Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-10-18

The Newburg Celebration. about which I
50 much has been said and written within
tie last year. takes place to-day. ON the
18th Of October. 10O wears ago General
Henry Knox announced 10 the little army
al Newburg that definite treaty o.
peace had been made between Great
Britain and her American colonies gu tne
basis Of their independents II l. stateu
that tie army had not before heard oil the
treaty which had been signed at Paris On
the 81 Of the previous month The army
had dwindIed away from various causes
until II numbered comparatively lev men,
Thesa few We're discharged on the 81 OF
November. little more than two weeks
sfter the announcement of the treaty. The
apnropriateness Of this Newburg celebra-
ton has been questioned. and it is possible
that II would not have been determined
upon II the state Of New York had not ap-
propriated money for the erection Of
monument there. the corner stone Of
which will be laid to-day. There are other
dates than the 18th 81 october on
which the anniversary OF the close
Of the revolutionary struggle COULD
perhaps. have been more htiinSiy
celebrated. Congress- announced the
cessation of hostilities on the 18th OF
April. 1913. aud Washington acquainted
his army VITA the fact on the 18th and ap-
pointed the 18th for a peace jubilee. This
was regarded a. the end Of the war The
camp was broken up IN the following
June. the treaty was signed september 8.
and the army disbanded on November 3.
ANY one Of these days would seem to be
more appropriate than the one fixed upon.
However. there may be few reasons why
none Of them j. As satisfactory. The his
torical associations Of Newburg are OF
themselves sufficient to justify a celebra-
ton. The stone mansion. built hundred
and thirty-three years ago, which was the
HEADQUARTERS Of Washington. i filled
from floor 10 its vast eXpanse OF roof with
Revolutionary relics. Here was the last
encampment Of the Revolutionary army.
and here. on the 18th Of March of the year
/ Of the treaty. the threatened revolt. " hIch
grew out Of the neglect OF Congress 10
provide for the payment Of the soldiers,
was crushed by the brave, strong words
of Washington. Here 1t was. also. that
/ Washington was offered the dictatorship
/ The refusal Of the offer and the language
! of his reply no doubt contributed as much
/ a. ANYTHING else in his whole ca
I reer towards giving him that
/ lofty position which his memory
/ occupies in the estimation, not only
OF his countrymen but Of the world. The
offer was made by a subordinate. Colonel
I r.rE. III 81
/ l. what the tempteT said: 1t Is
/ plain that the same abilities which
/ have Ted Us through difficulties ap-
/ psrentlv insurmountable by human
power. to victory aud glory, those
/ qualities that have meFited and obtained
the universal esteem and veneratlon OF
the army. would be- most likely 10 conduct
and direct Us in the smoother path OF
peace. Owing to the prejudices
Of the people. il might not at first be Pru-
/ dent to assume tine title Of royalty, but il
all other things were adjusted. we believe
strong arguments might DE produced loI
admitting the title Of King" Had these
seductive words been effective there would
not i'm all probability be a Newhurg cele
bratiOr to-day.
Washingt0n's reply revealed the no
bilitv and greatness Of his character.
BE assured, SIR he said, mo occur
rences in the course of the war have giyeI
me more painful sensations than your IN
formation Of there being such ideas exist
ing in the army as you have expressed
and which l must view with abhorrenc'
and reprebend with severity. am muci
at a loss to conceive what part Of my con
duct could have given encouragement e
an address which to me seems big Will
the greatest mischief that can befall m!
country. Ii / am not deceived in thu
knowledge of myself, you could not have
found a person to whom your schemes arr
more disagTeeable."
Thousands will gather around the ole
NewburS mansion to-day, and elOquen
orators will recount the deeds Of the brave
men whose sacrifices made the republi,
possible.