Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-18
Short Stories of the Father of His
Country.

Some boys think It is big and manly to
swear and gamble. and declare all men
who are any good do these things. George
Washington did not, and was very severe
to others who did. His orders to the army
show that he laid great stress upon moral
ity. One of them was this. The ofhcers
are desired If they hear any man swear or
make use OF an oath to order the offender
twenty-five lashes Immediately.
Washington was very careful OF his pos
sessions One little incident Will bring this
trait near to boys. When he was twelve
years of age he was presented by his mother
with a knife-one of the big, clumsy jack
knives of the period. dear to every boy or
the time. Washington carried that knlfe
steadily for thlrty-six years.
It Is pleasant to notice that the friends
of Washington did not wait until he be-
came President before attaching impor-
lance to the day OF his birth Immediately
after peace was declared the 22d of Febru-
ary by universal consent. was recognized
as a national event. 1t was celebrated
throughout the colonies by the joyous DEM
onstration that had formerly been given 10
royalty.
The earliest account of Washlngton,s
birthday In New York IS In 1884. The Brit
ish had Just left New York, and no DOUBT
the citizens were glad to see the last or
them A New York paper, In describing
some of the scenes, published the following
verses, that were sung by select cIup ol
wings:
Americans. rejoice,
While songs employ the voice;
Let trumpets sound
The thirteen striDes display
In flags and streamers gay.
It's Washington's birthday,
Let Joy abound.
From scenes of rural peace,
From affuence and ease.
At freedom 8 call
hero his birth.
Great Washington stands FORTH
The scourge OF George and North-
And tyrants all
The silver trump of fame
His glory shall proclaim
Till time is done.
Courage with GOODNESS Joined,
'Bove all an honest mind,
Has washington
Washington was a kind and affectionate
stepfather. In the first invoice OF goods
to be shipped to him from London after he
had married the mother of Jack ana
Patsy" Custis he ordered ten shlilngs
worth of toys, six little books Tor chllureh
beginning to read and one fashlonaply
dressed baby (dolD, to cost ten ,shillings.,
Later he wrote for box OF ginserpfeau
toys and sugar images or commits
washington was a fine shot, and the
waters of the chesapeake abounded in cam
yasback and wild duck. Washington would
not allow other people to bring down nus
birds He learned that one poacher was
filing his game bags at his expense. WASH
agton determined to end his fun. hearing
a shot one day, he mounted his horse ana
rode in the direction of the sound. me
roacher discovered his approach and, en-
tering his canoe. pushed few yards OUT
into the river before the master of Mount
Vernon came in view. When Washington,
with anger in his eye, cane in sight. the
poa cher raised his gun. cooked 1T and took
deliberate aim. Washington did not snow
the slightest fear. He walked INTO tho
water. seized the canoe and pulled it ashore.
Taking the gun from the poacher, he gave
him so severe a chaStiSement that he never
again repeated his attempt upon WashIhg-
tons birds.
On visiting Mount Vernon recently as the
boat drew near the landing several guns
were fired Asking the reason, the captain
said that no vessel passed by Washingtons
home no matter under what flag it sailed,
without extending TO his memory this sa-
lutte.