The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-02-22

10 REMIND anyone tnat to-day
is the anniversary of the birth
or George Washington and that in all
but two states of the Union the day is
observed as holiday, it may perhaps
not be recalled by all that this year is
to be observed the centenary of Wash
ington's death. Our first president was
born Feb %, 1882; he died Dec. IA. 1893.
Next December at Mount Vernon in
commemoraton of the hundredth ami
versary of Washington's death, hstori-
cal addresses will be delivered by en-
inent Americans and naval salutes will
be fired. 1t will be the first time in the
history of the United States that the
centenary of an Americans death has
been celebrated.
Our first president was a great man
in every way. He was great as man,
he was great as a soldier he was great
as statesman, he was great as a
ruler 1t may be doubted if this world
ever had greater general. if one con-
slders the very limited resources that
We're at Washington's command. =
Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal and Ma
had mighty nations al their back. Grant
was great general but his resources
were boundless. Washington fought
against a nation of marvellous strength
with resources that We're totally mad
equate. With skill that seemed super
human, with courage that was sublime,
he led his weak and ragged army
Through the
Monmouth, Brandywine, Germantown
and Valley Forge to the grand consum-
NATION at Yorktown.
1t was between the time of the sur
render at Yorktown and the time of the
signing of the treaty of peace that
Washington refused the proposition
made to him to become king The SOL
diers had not been paid and the cut
look for paying them was very dark.
They were poorly clothed and poorly
fed, but they worshipped their great
general and had the utmost confidence
in him. They sent messengers to Wash
1ngton, then in camp at Newburg, ask
ing that he assume the reins of govern
ment and become king. In his reply
washington expressed his utter alb
florence of the offer made and wrote
Il am at loss to conceive what part of
my conduct could have given encour-
asement to an address which to me
seems big with the greatest mischiefs
that can befall my country If | am
not deceived in the knowledge of my
self you could not have found person
to whom your schemes are more dlsa-
greeable, Let me conjure you then if
you have any regard for your country
concern for yourself or posterity, or
respect for me, to Danish these thoughts
from your mind and never communi-
cate from yourself or anyone else
sentiment of the like nature.
Our first president was the only one
we have had who did not want the
honor. He not only refused to become
king, but he again and again refused
no accept the presidency, but was at
last convinced that this was duty he
owed his country. After his first term
he refused the second and at that time
prepared a farewell address. He was
finally prevailed on to accept a second
term, but no importantly could prevail
upon him ITO accept a third term. set
ting then a precedent which no sue
ceeding president save one has attempt
ed to deviate from. Six months before
his second term expired he published
his famous farewell address.
Washington was not alone the only
president we have had who did not de-
sire the honor, but he is the only one
we have had who would accept no COM
pensation for his services. When elect
ed commander-in-chief of the American
army he refused d salary, but said he
would keep an exact account Of his
actual expenses and would ask con-
eress to reimburse him. When elected