Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1900-02-07
THE TRUE WASHINGTON.
The Fathor of His Country Century
After His Death.

The Fathor of His Country q Century
After His Death.
Apropos of the centenary of Wash
ington's death the editor of the Gen.
tury comments thus upon the life and
fame of the first president:
1t can be said that not only the
fame of Washington has greatened
during the century that has flown
since his death, but the knowledge
and understanding of him have like
wise largely increased. The sculptor,
Daniel French, in the Washington
that he has modelled for the Paris
monument, has expressed the gran
deur OF his fame. Here, with sword
and brow lifted toward heaven, he ap-
pears as world hero; there is some
thing of the demigod, of the creature
of tradition, of myth, in attitude and
aspect.
10 be sure, there was an unusual
dignity about the person and reputa-
ton OF this hero, both during the
time of his greatest activity and later
in his career. There are none now
living who can make direct report of
the effect of his presence upon be-
holders, but there are many who have
had from those who saw him IN ac-
count, at first hand, of this effeck
The present writer can never forget a
description of his appearance, frem
the lips of m old gentlewoman who
has been one of the band of children
who strewed flowers before him at
Trenton, on his way to his inaugure-
ton at New York. And, besides, there
are many printed records ofthe dignity
of his bearing, and the impression Of
majesty produced upon individuals
and the multitude.
As this country has grown, and as
the Importance of his work is more
and moro appreciated, and, too, as he
recedes in distance, Washington's true
proportions are appreciated, and he
looms ever more grandly. Compared,
indeed with the unselfishness of his
actions and the nobility of his aims.
most of the worlds conquering heroes
and makers of nations secm, in moral
comparison, herd of self-seeking
vulgarians.
Yet, while he has joined the ranks
of the worlds demigods, he has, Mt
the same time, become nearer and
more human to US through u closer
study of his personality. "Ihe true
Washington" is a no less dignitied but
much more sympathetic figure. If
we know the ferceness of his anger,
we honor all the more the power OF
his self-control. If we recognize the
intensity of his love for country life
land something Of revival OF the love
for such life makes the present gen.
Grafton more appreciatire OF this ami
able trait), still the keener our sense
of his sacrifice to duty in relinquish
ing that life for the camp and the halls
of government.
in order to e1alt the wisdom of
Washington, and to insist upon the
importance of his farewell advice to
his people, it is not necessary to i'm
pute to him supernatural enligbten-
ment And yet, so clear and right was
his thinking on themes of government,
and so valuable have proved his prin-
ciples in operation, that he would be
a rash counselor who would call for
the utter disregard of any one Of
these principles. Certainly as to the
conditions to which his advice directly
applied, events have proved that he
saw not only deeply but fur. Atwhat
point any of his specific views may
cease to be of service as q present
guide, it will be difficult, indeed, to
determine; and there will always be
danger that wave of sentiment may
at any time drive. g not phlegnatic
people from moorings afterward found
to be the safest