Anadarko daily democrat. [volume] (Anadarko, Oklahoma) 1901-190?, 1902-05-03

describing the gloomy state OF analrs,
the financial difficulties, aal the in
Vulnerable embarrassments in which
the country had been involved during
the var, on account of its defective
political organization. the writer adds
This must have shown to all, and
to military men in particular, the
weakness of republics, and the exer-
tions the army have been able to make
by being under a proper head There
fore l little doubt that, when the ben
efits of mixed government are point
ed out and duly considered such will
be readily adopted. In this case it
will, ! believe. be uncontroverted, that
the sane abilities, which have led us
through difficulties, apparently insur-
mountable by human power. to victory
and glory, those qualities that have
merited and obtained the universal es-
TEEN and veneration of an army, would
be most likely to conduct and direct
us in the smoother paths of peace.
Some people have so connected the
ideas Of tyranny and monarchy as to
find 1t very difficult to separate them.
1t may therefore be requisite to give
the head of such a constitution as /
propose some title apparently more
moderate; but, II all other things were
once adjusted, l believe strong argu-
ments might be produced for admitting
the title of King, which conceive
would be attended with some material
advantages"
To this communication. as unexpect-
ed as 1t was extraordinary in it's con-
tents. Washington replied as follows:
''Newburg, % May. 1882.
"Sir-With a mixture of great sur
| prise and astonishment l have read
with attention the sentiments you have
submitted to my perusal. Be assured
sir, no occurrence in the course OF the
war has given me more painful sensa-
tions 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
munication 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 am not deceived in the knowl-
edge OF myself. you could not have
found a 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 tksn | do, and as
far as my powers and influence, in a
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, a sentiment of the like ma
ture. | am. sir etc.
George Washington"
Such was the language of Washing
ton, when, at the head of his army ant
at the height of his power and popu
larity, it was proposed to him to be
come a king. After this indignant re
ply and stern rebuke. it is not prob
able that any further advances wer,
made to him on the subject.
e M & e