New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-13
THE MAN.

As the story Of Washington rs career unfolds IL
but deepens the impression Of proud strength
received from this incident. The campaign
with Braddock confirmed him in his po-
stion and after an interlude OF domestic
happiness at Mount Vernon, he is in a
few years observed among the important men
at the great Congresses of 177I and 1775. 1t is
at this stage in history that Professor Will
son finds perhaps his best opportunity telling us
much Of Washington and of his relation to the
progress Of affairs. but above all things making
those affairs themselves more comprehensive as
the elements with which Washngton's life be-
came entangled so that he is seen as in con-
slant interplay Of public and personal interests.
The chapter of the book called "Piloting Revo-
luton" is the best OF the ten which comprise the
narrative In this he quotes Patrick Henry )
fine verdict: IF you speak Of solid information
and sound Judgment Colonel Washington is un-
questionably the greatest man on that floor, but
he makes equally vivid and interesting the fever
Of patriotic enthusiasm and political intrigue out
Of which there emerged at last the commission of
Washington as Commander in Chiefof the Amcri-
can armies. 1t is not intended upon the present
occasion to traverse the history Of the Revolution
and of Washington's administrations Those are
familiar enough But 1t Is refreshing To watch
in the pages Of Professor Wilson and Mr. Ford
the evolution Of consistent and manly charac
ter through the nrents OF the war and those Of
the succeeding years Of WashingtOn's life. Our
authors unite in describing him stately fig
ure, and with the best will in the world to he
quite unsentimental. they cannot avoid a SYM
pathy for that slight feeling Of awe which Wash
ington inspired in the observers Of his time. But
they have been fascinated and they will fascinate
their readers by the racy qualities in this cloud
wrapt idol. by the man in this great general and
ruler Professor Wilson records the order given
In 1868 by Washington for q new chariot made
in the newest taste handsome. gentee and light.
to be made of the best seasoned wood and by a
celebrated workman" and Mr.. Ford's painstak-
ing volume Is q veritable mine Of information
concerning the tastes and habits of it's subject.
Indeed the chapter headings in Mr. Fords work
are Of themselves happily descriptive Of wha,
and then follow Physique. Education. Relations
with the Fair Sex Farmer and Proprietor Mas
ter and Employer. Social Life. Tastes and
Amusements Friends Enemies Soldier. Citizen
and Office Holder.
II Is surprising to find how much that is suC-
gestivc can be CLEANED from Washingtons own
words and from contemporary sources on these
important topics. Evidence abounds TO show
him affectiohate I'm the last degree. and loving
children especially. guarding their interests Ia
the cases where they have been left to his care
with the utmost fidelity. and exercising indeed "a
remarkable generosity 10 many others beside,
his wards. Mr. Ford confirms the hypothesis
that Washington had some education but not as
much he himself would have been glad TO
have had Possibly some passages in this chap
ter may seem in some quarters to be desperately
iconoclastic. yet Mr.. Ford carries conviction IN
his resume Of the notifications through which