The Dolores star., 1909-02-19

Judgment which of
the two men is the greater. But it is
not really important that this question
be decided. Destiny planned certain
line of work for both men, and they did
that work well. Their innate ability is
only partly responsible for their sue
cess; 1t was their unselfishness and de-
sire to do well whatever they under
took which helped them to succeed
where others might have failed If Lin
coin deserves praise because necessity
spurred him on to greatness. Washing
ton deserves as much credit because he I
became great without being driven on
by necessity. Destiny demanded
double role of Washington-she made u
MIN soldier and statesman, and be /
performed both well. His trials as "
president were almost as great as those N
ne encountered as commanderinchief
CT the army. He was placed at the head
OF new form of government, and did Y
not lave precedents to guide him in
his undertaking. 1t was his early train
ing which taught him to think calmly
and with judgment. His mind once
made up, to act without fear
He was born on the banks of the Po.
tomac river in farmhouse; though the
house was far better than a log cabin
1t was not the mansion ii is supposed
to have been. 1t was a large roomy
place. with deep sloping roof and
big outside chimney at either end. He
was one of many children. His father
was rich in crops and land, though he
had little real money. Most Virginia
farmers planted tobacco. and when mon
ey was scarce they traded this product
for food and clothing. His early years
were spent on the farm. with plenty of
md
tramp across the fields, forests and to sw
in the streams. His education was gained
a country school where he was taught for thr
hours day. Limited as his education W:
he was fond of reading and he had a bo
into which he copied everything he wished
remember. In this book he put many rul
which he himself had formulated. These a
only few of the many:
Labor to keep alive in your breast that
tie spark OF celestial fire called conscience"
Think before you speak,
whisper not in the company of others" !"
Lawrence, one of the half-brothers, had be
sent to England to school, and the paren
had planned the same for George, but t
father died suddenly. and Mrs Washingt
realized she could not afford to send him aero
the ocean. The boy had spent considerat
time on the wharf and talking to seamen h
awakened ueSlTe lot adventure IheSe 81
ries created desire to earn living as a sa
or, and he suggested 1t to his mother Nj
Washington did not like the idea of havi
George leave home nor did she approve of
career. He was sent back to school to stu
surveying. When not studying he was traini
his company of boys to become soldiers and
often got very impatient when they made m
takes
Shortly after his brother Lawrence had ms
ried the daughter of Lord Fairfax member
this family took a great interest in the be
He had such fancy for the lad he put him
surveying large tract of land in the shena
doah valley. Though the work was no ca
task he was so strong and enthusiastic
acquitted himself exceedingly well. ae d
not go alone-a boy, George Fairfax, vent
his aid. They rather enjoyed the nen exI
rience Of hunger, cold and facing Indiaa str,
egy In later years George recalled his exI
rience ofsroughing 1t in the Shenandoah vi
ley with great pleasure. This work w.s su
denly interrupted by sickness in the ,ami
Lawrence, his haif-brother. was i'll and tSe pt
sicians sent him to the West Indies :ieor
went alongato keep him company, onir to
taken with smallpox. Although Ls wren
started. for home, he died after his return.
This was great shock to George, !or t
brothers were exceedingly devoted; hat t
sting Of this loss was partly forgotter by
commission to go to the French who we
building forts on English territory. He W