Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1900-02-17

an eternal festival wherever a free man
speaks the English language.
To one who reads OF the early life OF
Washington Il cannot but seem strange
that he should have been chosen as
the revolutionary leader OF the colo
MES. II is true that he had some mill
tary training as a lad, but he had cast
the exciting experiences Of this kind OF
life aside TO retire 10 the secluslon OF
his farm al Mount Vernon. There his
life was prosaic in the extreme. but
Washington accepted II without a muir
muir.
VERY AMBITIOUS.
He was one Of the most practical OF
men, one OF the least visionary OF hui
man beings, and In none OF the diaries
that he kept at this time II there
trace OF the divine discomfort, the ex-
traordinafy ambition or the genius
that would have been anticipated In
man destined TO be such a great leader
OF the people. That the selection OF
Washington was wise one there Is
not the shadow OF doubt The won
der Is how the reyolutionists came to
decide that he was the proper person TO
take command OF the almost hopeless
tangled affairs OF the colonies. The
process Of his selection Is matter OF
history. The divine inspiration behind
II all is what amazes.
The hesitation OF Washington In ac-
ceptlng the command OF the Continent
al army has often been described and
the words with which he finally as
sumed the office Of Commander-in-
Chief ring true OF modesty: Il beg II
may be remembered by every gentle
man In this room that this day declare
with the utmost sincerity / do not feel
myself equal 10 the command ! am
honored with" Washington meant ey-
cry word OF this. but he was willing 10
assume the responsibilities In view OF
the unanimlty Of the appointment.
II Washington was modest, however,
he was also brave. He was good sol
der even II he was not one of the most
brilliant Of generals. Devotion 10 the
cause for which he was fighting was
his inspiration. and by his patience, his
enthusiasm. and his passion Of patriots
ism he at last inspired whole nation
10 victory.
II there Is one point that stands out
clearly upon the pages OF revolution
airy history Il is the fact that 10 WASH
ington belongs the credit OF having
achieved the impossible. He led his
men against the British forces, but
these were not the only battles he was
compelled TO fight.
He was called upon 10 contend
against dissension In his own ranks.
and az the time when dlscords and dis
satlsfactions threatened TO cause the
disruption Of the Continental army, II
was his personality alone that saved
the day. This Is the secret OF his
power; the real justification OF his
fame,
HIS RETIREMENT.
After the great object OF his life had
been attained the commander retired,
like Cincinnatus, 10 his farm and pr.
vate life In his modesty he believed
that he had closed the door upon pub
Nc affairs, but the people had other
claims upon him, and by almost unani-
nous acclaim he was recalled as first
President 10 institute the beginnings
OF the government, In the doing OF
which he was 90 set his name forever
upon the new country.
II Is impossible In any brief space 10
give a proper estimate OF Washington's
character That he had temper that
sometimes obtruded itself into the
meetings Of the Cabinet, 10 9 matter