The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-02-22
THE FIRST NATIONAL AMERICAN

The anniversary OF the day which gave
20 human liberty tho great and patriotic
leader IL the most sacred In the calendar OF
American progress and ranks with that Of
the national birth Although one hun
bred and sixty -four years have passed. the
beacon Of his glorious life stands out clear
err and brighter than In the days OF its ut
most activity. Time may have idealixed II.
but u stili remains the emblem OF all that
IL pure and noble In human character and
human aspiration.
The stirring events which eentered about
his military career long formed tho prin-
cipal theme In connection with his name.
but az the century rounded out from their
close they sank into secondary place.
and passed into the domain of history, Blu,
rs that phase OF his life iessened In con-
splcuous Interest. the greatness Of George
Washington as patriot and statesman
became better appreciated, and his lasting
fame VIII be associated most reverently
aud afrcctionately in tho hearts of his peo-
pie with his deeds In peace.
Ills grand conception Of the destiny of
the United States extended generations be-
yeni his time. and hs propheticaily saw
tho possibilities OF the future. as well as
the earlier dangers attending the first
steps in the grand experiment; In govern
ment the new nation vas undertaking. lie
feresaw that when once the states were
freed from a concentration Of interests
agains, a common foe. they would be apt
TO permit local jcalousies 10 mar the per
feet harmony essential to united purpose
and national life. In his famous letter 10
the governors of the states he declared
four things 20 he essential; First. an in
dissoluble union Of tho states under one
Federal head: second. a regard 10 public
Justice: third. the adoption Of a proper
peace establishment. and last. but most
important. the prevalence Of that pacific
and friendly disposition among the people
OF the United States which would enable
them 10 forget their local preindioes and
rollcles: 20 make those mutual conces-
sions witch are requisite % the general
prosperity. and in some Instances 90 sac
riflca their individual advantages 10 the in
tereat OF the community.
These sublime sentiments apply equally
- the individual and the state. ana they
ahouid become part OF the creed and
doctrine Of every citizen in the American
Union.
Not content with the utteranees Of such
theories. na st out 20 Eive them practical
sor,u Ills FIRST great work VAS to sN-
tend the influence % the American charac-
ter across the entire continent lie set cut
,o tind hy interest. trade and habit - com
munication the Atlantic states with the
settlements beyond the mountains Re rolled
back the Indian tribes. negotiated With
spain until thu Mississippi was opened.
obtained the surrender ~ the British posts.
and amidst the greatest oppaslttonof hose
who were nor go far seeing signed the
treaty with France Although * vas many
y~srs before his conception ~ American
tnaeponasnce 81 European politics was fer-
r,ulatad Il Vas clearly exprsssea ~ him.
Ny policy has always been - sald
Ito maintain friendly tsrras WITH. nss 20
h. independent ~. al the nations - ere
asrth: TO share In the brolls - none. 20
fuiaif our own engagements, - supply ire
wants ana be the carriers for them eli q.
Ys. Path Vas not always an esay csc. sna
no inctaeat gave hlrn gfeatsr concern thar
the opposition 70 the Jay treaty. Yet hts
faith n fas people. bis deferenee to ths
popular win when calmly manifested. Sas
80 profound 50 that 81 tAnssin. IN his let
ter 20 The ssle,tuaea q possea re safs.
..fn sssr. act OF sssv nzsNs ass4ra tfaes I
have sought the Eassinsss % nAy felicia