The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1897-10-15
Chapter In History.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE D..


That was pretty stiff talk, but the recipient managed to get it down without
the mid Of goose grease When Jefferson became president he did all that he
could to serve Paine cheerfuny acknowledging the debt Of gratitude due him by
this country and mankind. Why Washington took no steps to " the life of
the mar who made possible the republic Of which he wos president do not
know it has never been satisfactorily explained by his bographers being con.
sderrd by them of less Importance than the aporyphal cherry tree incident
Washington vas a great stcker for fornalty and Paine could not be considered
a subject for official intervention o III the part of this government while a deputy
OF the national convention of France; but n suggestion from the president that
his release would be appreciated by this republic would probably have been suf-
hccnt The time has not yet come to pass final Judgment upon George Wash
ington and Thomas Paine Asa general in a successful revolution that appeals
SO strongly to national pride, and first president Of the republic we sodeary love-
The temptation to apotheoaze the n is strong, while it is at present impos-
ible to view the other except through the ditorting glass Of religious prejudice
Some few are nw willing to admit that the foster father of his country had some
faults that he was a trfe phegmaic. had an exalted opinion of himself, and
was very much for MIR. Washington. True, he rbuked those who desired to
make him king but then Caesar had the tact to put hack the crown he could not
wear He wanted 10 pay for his services but accepted 1t all the same. He was
a feleralist and feared the people might become too free. that the chief mags-
hearts core, md at that time all powerful with the people, rather awkward
fellow to have around while the principles Of the nation we're forming. Asa
man Washington might really regret the peril Of his sincere friend whose .,
cnty he had sought whose services to this country he once * earnestly desired
to impress upon congress- as practical politician be might consider 1t advia
bic to leave him in the Luxembourg where he could do no damage Thomas JET
Reason" appeared the Church of England people and the Puitans dominated the
religious thought of this land. The chrgymen Of the first were pyaiss almost
toa mar and hated Paine for political reasons; the parsons Of the latter had not
become broad enough to tolerate q an who objected 10 boring the tongues OF
Qunker and witch, burning as mild religious diversions no matter what services
he had rendered their country and mankind. The author Of our liberties was|
fairly bounded to death by these harres and ever since . putnd tide Of Christ
ian calumny has rolled across hisi epulchre 70 this good day the makers Of
American histories and cycloredias dare not accod 10 Thomas Paine the credit
that Is justly his DUE lest they lse = few dirty dollars The Columbian Cyclic
redia while admitting that be turned the tide In favor Of freedom, iso eager
and garbles dates in IN heroic attempt Ito sehah I'll ne oA calumnis I'm this
connection desire to ny that there is extant rsconmendAtion Of me .Cnum.
bdan Cyclopedia" signed BY mGl made. lsn ashamed 70 ~, after an examina-
|an Of the plan q The worl, sshsr than q ~ work itsf TAs plan = sscaL