Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1895-02-22

always in condemnation of the evil habit. His 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 memor- able occasion. Tobacco he literally abominated, not only never having used it himself, but also finding no ex- cuse for others who persisted in smok- ing or chewing, It was maxim of the illustrious man that the human crea- ture owed it 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 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 methodjcal practical work, as the diary and detailed accounts he kept of his affairs throughout his life clearly proved. That he profted by his schooling and that he was 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 Virginiai a task that involved three years of ardu- ous and dangerous labor.
 Washington was thoroughly prac- tical and successful farmer, deviating from universal rule of Virginia plan ters in being his own overseer and di. rector, although, like them, he had man who nominally filled that position. As legislatog Patrick Henry said oi him, in 1774, that "for solid information and sound judgment he was the great est man in congress" He was the master spirit of the continental con. vention of t787 and to his efforts almost solely are due the unifcation of the several states under common govern. ment. Admittedly he would have needed, and as general of the American army his military genius excited the astonishment and admiration of the world. His career as civil ruler of ths new nation won for him the applause of all rulers and the approval of an en- tire country. Washingtons was a char acter that was nearly perfectly poisedi 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 horseman and always at- gtracted attention and excited admira- tion when riding a spirited animal.
 No man could be more reasonable than Washington, or readier to give in when public interest was best sub, served thereby, yet none could be more insistent than he, none more firm, when duty..1ed in this direction.
 A peculiarity of Washington was his ornate handwriting, which does violence to a commonly accepted idea that character and general individualh ty may be determined by ones chirog. raphy. As fact Washington's per sonal tastes were very simple. When he became president there was some show of official display, but herein he followed universal custom and one that in no sense reflected his own wishes and feelings. He believed that reserve and display are necessary to the preservation of proper regard for the high office of chief magistrate. The courtesy and deference he exaeted as president he. invariably accorded his successor when he became a private citizen.