Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1895-02-21

always In condemnation of the evil
habit. His chief cause for grievance
against q distinguished general of the
army was the weakness of that officer
in this direction, which was only too
plainly shown upon certain memor.
able occasion. Tobacco he literally
abominated not only never having
used it himself, but also finding no ex-
case for others who persisted In smol1-
ing or chewing. 1t was q maxim of tho
illustrious rnnn that the human crea-
ture owed 1t TO himself and God TO
keep clean the body and the brain, that
both might attain best possible results
and do best possible work
Washington was never bright
scholar at school and never was q
learned man. He did not attempt to
acquire q knowledge of the ancient
classics, but did obtain most intimate
acquaintance with figures and was
trained to mcthodical practical work,
as the diary and detailed accounts he
kept OF his affairs throughout his life
clearly proved. That he protited by
his schooling and that he was o youth
Of far more than average ability are
clearly proven in the fact that Lord
Fairfax employed him at the age of six.
teen to make surveys of his immense
landed possessions in upper Virginia;
task that involved three years of ardu-
Gus and dangerous labor.
Washington was thoroughly prac-
tical and successful farmer, deviating
from a universal rule of Virginia plan
tcrs In being his own overseer and di-
rector, although, like them, he had
man who nominally filed that position.
As a'lcgislator Patrick Henry said of
him, in IVA, that "for solid information
and sound Judgment he was the great
est man In congress-" He was tho
master spirit of the continental con-
vcntion of 17S7 and to his efforts almost
solely are due the uuiflcation of the
several states under a common govern
ment Admittedly he would have
saved Braddocl;, had his counsels been
needed, and as general of the American
army his military genius excited the
astOni8hment and admiration of the
world. His career as civil ruler of the
new nation won for him the applause
Of al rulers and the approval of an en-
tire country. Washington's was a char
aeter that was nearly perfectly poiscdi
yet great in everything, withal.
Like Lincoln, Washington was tall,
and unlike him was very handsome
He was also possessed of great
strength, that continued through life;
and in his youth he excelled in all man
ly exercises. Throughout life he was
an expert horsen&u and always at
tractcd attention and excited admira-
ton when riding q spirited animal.
No man could be more reasonable
than Washington, or reader to give in
when public interest was best sub:
served thereby; yet mono could be moro
insistent than he, none more firm,
when duty led in this direction.
a popularity Of Washington was his
ornate handwriting, which does
violence to Z commonly accepted idea
that character and general individuali-
ty may be determined by ones chirog-
raphy. AS a fact Nashington's per-
sonal tastes were very simple. Whon
ho became president there was some
show of official display, but herein he
followed a universal custom and one
that in no sense reflected his own
wishes md feelings. He believed that
reserve Oad display are necessary to
the FJcs.rvaGoa Of proper regard for
the h'g5 9Gl-a ii cAiat n4glstrGtl. The
courtesy aud Difference he cXactod as
president he invariably accorded his
successor when he became private
citizen.