davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
Thought Always of
COUntry's Welfare

In a letter to Colonel Hamilton, a
delegate in Congress from the state Of
New York. Washington said: MY
wish to see the union Of these states
established upon liberal and perma-
nent principles. and inclination to
contribute my mite in pointing out the
defects of the present constitution, are
equally great All my private letters
have teemed with these sentiments.
and, whenever this topic has been the
subject of conversation, have endeav-
ored to diffuse and enforce them; but
how far any further essay by me might
be productive Of the wished-for end. or
appear to arrogate more than belongs
TO me. depends SO much upon popular
opinion and the temper and DISPOSE
lions Of the people that 1t is not easy
to decide. | shall be Obliged to you,
however, for the thoughts which you
have promised me on this subject, and
as soon as you can make it convenient.
No man in the United States is or can
be more deeply impressed with the
necessity of a reform in our present
confederation than myself. No man.
perhaps, has felt the bad effects of II
more sensibly; for to the defects there
OF, and want of power in Congress.
may justly be ascribed the prolonga-
ton OF the war. and consequently the
expenses occasioned by 1t. More than
half the perplexities I have expert
enced In the course OF my command.
and almost the whole of the difficulties
and distress of the army, have had
their origin here. But still. the preju-
dices Of some. the designs of others,
and the mere machinery of the ma
jority make address and management
necessary to give weight to opinions
those different classes Of men in the
field of politics."
To Lafayette he wrote: I'VE are
now an independent people, and have
yet to learn political tactics. We are
placed among the nations OF the earth
and have a character to establish; but
how we shall acquit ourselves time
must discover. The probability Is Cat
least fear it, that local or state poll
tics will interfere too much with the
more liberal and extensive plan OF
government which wisdom and fore
sight, freed from the mist of prejudice.
would dictate. and that we shall be
guilty Of many blunders in treading
this boundless theatre before we shall
have arrived at any perfection in this
art; in a word, that the experience
which is purchased at the price OF diff
flculties and distress will alone con-
vince us that the honor, power and
true interest of this country must be
measured by a continental scale. and
that every departure therefrom weak
ems the Union, and may ultimately
break the band which holds us togeh-
er. To avert these evils, to form
new constitution that will give con-
sistency. stability and dignity to the
Union and sufficient powers to the
great council of the nation for general
purposes Is duty incumbent upon
every man who wishes we'll to his
country, and will meet with my aid as
far as 1t can be rendered in the private
walks Of life"
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
e Is & M
Washington Chosen
Commander-in-Chief

At the outbreak of the war of the
revolution, It should be said, to the
credit of the New England delegates,
that they were among the foremost to
propose, and the most Jealous TO pro-
mote, the appointment of Col. Wash.
ington to the chief command. AS the
contest had begun in Massachusetts,,
the inhabitants Of which had been the
chief sufferers. and as the existing
army was mostly raised there, it could
hot have been thought an extravagant
assumption had that colony aspired to
the honor of furnishing a commander.
in-chief. But, happily for America,
the patriots of that day rose far above
the sordid aims of selfishness and par.
ty rivalships.
While the discussions were going on
in Congress respecting military prep.
arations, Mr. John Adams, one of the
delegates from Massachusetts,, moved
that the army, then besieging the Brit.
ish troops in Boston, should be adopt.
cd by Congress as Continental army;
and. in the course of his observations
enforcing this motion. he said 1t was
his intention to propose for the Office
of commander-in-chief a gentleman
from Virginia, who was at that time
member of their own body. His re.
marks were so pointed that all present
perceived them to apply to Col. Wash.
ington, who, upon hearing this refer.
ence to himself, retired from his seat
and withdrew. When the day for the
appointment arrived, the nomination
was made by Mr.. Thomas Johnson Of
Maryland. The choice was by ballot.
and, on inspecting the votes, II was
found that Col. Washington was unan.
imously elected AS soon as the re.
suit was ascertained, the House ad.
journed. On the converting Of Con.
gress the next morning the president
communicated to him officially the no.
tice of his appointment, and he rose
In his place and signified his accept.
ance in brief and appropriate reply.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
Mrs. Wa shington's
Noble Character

In the course of the year following
the French and Indian war, Col.
Washington had paid his addresses
successfully to Mrs. Martha Custis. to
whom he was married on the 9Th Of
January, 1852 This lady was three
months younger than himself, widow
Of John Parke Custis, and distinguish
ed alike for her beauty. accomplish
ments and wealth. She was the daugh-
ter of John cambridge. At the time of
her second marriage she had two
children, a son and daughter, the
former six years old. the latter four
Mr.. Custis had left large landed estates
in New Kent County. and forty-flve
thousands pounds sterling in money.
one-third part of this property she
held in her own right. the other two
thirds being equally divided between
her children.
BY this marriage an accession OF
more than one hundred thousand dol
lars was made to Col. Washington's
fortune, which was already consider
able in the estate at Mount Vernon,
and other lands which he had select
ed during his surveying expeditions
and obtained at different times. To
the management of his extensive pri-
yate affairs his thoughts now turned
He also took upon himself the guard
ianship of Mrs. Washington's two
children, and the care of their proper
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
e e e e
Title of Monarch
Sternly Put Aside

When the revolution ended and peace
was declared. the discontents of the
officers and soldiers, respecting the ar
rearages of their pay, increased, and
there being now prospect that the
army would ultimately be disbanded
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 a spirit still more
to 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 support
OF their own interests. many of the
officers were led to look for the cause
In the form of government, and to
distrust the stability of republican in
situations. So far were they carried
by their fears and speculations that.
they meditated the establishment of a
new and more energetic system. A
colonel in the army, of a highly re-
spectacle character and somewhat ad-
vanced in life, was made the organ
for communicating their sentiments to
the commander-in-chief. In a letter
deliberately 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 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-
tons the army have been able to make
by being under proper head. There
fore / little doubt that, when the ben
efts Of mixed government are point
ed out and duly considered such will
be readily adopted In this case 1t
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 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 it 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. If all other things were
once adjusted. believe strong argu-
ments might be produced for admitting
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
: GEOPGEZXAS HING TOM.

the title of King. which / conceive
would be attended with some material
advantages"
To this communication, as unexpect-
ed as it was extraordinary in its con-
tents, Washington replied as follows:
"Newburg. % May, 1882.
"Sir--With mixture OF great sur
prise and establishment / 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-
tons 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 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 I do, and as
far as my powers and influence. in a
constitutional way extend, they shall
be employed to the utmost OF my abil-
titles to effect 1t should there be any
occasion. Let me conjure you. then.
II 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
turs. / 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. 1t is not prob
able that any further advances were
made to him on the subject.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
woman. shrewd pu.in... sense.

Miss Ella Connard Of New York. I'M
til recently. was employed by a life
insurance company in that city, where
her shrewd business sense had come
under the notice of an official Of the
Pennsylvania Railroad company. The
company was DESTROYS of purchasing
some land In West Thirty-fourth street
to be used as terminals, but did not
wish this fact to become public, for the
reason that publicity of that kind
would inevitably put the price away
up. Miss Connard was employed to
negotiate for the property, and SO well
did she manage that the company was
saved a vast sum, the total payment
being in millions. The clever young
woman's commission was of such pro-
portions that she will have comfort
able income for life.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

that received by the kings troops, and
deprecated the idea of being placed
upon footing, which should imply an
inferiority in rank. or in the value Of
their services.
while he took this high stand in
defending the just claims of the Off
GERS, he endeavored to calm their feel
ings and reconcile them to their con-
dition by appeals to their honor and
the obligations OF duty. I have com
.municated your sentiments to the 9TH
er officers said he to the governor,
and. as far as could put on the hypo-
critic, set forth the advantages that
may accrue, and advised them to ac-
cept the terms, as a refusal might re-
fleet dishonor upon their character,
leaving it to the world to assign what
reason it pleases for their quitting the
service And again, I considered the
pernicious consequences that would at
tend disunion and was therefore too
much attached to my country's inter-
ests to suffer 1t to ripen' In this way
he concealed his uneasiness, and tran
quilted the minds of his officers, al
though he felt the wrongs they suf-
fered, and approved the spirit that
would not tamely submit to them.
"As to himself, it was not so much
the smallness Of the pay. that gave
him concern. as the indignity and in
justice of having his services estimated
at lower rate, than in the British
establishment, when in reality no SER
vice could be more severe and hazard
Gus, or less promising of glory, than
the one in which he was engaged. Now
If we could be fortunate enough said
he. to drive the French from the Ohio.
as far as your honor would please to
have them sent, in any short time, our
pay will not be sufficient to discharge
our first expenses. l would not have
you imagine from this. that | have
said all these things to have our pay
| ..S-.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
ABOUT NEWSPAPER CRITICS.
They Have Faults. Some of which
Amman IN IA rouSfitutfouol

They Have Faults. some of which
Appear to BE Constitutional
The average critic of the newspaper
does not own stock in any newspaper
and does not know the cost of getting
the news. The chances are that he has
never consciously met reporter. Yet
most of what he knows from reading
outside of his own business or profess
sion has been taught him by the news
papers. They show him every day
that the world is not what he wants
it to be and it is hard for him to learn
their lessons and especially hard to
make allowances for their faults. He
may be lazy-they are industrious for
him; he may be stupid-they are in
telligent for him; he may be timid-
they are bold for him; yet he de-
nounces the newspapers.
When a reporter, working day and
night, throws the ardor of youth or the
pity of age into tragic scenes from
court where every one with a bright
heart was in tears he denounces the
newspapers. When an editorial
which he hunts for before breakfast
in order to know what to think i'm
mediately after some momentous trag-
edy-is not exhaustive, he denounces
the newspapers. His especial condem-
nation is bestowed upon what he calls
the vulgar publicity of the newspa'
pers.
When he reads enough papers or ex-
tends his reading beyond his newspa-
pers and his business, or, better still,
tries to prevent some injustice, he may
learn that vulgar publicity is often a
safeguard of justice. Good taste and
the modest reserve Of private life too
often tempt the critic to shrink from
an open fight with oppression. One of
the arts of the leading criminals
among politicians is to scare off the
private citizen by warning him that
evil communications corrupt good
manners. But public spirit is much
more robust and efficient, says the At
lantic Monthly, when coupled with a
familiar knowledge Of the vulgar
world.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
TALKING TO ONES SELF.
Belief Is Common That 1t Is symp-
tom of Insanity.

Belief Is Common That 1t Is symp-
tom of Insanity.
Talking to ones self has this obvious
advantage over any other form of ora
tory or gossip-one Is assured of D
sympathetic audience.
But 1t has also this peculiar draw
back-it is supposed to be one of the
early symptoms of insanity. Wrongly
SO, perhaps. A mad doctor might rule
the habit out of his diagnosis.
Nevertheless the popular belief is
firmly rooted. And it is for fear OF
this belief, doubtless. that we talk to
ourselves, even as we dress our hair
with straws, SO rarely. 1t may be said
that we never do address ourselves at
any length except in the delirium Of
a fever. In moments of ordinary ex-
element, Of course, we utter to the
wind some sort of appropriate ejacu-
lation. Delight wrings from us a cry
Of "Hurrah!" or Thank heaven!"
even though there be none by to echo
us.
oAihAioi ~ dhy uAo6uot We SAiAt ohC
of those sounds whose rather poor
equivalents in print are ugh" and
'Faugh!" "D-n!" and "Tut!" Much
farther than this we do not go. why,
what an ass am II" cries Hamlet In
one of his soliloquies. Omitting the
first word and Transporting the last two.
the ordinary modern man does often
soliloquize to that extent. But he
could no more soliloquize to Hamlet's
extent than he could speak in deca-
syllabics.
Nor is there any reason to suppose
that that class Of the community with
which, contemptuous of his own flu
ency, Hamlet compared himself, is or
ever was more prone to soliloquies we
cannot accept Hamlet as an unbiased
authority.
We merely find in him the possible
origin of the belief that talking to
ones self is bad sign.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
e e 4 4
II Die Hard. but
/ Am Not Afraid

After Washington's retirement from
the Presidency. his health was remark
ably good; and, although age had not
come without its inhrmities. yet he
was able to endure fatigue and make
exertions Of the body and mind with
scarcely less ease and activity than he
had done in the prime Of his strength.
On tho 18th of December. 1893, he
spent several hours on horseback, rid
ing to his farms. and giving direc.
tons TO his managers. He returned
late in the afternoon. wet and chilled
with the rain and slee.. to which he
had been exposed while riding home.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
& & e e
Incident Typical
of Washinaton's Life

A story illustrative Of the firm and
determined character of Washington is
told in the following description of af-
fairs during the frontier warfare:
THE labors and dangers Of the field
were not the only troubles with which
Col. Washington at this time had to
contend. By an ill-timed parsimony.
the pay Of the officers was reduced so
low as to create murmurs and discon-
tent throughout tie camp. Complaints
grew loud and vehement. accompanied
with threats to resign and leave the
army to its fate. Under this pressure
the character Of Washington shone
with the same purity and lustre that
often distinguished 1t afterwards on
similar trying occasions. In his letters
to the governor he assumed firm and
manly tone, demanded for himself and
his associates an allowance equal to
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
Patrick Henry's
Worthy Tribute

Mr.. Writ relates an anecdote OF
Washington which shows in what esti-
nation he was held by the members OF
the first Congress. Soon after Patrick
Henry returned home, being asked
whom he thought the greatest man
In Congress-" he replied. III you speak
of eloquence, Mr.. Rutledge OF South
Carolina is by far the greatest orator;
but, II you speak of solid information
and sound judgment. Colonel Washing
ton is unquestionably the greatest
man on that floor" This opinion was
verified by every act OF his life. HE
knowledge. ON the subjects to which
he gave his attention. was most thor
ough and exact; and all the world
has agreed that no other man has
given such proofs OF the soundness OF
rs judgment
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

the direction Of the sound. The in
truder discovered his approach, and
had just time to gain the canoe and
push it from the shore, when Washing
ton emerged from the bushes at the
distance of a few yards. The man
raised his gun, cooked it. pointed it at
him. and took deliberate aim; but.
without moments hesitation. Wash
ington rode into the water, seized the
PROV Of the canoe. drew 1t to land.
disarmed his antagonist, and inflicted
on him chastisement, which he never
again chose to run the hazard of en-
countering.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

increased, but to justify myself. and
to show you that our complaints are
not frivolous, but founded on strict
reason. For my own part, 1t is mat
ter almost Indifferent, whether / serve
for full pay. or as generous volun-
teer. Indeed, did my circumstances
correspond with my inclinations.
should not hesitate moment to pre-
fer the latter; for the motives that
have led me here are pure and noble.
I had no view of acquisition, but that
of honor, by serving my king and
country In this declaration, uttered
in the sincerity of his heart We per-
ceive. the principles, the eminent vir-
tues, that dictated every act OF his
public life."
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
& e r. Is
Absolute Stranger
to Physical Fear

An anecdote is related by an his
tolian illustrative Of Washington's
resolution and courage. A person Of
lawless habits and reckless character
had frequently entered upon the
grounds near Mount Vernon. and shot
ducks and other game. More than
once he had been warned to desIst, and
not to return. 1t was his custom to
cross the Potomac IN a canoe. and
ascend the creeks to some obscure
place, where he could be concealed
from observation. One day, hearing
the discharge of musket. Washing
ton mounted his horse, and rode in
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20
rHE apRuIpEss RlNen Rage.
Partisan Ladies of Fsshion Take Up
Another Fad.

Another Fad.
Another new trinket is one to which
the extraordinary name OF the Druid
ess ring" has been given. Mistletoe Is
all the rage this Christmas in Paris.
The ring in question is accordingly
made of two leaves of the plant imi-
tated in silver or pale gold. 1t should
be explained that the mistletoe and
Yuletide are not linked together by an
ancient association of ideas in the
Partisan mind. On the contrary. for
lists and jewellers have ''rediscovered"
this year the sacred 'gui de cheue" OF
the old Gauls and Britons. Hence II
Is not absurd to talk in Paris of mis-
tietoe having become fashionable"
One authority states that Sin the case
of engaged couples, the bunch of mis-
tletoe presented to the girl by her
fiance should invariably be attached
with white satin ribbon" Perhaps
1t ought to be further explained that
the connection between the ancient
plant and kissing is another associa-
ton of ideas unknown to the Partisan
mind, which, indeed, would be shocked
at the thought. The Druidess ring Is
the jewelers. contribution to the pre-
vailing mistletoe fashion. 1t Is not q
mere ornament, but is supposed to be
useful. From the ring. which Is large
enough to be easily slipped over the
gloved finger, hang chains, to which
are attached pencil, mirror, powder
puff. etc., and the innumerable similar
trinkets which are SO indispensable to
the modern woman.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

ty, which trust he discharged with all
the faithfulness and assiduity Of a
father, till the son became of age, and
till the daughter died in her nineteenth
year. This union was in every respect
felicitous. 1t continued forty years
To her intimate acquaintance and to
the nation, the character of Mrs.
Washington was ever a theme Of
praise Affable and courteous, exem-
plary in her department. remarkable
for her deeds Of charity aud piety, I'M
ostentatious and without vanity, she
adorned by her domestic virtues the
sphere of private life. and filled with
dignity every station in which she
was placed
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

Mr.. Newlywed (solicitouslD-And
how do you get along with the autcher,
love
Mrs. Newlywed-Oh, splendldly. He
is such a generous man, Mortimer.
When / order four-pound roast he
always sends one weighing six or
seven.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-02-20

They're thinking now of reversing
the usual process, and first trying
plays in New York before taking them
out on the road" whats the idea?"
well, II play succeeds in New York.
the rest Of the country will know it's
rotten"