Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-02-20
eight years president-what life, and how

eight years president-what life, and how
pregnant with memories.
And no offense had come through him
All that he had done-this his conscience
told him-was for the good of others. No
man was more free than he from that selfish
ness which aims to succeed for the glory of
success. His had been the ambition to do
and dare, because the times demanded that
he move forward and take others with him.
Under ordinary conditions, such the retir.
lngness of his nature, he would have lived
his life out, dignitied and honored Vir-
ginia planter, yet practically unknown be-
yond the narrow limit of his aristocratic
acquaintance. Doubtless, too, his had been
happier life in this way; for his nature,
while great, was too gentle to Withstand
with equanimity the rude storms which as.
sail those who climb to the top of the noun
tains of glory.
Recalling this life of busy activity, as lie
frequently did, there came to his quickened
spirit the memory of the bitter with the
sweet. While prominently great man, he
was, withal, essentially human and it is The
weakness Tor strength) of humanity that it
does not forget wrongs. Forgiveness of in.
jury is Divine attribute, and Washington
was not Divine. 1t was asking too much
that he love those who had used him. guilt
less, so despitefuly. Yet, in his retirement,
he who had done SO much for the people
saw his enemies with firm hold on power,
while he was seemingly forgotten. 1t was
his to know how easily one may pass out of
the great public notice, and become as one
that is dead, although yet alive and full of
the fire and the love of a mighty existence.
Yet, scarcely more than four months after
his retirement Tin July, l797), when there
was danger from foreign foe, all ewes were
turned towards Washington, and he prompt
" accepted position as head of the army.
The menace passed, but he continued to be
general of the army until the time of hi,
DEATH
Washington was, ever, busy man, in
private as well as in public life. AT Mount
Vernon he made daily tour of his estate
and gave personal direction to its manage.
ment, even to small details. 1t was he who
bought and he who sold His the mind that
directed where this kind of grain should be
sowed, and what kind of fertilizer should be
used. tie was a masterful and therefore
very successful farmer. 1t was in the line
OF duty, making round OF his plantation
during driving rainstorm on the 18th day
OF December, that he contracted cold,
which eliminated two days later in his
death.
He was royal entertainer. Guests were
at the old mansion day in and day out all
the year round-friends from the old world,
statesmen OF his own country, and his old
comrades in arms. Then there were the
neighboring gentry, friends of lifetime.
Washington joined in dancing the stately
minuet, or in the recounting of stories of
field and flood. Dignified ever, he yet I'M
bent before his guests, being most genial and
lovable of hosts. Here with his wife were
her children and theirs, all of whom Wash
ington had adopted and loved as his own.
His guests, and his loved and the manage
ment of his large estates, left him but little
time for other things, apd yet memory was
alive and would evoke ghosts from the past,
which entered the banquet hall of the then
present.
During 81 years, l776.l797, he had been
the cynosure of all eyes, the foremost man
of his day and time. Living, ardent, glowing
with vigorous life, capable of doing yet
greater things, he had stepped aside, and
now was but simple Virginia gentleman.
He did not complain. Here at Mount YER
non, as at Valley Forge and at New York
and Philadelphia, one might see the great
ness of his spirit and love him all the more
for it.
Most pathetic of all was his death. He,
the strong man, robust in health, bled to
death for slight cold that needed no bleed
ing. First his overseer drew away quart
of the life fluid. Then DR.. Crate, the family
doctor, drew away aquartmo and Drs. Dick
and Brown, arriving later, an additional
Quart. There being no more. blood lett, he