The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-10-19
EDUCATIONAL.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

y
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
On the first day of June, 1779
jefferson was called to the Cover.
nor's chair of the young State OF
Virginia. This year was really the
most critical one of the whole war
and the position of Governor was nc
easy one to fill. Virginia was to be
the objective point of the years bat
tiles, and severe indeed was the pun
Eishment she received: The prophetic
words, -sWe must fight" were re
ceiying daily exemplification. But
the seyerest blow the Governor re-
ceived, during the year, was tha'
which deprived him of the help and
ove of a true heart-one that hat
never failed to aid him in his time
of need. This was the death o
Mrs. Jefferson.
BY this time the leading spirits o.
Britain saw the futility of Longer
maintaining the struggle and clam
pred loudly for peace. When York
own and the army there surrender
Pd to the victorious Americans, thu
pot heads were willing to sue fol
peace. Jefferson was appointed
Minister Plenipotentiary to negotiate
peace. But as the dangers of cap
lure on the ocean was still great
be did MT attempt theyoyage. From
his time on he served as member o
Congress. until 1884, when he. wal
appointed to confer with the differ
int nations of Europe and arrange
reaties of peace with the same
his was laborious work, and in tn,
Ind really resulted in little or M
benefit to the colonies. Many of the
ations were still pleased to consid
the Americans as rebels and re
lsed to hold any intercourse with
hem. Some of the more reasonable
nd far-seeing ones-among whom
as Frederick, Of Prussia-embrac
i the opportunity offered.
His next important mission wal
the Court Of France, where ht
ucceeded DR.. Franklin. Franklin
i his easy wit and humor, had wor
Is way to the French heart, and tt
! his place without causing feel
G Of disappointment at the change
the part of the French people
ais no easy task. Probably the
mericans could not have selected a
tter successor than they did, as
result bore evidence. He re-
aimed in France three years and
en- left temporarily to attend to af-
irs at his home. But after re-
rning, he became engaged in the
lme interests of the country and
yer afterwards returned to France,
lost afectionate was the welcome
received at home, for Jefferson,
his easy manners and friend
ess, attached to him all who met
m.
He had not time to settle down
nfortably, and had hardly finished
aking his old friends by the hand,
len he was officially notified by
esident Washington of his ap-
ntment to the responsible position
Secretary of State in Cabinet
ich was the first OF its kind ever
med. Associated with him were
ox, Randolph and Hamilton.
milton and jefferson were great
sonal friends, and it is remarka-
strange, that while similar in
ny of their views, they now COM
need moulding and forming the
as and sentiments of the people
widely different channels. From
arrow division, the lines grew wi
and wider, and more shdrply de-
d, until finally it was generally
nitted that Washington's idea of
hging opposites together in the
e of obtaining different opinions
thereby bringing about wider
bits, was a failure Leaders in
Cabinet, and leaders Of public
hion, they were the means ~of
hing two great political parties.
eferson occupied the position of
retary until January, 1874, when
resigned and retired to his home
aIonticello. Hamilton resigned
after.
is next position under the new
government was that of vice
Iident, to which he was elected
years after retiring from the
etaryship. At this time France
bearing a hostile attitude to-
BIS the states and Adams and
government made all necessary
arations for a conaict-if it
Ii not be avoided. In the am
,us schemes that followed, in
h many of the leading men of
bation were involved, Jefferson
aloof and took no part. And
well that he did not, for when
bubble burst, it left his party
bly, strengthened by his excel
leadership.
March 4th, 1901, Jefferson
alaated nresident and Aaron