West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1895-02-21

always In condemnation OF the evil
habit. Ilia chief cause for grievance
against distinguished general OF the
army was the weakness OF that officer
IN this direction, which WAS only too
plainly shown upon certain memoir
able occasion. Tobacco he literally
nboninated, not only never having
used il himself, but also finding no ex-
cuse for others who persisted in smoll-
ing or chewing. IL was n maxim OF the
illustrious man that tho human crea-
tire owed IL 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 IA bright
scholar at school and never was n
learned man. He did not attempt TO
acquire "a knowledge OF the ancient
classics, but did obtain most intimate
acquaintance with figures and was
trained TO methodical practical work.
es the diary and detailed accounts he
kept of his affairs throughout his life
clearly proved. That lie profted by
his schooling and that he was a youth
OF far more than average ability are
clearly proven in the fact that Lord
Fairfax employed him at the age OF six
teen 70 mako surveys OF his immense
landed possessions In upper Virginio; a
task that involved three years OF ardu-
Gus and dangerous labor.
Washington was a thoroughly prac-
tical and successful farmer, deviating
from universal rule OF Virginia plan
ters in being his own ovorsoer and di-
rector, although. like them, he had n
man who nominally filed that position.
As n legislator Patrick Henry said OF
him, iu i7T4, that "for solid information
and sound judgment he was the great
est man in congress- he vyas the
matter spirit of the continental con-
vention of 1857 an4 70 his efforts almost
solely are due tho unifcation OF the
several states under common govern
rnent. Admittedly nc would have
saved Braddock, had his counacls been
needed. and as general Of the American
army his military genius excited the
6stouishmcnt ind admiration Of the
world lie career as civil ruler Of the
new nation won for him the applause
Of oil rulers and the approval Of an en-
tire country. WnsldngtOn's was q char
acter That was nearly perfectly poised.
yet great in everything. withal.
Like Lincoln, Washington was tall.
and unlike him WIS very handsome.
Ho was also possessed of great
strength. that continued through life;
and in his youth he cxcollod IN all man
ly exercise. Throughout fife he wna
an expert horscman and aIvavs at
tracted attention and excited admira-
tion when riding q spirited animal.
No man could bc more reasonable
than Washington, or reader to give in
when public interest was best sub
served thereby; YET none could be more
insistent than he. none more Arm.
when duty led in this direction.
q peculiarly Of Washington was his
ornate handwriting. which docs
violence 60 commonly accepted idea
That character and general Individual
ty may be determined by ones chirog-
raphy. As q fact Washincton's per.
eonal tastcs were very simple. when
he became prcsidcn5 there was some
show 81 official display, but herein he
followed universal custom and one
That in no sense reflected his own
wishes and feelings. llc believed that
reserve and display arc necessary To
tho preservation ~ proper regard for
the high Office Of chief mavistrnfc. The
courtesy and Difference be cxacted as
president hc Invariably accorded his
successor when hs became private
citizen