The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1881-02-22
WnshIuEtOn's BIrthdRy.


WashIugIOn's BIPihday.
This sdsy is the 14Oth anniversary Of the
birth Of George Washington, the Father
ofbls Country. He was born on the I'D
Of February, 1882, in Westmorelaud coun'
~ Va, and died on the l4th Of December,
l7g0 At Mt. Vernon. The spot Of his birth
vmpot far away from the spot where he
died but there was q gap Of sixty'seven
vpars between them that made both for
aver memorable in American history.
Every day throughout the year, OF ten
o'clock Ia the forenoon, there ia boat
that leaves the wharf at Washington City
for Mt, Vernon, eighteen miles distant
carving a number Of pilgrims from all
marta Of the United States 10 see the home
where lived and died the great and good
man who was first In war, frat In peace,
and Arst in the hearts Of his Countrymen."
This is a scene that can be witnessed
no whero else in our land, and perhaps
M where else in the civilized world. The
bell Of the steamer begins. to toll when
she comes within sight Of the famous
spot, and Immediately all conversation Is
subdued and all faces assume reveren'
tisl mien. Passengers leave the cabin to
pats at the outlines Of the Washington
estate, and to scan the ancient cottage
mansion that sits amidst the trees back
on the bluff. After landing at the pier
The visitors are conducted in procession
by the Superintendent Of the estate to the
mansion, passing the tomb in the side ot
the bluff on their way, and halting at
short intervals to take In the scene aud
realize that this Is the hallowed ground
where the most illustrious citizen Of the
Republic walked and spent the evening Of
bis days.
There must have been something very
pNuar in the history Of this man thus to
have inspired the hearts Of posterity. The
Americans are not q sentimental people,
but the name and fame oi George Wash
ington awaken a species OF religious affec'
ton in their hearts. They remember that
at one time lie held the destiny Of the
country in the hollow Of his hand; that
he was the successful hero Of the war Of
the Revolution; that he lived in military
age; that he was surrounded by ambitious
men who were ready at the word 10 pro-
claim him King. Yet 80 noble was his
mature, so generous his instincts, 80 calm
hs reason, 80 prophetic his vision, and 80
st1stened his ambition, that putting aside
the crown he rode on horseback to the
Continental Congress, sitting at AnnSpo.
lis, and voluntarily surrenderlng his com.
mission as Commander.in.chiet Of the
army, retired, as did the great Roman
Oincinnatus, to his farm, and To the simple
and peaceful pursuits Of agriculture that
were 80 Congenial to his great nature.
There he remained Until called 10 pre-.
side over the convention oil Colonial dele.
gates convened at Philadelphia in
l1s7 to frame the Constitution Of the
United States Of America. When that
memorable work was done, and when
jealousy and contention were rife over
some Of It's provisions, Washington rose
from bis seat and taking bis pen In hand
pronounced these immortal and pro-
phe.ie words: "shotid the United States
reject this excellent Constitution, the
probability is that an opportunity will
never again be offered to cancel another
in peace. the next will be drawn In
blood."
twas the transcendent popularity Ct
Washington that secured the adoption Of
the Constitution by the people Of the
United States. II was this unbounded
popularity also that made him the unani.
nuus choice Of the people for fitst Presi.
dent Of Lhen republic. Much against hiS
will he accepted the position. He wanted
10 remain in the quiet Of his home al Mt.
Vstnch, but the people would not permit
him. And although his administration
was marked by dissensions among the
membets Of his Cabinet, yet so great
and grand was his petsonal lnfu.
ehCe that he succeeded In re.
pressing them, and for the second
time was inanlmously elected Chief Mag.
istfate Of the nation. After he had finished
his second term, and returned otce more
TO h is estate, he was called again 10 the
head of the army, because Of appYehend.
ed war with FfanCe, and msdS Hfienten.
antGenefal oi the armies Of the United
States" When this cloud lifted ltom ei,T
horizon his sword was returned 10 il6
sheath never 10 be tedrawn, and he Closed
his days as q simple Virginia planter,
giving bis petsonal attention daily "a
every detail OF bis farm. BY exposure on
the Ia element day oi December 18th, l799
he took cold and grew worse, almoei
hourly, AID between ten and clever
o'clock on the night Of the l4lh bic gfea
spirit passed aNsN He met death with
the calm resignation that he had mel
every yiCipsitude Of life, and bis lAst word
were ut Ia we'll" The epllaph accorded
him at his death is that WhlGh poSLeflGI
sui aecords him, "the greatest 81 goct
men, and the bestoi great men,"