lie never defended Slavery, he never
even apooezed for it: he clearly foresaw the array of
II ;,.aI nd rnor.l af ChrisfpnlOm
against il, and that it would become of bitter
and unending contention between the North and the
South. and between the wise and virtuOus and the
bigoted and proAigate portions of the community;
and be was so much Abo.tiOnist that We may we'll
believe he would have given his life itself to have
saved his country from the misfortune and dishonor
inseparable from continuance of the institution.
We conclude these obseryat with an impressive
extract from hitherto unpublished letter of Wash
ington to Tobias Lear, written from Philadelphia
the 9TH of May, 1894, while Mr.. Lear was in Great
Britain, charged with negotiations for the sale of
considerable portion Of Washington slanded estate:
have scrupe in dsclo,ing to you that my motives
these selos TO reduce my income be it less
to speciaties that the remainder of my days may
thereby be tranquil and free from care and that
may je eHa5Ied kaorHg What my dependence IS, TO do as
much good as my resources rM GdmH Tor ahough IN the
estimation OF the world possess good and clear estate
yet unproductive is it, tina; an ceaae, ashamed TO
rfsse aid rhieL cannot afford, unie, seH part Of 10
his PurPose Besides these, have another mo-
tive which makes me EARNESTLY wish for these things
is INDEED MORE POWERFUL THAN ALL THE REST;
namely, 10 eroe certain species Of property Thich
possess reTy repugnaHdy to my 0rH feelings, bit Th'ct
,mFerioNs necessity eompels Until substitute some
ether ezped'e Jy rleh exPeHss not IN my pOrer to arOid
lorerer rel disposed may Je to do IL be derayed.
After reading these words who shall accuse Wash
pgton parsimOny, cite bis venerable and sacred
name as that of an apolOgist for Slavery
The Illinois State Register has abored long and earn.