The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-23

life-he enjoyed the intimate association
of a cultivated and martial brother,
whose influence upon his character may
be traced throughout his career. It was,
perhaps. the influence Of this brother
which bent his tastes so strongly 20 the
pursuit of arms.
As a mere led he plunged into :he I'M
tracked wilderness. and amid its difficult
ties and dangers, surveyed with accuracy
and precision the large estates Of his
friend. Lord Fairfax. upon the head
waters Of the Potomac.
Though still a youth. he was so distin-
euished for conduct and capacity that he
was soon called upon to return TO the
wilderness as major in command Of the
Virginia forces TO repel incIrsions of the
Indians. then threatening Winchest az with
destruction.
1t was in these stirring seen IS that the
fibre of his soul was knit. 1t was thus
that his cool. unfaltering courage, and
clear. discerning judgment were exercised
and developed. Here were laid the deep
foundations Of his power to control and
manage men; his infinite patience.
steadfastress and hC%pefulne5s, even in
the darkest hours. that were to form the
keystone Of his country's liberties.
His conduct i'm Braddock's disastrous
campaign deserved the praise with which
it was received, for it was Washington
and his Nirginians that saved that army
from entire destruction.
Upon the cessation of hostilities Wash
ington sought the sweets of dom estic
ease. But the future had in store events
destined soon to call him TO a sphere of
greater usefulness.
Clouds began to rise above the horizon.
The peaceful course Of a happy life was
startled by the deep rumble Of approach
ing evil. The Colonies. whose love for
their mother country had been quick sned
and deepened by a common danger and a
common JOY in the glories Of complete
and final victory. were alarmed to be-
hold the prime principles Of their liberties
threatened by the action Of government.
They had been first in the field TO resist
the encroachments Of TIE French upon
the territories claimed by their sovereign.
They had expended blood and treasure
in the contest long before ministers call
ed the imperial power to the field. And
when the fight was on their sons bore
honorable and glorious part in that war
which broke the power Of France in
America and added its vast domains to
the heritage Of the English crown
Confidence and trust gave place 10
saiarm when men beheld the Government
determined 10 impose upon them without
their consent a further share in the
burdens occasiOred by he war.
II was not the mere tax that Parlia-
ment imposed upon them that aroused
their fears, but the principle involved.
The tax was itself a trife. but the princi-
pie was fundamental.
1t was a denial Of their rights as free
men. II was subversive Of their rights
as Englishmen. 1t was a reversal of the
great Fundamental principle, he mainte-
lance Of which with fearless hearts had
given birth to English liberty.
That principle was that the people
must control the power Of taxation. No
taxation withuCt representation was the
foundation stone OF English liberty. and
no taxation without representation was
the colonists' rallyinG cry. That princi-
pie they would not yield. The love of
freedom and Of liberty forbade it. The
care for posterity cried out against II,
and the pure air of free America re-
sounded with the cry as though instinct
with the vital principle. Well is it, my
friends, that we had such ancestors then.
The history Of the world sustains the
statement that no people can be a free
peOple-no people ever have been a free
peOple-unless and until they took to
themselves this momentous power Of lay
ing taxes and guarded IT with a Jealous
and a watchful eye.
Popular feeling grew more and more
intense. Only a spark was needed TO
light the fires of revolution. The hour
was at hand, and destiny. struck the
SPARK that lit the flames of war when
the charter Of Massachusetts, Bay was
repealed and the blood of her sons was
shed upon the village green at Lexington.
Amid these stil ring events the heart of
Washington beat with a patriots hope;
but with a freeman's stern resolve.
He who had served under Britain's
flag and prouly seen II float triumphant
on the breeze. now buckled on his stain
less sword. resolved to dedicate his life,
his fortune and his all to the liberties OF
his c~oun:rymen. In a letter written AT
the time his noble sentiment is thus e1-
pressed: "Unh1ppy 1t is to reflect that
a brothers sword has been sheathed In
a brothers breast; and that the once
peaceful plains Of America are to be
either drenched with blood or inhabited
by slaves. Sad alternative. But can a
virtuous mar hesitate In his choiceY' III
is not my purpose TO follow In detail the
story Of the revolution.
Washington was certered upon by the
he arts OF all as the leader for the hght'
expressing his fears OF MS 1T
ness for the command, he, nevertheless,
girded I'D his heart for the contest ana
SET out with intrepid spirit for the post OF
duty and Of danger.
Though, ~undeniably the first IN genius
ON the American side. II is. perhaps not
SO much as a pure military genius that
Washington deserves TO be celebrated as
&, Is for the other talents that make up
the grandeur OF his character.
AS a military chief the necessities OF
the ease bound him down 10 a rigorous
FABIAN policy; and Il Is to his answering
Adherence 70 that policy amidst the most
detractlop and violent discomfort
that he undoubtedly owed his salvation
success. II was In ihese aspects mat
Washington was so grand a figure.
OF q deep and fiery n iture he was a.
calm as @ summer sea. except In some ]