Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-02-22

his enemies wrung from him, sometimes,
earnest protest against their injustice; yet
so few were these protests in the many
years of his sorely tried life that the per-
feet self-control of the man has passed into
proverb. He was an ardent admirer of
woman, yet sternly chaste in character.
OF splendid physique, he loved the good
things of the table; but to his appetite he
set proper bounds and partook in modera-
ton of what was set before him.
Born of gentle parents, his tastesl and
surroundings were those of an aristocrat;
but in the great work of founding repub-
lie, he insisted that the rights of all classes
should be respected alike and that no bar
should be placed before man who sought
distinction because of his birth or social
position. Doubtless the richest man of his
time in America, his manner of living was
simple, although generous. a STAKEHOLDER,
he detested the institution, and at his death
manumitted his "chattels." Brave to dar-
ing, he curbed the spirit of battle within
him, and forced peace and victory by sue
cession of mastery movements that were
characterized chiefly by evasion of collision
with the enemy Proud, he was affable,
ever; reserved, all might approach him.
These were not contradictions in his char
acter; rather are they evidences of the
majesty that was in him, which could shape
and control disposition to the forming and
framing of perfect man.
He might have founded monarchy, for
the people were ready to acquiesce in any
plan of his at the close of the seven years
war brought by his genius to such happy
termination. In such an event none would
have dared to question his assumption of
L.; I oho ~
his voice to government of the people,
whose rulers should be chosen by their suf-
frages. Of his own act he surrendered the
reins of power after eight years of service,
when by word he might have perpetuated
himself in the administration until the end
of his days.
He was not without ambition; but it was
of that sublime quality which makes self
subordinate to country. He was in public
service almost continuously from It's to
1907; yet in all these years he longed for the
quiet and happiness of his home on the
Potomac The perils of his country having
passed, he felt himself free to yield to this
temper which was accentuated by the decay
incident to age. Yet, when little later
war with foreign power seemed imminent
he yielded readily to the popular call and
accepted the leadership of the American
army. Happily the cloud passed without
bursting, and he spent the remainder Of his
| days, brief their number, in his beloved
home, where he died the victim of medical
stupidity, in the closing days of the last
year of the century which had been made
glorious by his illustrious deeds.
Whether as private citizen, soldier, law
maker, or ruler of professionally great re
| public, the superb virtues of the man shone
as bright stars. So well poised was he, thai
one might find it difficult to determine ir
what he most excelled. Yet none may doubt
that the combination of the whole gives tc
history the Hottest character to be found
In all its pages. He alone of all humanity
is the ideal man of all the nations, tn,
adored of all who reach out after the nobles
| ideals of living. This country is great il
| the matchless achievements of the now
dying century, but the world without hold
her greatest in that she gave to humanit,
a Washington, as pattern for true human
greatness in whatever form.
WILLIAM ROSSER COBBE-