The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-02-21

without an adequate provision by Con-
gress for meeting the claims of the
troops, these discontents manifested
themselves in audible murmurs and
complaints, which foreboded serious
consequences. But spirit still more
10 be dreaded was secretly at work
In rejecting on the limited powers OF
congress, and on the backwardness OF
the states to comply with the most
essential requisition, even in supper.
or their own interests, many of the
omcers were led to look for the cause
In the form Of government, and tc
distrust the stability of republican in
situations. So far were they carried
py their fears and speculations that
they meditated the establishment of q
new and more energetic system. A
colonel In the army, Of highly re-
spectacle character and somewhat ad-
vanced in life, was made the organ
lot communicating their sentiments to
the ommander-in-chief. In a letter
elaboralely and skilfully written, after
describing the gloomy state of affairs,
the financial difficulties, and the in
Vulnerable embarrassments in which
the country had been involved during
the war. on account of it's defective
political organization, the writer adds:
This must have shown to all, and
10 military men in particular, the
weakness of republics, and the exer-
tons the army have been able to make
oy being under a proper head. There
lore l little doubt that, when the ben
ehts OF a mixed government are point
ed out and duly considered such will
De readily adopted. In this case it
Will, believe, be uncontroverted, that
the same abilities, which have led us
through difficulties, apparently insur-
mountable by human power, to victory
and glory, those qualities thai have
merited and obtained the universal es.
TEEN and generation of an army, would
be most likely to conduct and direc,
us in the smoother paths of peace
Some people have so connected the
Ideas OF tyranny and monarchy as tc
lind it very difficult to separate them
1T may therefore be requisite to give
the head of such constitution as
propose some title apparently more
moderate; but, if all other things were
once adjusted, I believe strong argu-
ments might be produced for admitting
the title of King, which I conceive
would be attended with some material
advantages"
10 this communication, as unexpect-
ed as 1t was extraordinary in it's con-
tents, Washington replied as follows:
"Newburg, % May, 1882.
Slr-With mixture of great sur
| prise and establishment l have reat
with attention the sentiments you have
submitted to my perusal. Be assured
sir, no occurrence in the course of tn,
war has given me more painful sensa
lions than your information of there
being such ideas existing in the army
as you have expressed, and must view
with adherence and reprehend with
severity. For the present, the com
nunication Of them will rest in my
| own bosom, unless some further agi
tation of the matter shall make a dis
closure necessary.
81 am much at a loss to conceive
what part of my conduct could have
given encouragement to an address
which to me seems big with the great
est mischiefs that can befall my coun
try. If I am not deceived in the knowl
edge of myself. you could not have
found person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable. At the same
| time in Justice to my own feelings,
must add that no man possesses a
more sincere wish to see ample justice
done to the army than 1 do, and as
far as my powers and influence, in q
constitutional way extend, they shall
be employed to the utmost Of my abil-
tiles to effect it should there be any
occasion. Let me conjure you. then
if you have any regard for your coun.
try, concern for yourself or posterity
or respect for me, to Danish these
thoughts from your mind, and never
communicate, as from yourself or any
one else, sentiment of the like ma
ture. l am, sir, etc.
George Washington"
Such was the language of Washing
ton. when, at the head Of his army and
at the height of his power and popu-
larity, it was proposed to him to be-
come king. After this indignant re-
ply and stern rebuke, it is not prob
able that any further advances were
made to him on the subject.
e e Il e