The National tribune., 1894-02-22
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

GEORGE WASHINGTON.
C. c. badge has been awarded Lou NJ Staring
for timely summary of facts in the life of Wash
ington, whose 162d birthday is celebrated this day
Feb. 22. 1884,
George Washington the first President of the
Hniien states was born IN "estmorelnnd County.
Va, Feb p, 1872 He was the son of Augustine
Washington aud his second wife. Mary Ball.
At the age OF II Washington was left faiherless.
leaving him in the care of his mother a woman of
marked strength Of character. She was worthy OF
her trust. From her he acquired thst efrestrant
tove of order, and strict regard for Justice aud fair
dealing which founded the basis of "A character
rarely equaled for its simple yet commanding no
bleness.
Washington only received a com m on school edu-
cation. He had TO inclination for any but the most
practical studies.
When barely Is he engaged by Lord Fair
fax To survey his vast estates lying west of the
Blue Ridge. So well did he perform his task that
he was appointed Public Surveyor. This office he
held Tor three years acquiring considerable knowl-
edge OF the country. which was of great value
him in his subsequent military career.
At the ago of 10 Washington was appointed
Military Inspector of one ofthe districts into which
Virginia was divided. In November, 1853. he was
sent by Gov. Dinwiddie to the French posts the
Ohio River. to ascertain the designs of France in
that quarter. 1t was n mission of hardship and
peril, performed with rare prudence. It's brilliant
success laid the foundation OF his fortunes
We next see him ia Braddock's campaign. That
imprudent General, scorning the advice of his
youthful Aid, met defeat and death WasIIington's
bravery and presence of mind alone saved tile
In 1855 he made Comm nder in Chief of all
the forces in Virginia, aud in 1853 he led the Vr-
ginia troops in Forbes's expedition. by which Fort
Duqaesne was captured.
He then resigned his commission, and in Janu-
AIRY, 1853. he married Mrs Martha Gusts, and set.
lied dow AT Mt. Vernon. on the Potomac.
The - years that folio wed was the halcyon pc
riod OF Washington's life.
Washington delegate to the first general
Congress, which met at Philadelphia Sept. s. l774.
In the councils of his own Province get gIimpses
OF his calm and dignified presence and he is ever
the side of the Colonies
Al length the storm broke the battle of Iexinp-
ton calling the whole country arms June IL
l7I5, Washington received his umssion Com
mander- i'm Chief of the American armies Writing
ing day for the army before Boston. On the I'd of
July he took command of the American forces be-
fore Cambridge Mass.
All through those eight long years of suffering
Washington was the mainstay Of the Nation. At
last lie was enabled by one sagacious and deep
planned movement TO bring the virtually to a
close in the capture OF the army under CORVALLIS
at Yorktown on Oct. 10, 1871.
Sept 3, 1873. treaty OF peace signed at Paris
securing the Independence of the Colonies and
Dec. % Washington formally resigned his commits
sion and sought n well-earned repose
But he WAS not long TO enjoy his retirement. He
was the first to propose remodeng Of the Articles
of Confederation he presided the conven-
ton that met at Philadelphia in May, 1887 to form
a new Constitution. When the new Constitution
was ratified, Washington called to the Presi-
dency by the unanimous voice of The people. His
Inauguration took place at New York April 80
1879. The eight years OF his Administration were
years of trouble aud difficulty No other man than
Washington could have carried the country
safely through so perous n period.
His prudent, firm yet conciliatorv spirit aided
by The love and veneraiion with hcl the people
regarded him, kept down insurrec,ion and senced
discomfort. Before retiring from the Presidency he
had the happiness OF seeing many OF the difficult
ties from which he had apprehended SO much
placed in a fair way of final adjustment.
Having served two terms. Washington declining
another election, returned once more to Mount
Vernon. that haven of repose to which he had so
"a eV witt
love and gratitude of his countrymen
IL was while taking his usual round on horseback
to look after his farms that Dec. r. 1799 lac
encountered a cold Winter storm. He reached
home chill and damp. The next day lie had
sore throat, with some hoarseness. By the morn
Ing of the 18th he could scarcely swallow.
II lind am going" said lac friend. That night
he expired without struggle, In the 63ih year of
his age. Three days later his remains were de-
posted Ia the family tomb Ar Mount Vernon, where
they still repose
Washington left reputation on which there Is
no stain. He bequeatbed to his couurymen a
legacy OF practical political wisdom which il will
be well for them to remember and profit by.
In stature Washington WAS six feet two inches
In hight well proportioned, and firmly built; his
hair was brown. his eyes blue and set far apart
From boyhood he WAS famous for great strength
and agility. Jefferson pronounced him - the best
horseman of his age" lie was scrupuiously neat
corteous, and punctual, and always dignifed aud
reserved.
Lon NJ. Staring Grand View Tenn