Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-02-21
THE aaND OF FEBRUARy

To morrow, Thursday is the 22nd of Fab-
ruary, the anniversary of that day that gave n
America GEORGE WASHINGTON, who was sshrst
in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of
his Countrymen-" In recalling to mind his
glorious achievements, and the sound maxims
of policy which he bas transmitted to posteri-
ty, it will not be amiss, perhaps, to give his
views of the principles held by the much per-
secuted and much slandered American partv
Of the present day. ss.4 democratic paper.,,
and similar popish organs, may pour out their
slang and denunciations those who have
ayowed American sentiments, but they dare
not touch with their calumny the fair fame,
and liberal principles of GEORGE WASHINGTON.
In the fourth volume of Sparks Washington
papers, page 446, viii be found the following
letters
WHITE PLAINS, July 24, 177S.
70 Coz. Morris, Esq.-Dear Sir:-The de-
sign Of this is to touch cursorily upon sub
ject Of very great Importance to the well be-
ing OF these States; much more SO than viii
appear at first view. | mean the appointment
OF so many foreigners to office OF high rank
and trust in our service.
The lavish manner IN which rank has bfth-
cTto been bestowed on these gentlemen, viii
certainly be productive of one or the other Of
two eyils-either TO make Us despicable in the
eyes Of Europe. or become a means of pour
ing them Ia upon us like torrent and adding
to our present burden.
But it is neither the expense or trouble of
them | most dread; there is an evil more ex
tensiye in its nature and fatal in its consa
quenceS TO be apprehended, and that is the
driving OF all our officers out Of the service.
and throwing not only our own army, but our
military councils, entirely into the hands of
foreigners.
The officers, my dear sir, 0nw whom you must
depend for the defence OF this cause, diStin-
guished by length of service and military mer-
it, Will not submit much, If any longer, to the
unnatural promotion OF men over them, who
have nothing more than little plausibility.
unbounded pride and ambition, and a perse-
verance in the application to support their
pretentions, not to be resisted but by uncOm-
mon firmness; men acho, in he first instance.
tell you they teisb for nothing more than The hon.
Of serciAg IN SO glorious cause as rolaateers,
the nert dag solicit ronk iri5hoat pay; Ike dag
t0ttoWiRg JuGHt money GdUGRced TO them, and ia
the course Of 1oees lrant farther pTotscti0a.-
The expediency and policy ofthe measure re-
quires TO be considered, and whether it is Con-
sistent with justice or prudence 20 promote
these military fortune hunters at the hazard
Of our army.
Baron StGben, now find is wanting to quit
his inspectorShip for command in the line.
This viii be productive Of much discomfort.
In word, although L think the Baron an ez-
cellent officer, do most deUotedly IRISH that 5e
lad not a single foreigner Ganong as, except tho
Marquis de Lafayette, who acts upon very diff
ferent principles from those which govern the
rest. Adieu
am, most sincerely yours,
G. WASHINGTON.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. Il, 1874.
To John .8dGms, Vice President Of the U. S.
Dear Sir Ny opinion with respect to
imrai grafton is, that except of useful me-
chanias and some particular description o.
men and professions, there is no use Of Ell
cOuragemeCt. / am, etc,