The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-02-22

To-Day is the one hundred and six
ty-eighth anniversary Of the birth OF
George Washington. He was born
at Wakefield, in Westmorelsnd cOun
ty, in this State, on the Dad day OF
February, 1882. When quite young
his father moved to Stafford county
Just opposite Fredericksburg. where
he died when George was eleven years
old.
After the death of Mr.. Washington
Georges mother moved into Freder-
icksburg, where be rapidly grew up
until be reached his large teens, when
he felt that it vas his duty to start
out in the world to make his fortune.
George was educated in Fredericks-
burg. In his boyhood days the best
schools in the State, probably, were
located in Fredericksburg, kept by
the French Huguenots, who had left
their homes in France and settled
here. They were people Of wealth
and refinement, and were highly edu
Gated, and, having lost their fortunes
in their flight from France, engaged
in teaching for support. 1t is said
these schools were of the highest
grade, and in them were taught the
higher mathematics and the Ian
guages. 1t is more than likely that
ell the schooling the youthful Wash
ington received was in these schools /;
and no doubt it was in these schools
be developed a fondness and aptitude
for the higher mathematics, which
fitted him for the responsible work of
surveying, profession he was fond
of as long as he lived. Therefore,
Washington was a Fredericksburg
boy-raised and educated here add
started out into the world from this
place to finally become the uncrowned
king of the United States of America
And, in after years, when flush With
victory and success in arms, when he
had secured liberty and independence
for his country when he was meet
ing with the grsndest ovations from
the people that were ever witnessed
in any country, or that any man had
ever before received when he had
been offered crown and kingdom
by his grateful fellow-citizens, he re-
turned to his old home to visit his
devoted mother and the friends Of his
younger days, who had stood by him
and supported him in his arduous and
responsible duties, and in response to
an address from the City Council of
Fredericksburg, said Z" the rehec.
ton Of having met the congratulatory
smiles and appreciation of my fellow
citizens for the part have acted in
the cause Of liberty and independ-
ence cannot fail of adding pleasure
to the other sweets of domestic life
and my sensibility Of them is height
ened by their coming from the re-
spectacle inhabitants Of the place of
my growing infancy; and the honor
able mention which is made of my
revered mother, by whose maternal
hand (esrly deprived of father |
was led to manhood. "
There were many traits in Wash
ington's character that are highly
eommendable and worthy the imita.
ton of our youth, but at this time we
only propose to refer to three of them,
and We do so with the hope of in
creasing, if possible, our love and
veneration for one so distinguished
and illustrious as the noble Washing
ton.
One of these traits was his great
regard for the truth. Even in his
boyhood days it was said that he was
always open and frank never kept
anything concealed in order to de-
ceive, and never prevaricsted about
anything, though it might be to his
interest to SO do. 1t was said that
nothing could induce him to utter q
fslsehood, practice deceipt, or dis
obey his mother. This high regard for
truth. which distinguished him in his
youth, he carried with him all through
life. He did not only practice it him
self, but he never lost an opportunity
to impress it upon others. He was
one of whom it can be said that he
loved the truth and lived the truth.
Another trait of Washington's was
he was modest. In all Of his successes
in life he bore them with modesty and
becoming dignity and when the war
for independence ended, although he
was idolized rs no man ever was be-
fore or since in this country, be re-
signed his commission as commander
in.chisf Of the army and returned to
private life and became one Of the
common people. And SO when called
again into the service Of mis- State and
into the councils Of the country to as
sist In organizing the government, 1t
Is said that, although he was superior
20 his fellow members in " solid infor-