El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-02-22
Washington AT Home; Father Of
His Country Was An Aristocrat
By lei Harriso
CNaexma~~.
By Ethel Harrison.

! the extremes of heat and cold; on one
OF the finest rivers in the world
The independence. the isolation, the
bounteous store and dignity OF the SOIL,
the country and agricultural pursuits
was Washington's ideal of true manly
life. The same activity, circumspection
and method that characterized his mill
tary life were extended into his bust
ness life
He rose early and ate breakfast at 8
in winter and IN summer-ilis break :
fast consisting of three or FOUR indian
meal cakes and two cups or tea-then
rode TO the place of work on his estate.
Dinner was eaten at 2 o'clock and two
glasses of old Madeira and cider or
small beer were his beverages
He himself always appeared horse
back, but he had his chariot and four
superb horses. with black postillions in
livery for Mrs. Washington and her
women visitors.
Strict Business Man.
So methodical was he in business that
he kept his own accounts. books and
balanced them accurately, and any
George Washington branded products
were exempt from inspection at West
India ports. because OF she care as TO
quality and quantity Graft played no
part in his business relations. In 1874
he was elected president OF two naviga-
ton companies and as a mark of re-
spect was given $50 shares of the stock.
After much puzzling and considering.
the gift was accepted on .ne condition
that it be held for some public instftu-
tion and was donated TO public educa-
ton. He accepted no public gifts be-
cause they put him under purchased OBJ
legations TO the public and swayed pri-
vate judgment He would not be re-
tanned with q bribed freedom.
Some OF Washin gton's favorite amuse-
ments were shooting canvas back ducks
and the chase. In the height of the
season ne was out with guests two or
three times g week
Annapolis was at that time the seat of
government of Maryland. and often dur
ing the season OF the legislature, Wash
ington and Mrs. Washington visited.
These seats of provincial government
were fashionable centers OF very exclu-
sive and polite society. IN fact they
were in a sense outposts OF English
aristocracy. where positions OF profit or
dignity were secured for poor, proud
relatives and younger sons Dinners and
balls were much INDUCED pastimes
Washington loved the canoe and was
much prided partner, although a grave.
ceremonious one
Passing Property along.
The Mount Vernon estate was wiHed
by George Washington to Bushrod
Washington. q nephew and an Amer
lean jurist; then at his death. John A
Washington came into possession of 1t.
from whom the Mount Vernon Ladies'
association purchased the house and 200
acres adjacent in 1859 for 100000,
mostly raised by Edward Everett. The
house has been restored to what it was
during the life time OF Washington as
nearly as possible
The six rooms on the ground floor
contain many objects of historical in
terest connected with the times and life
of Washington The tiles in the piazza
which were brought from the Isle of
Wight. the furniture used by the fam
lily. the KEEP of the French bastile. and
many other relics are attractive to Wis
TORS. The room at the south end Of the
first floor is the one in which he died
Trees are yet in the garden planted by
him and in the coach house IS still his
carriage.