The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1913-08-02
Uk 6SAzzTsee 1890 ~ AvfAsV AEkGAB0H

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Virginia Maintained tho Initiative.
But, though she acted late in the
business, and some ome-keeping
spirits among even her greater men
held back, Virginia did not lose the
place of Initiative she had had in all
this weighty business of reform.
Something in her air or her life had
given her in these latter years an ex-
traordinary breed of public men-men
liberated from local prejudice, pos
sessed of vision and an efficacy in
affairs worthy Of the best traditions
Of craftsmanship among the English
race from which they were sprung.
capable Of taking the long view, Of
seeing the permanent lines Of leader
Ing ordinary views to meet extraor-
binary ends.
Even Henry and Mason could take
their discontinue gracefully, Loyalty,
like men bred to free institutions; and
Washington had the deep satisfaction
to see his state come without hestta-
ton to his view and hope.
Country Demands Washington.
The new constitution made sure Of,
and time set by congress for the
elections and the organization of a
new government under it, the coun-
try turned as one man to Washington
to be the first president of the United
States.
I'VE cannot, sir, do without you"
cried Governor Johnson Of Maryland,
"and I and thousands more can ex-
plain to anybody but yourself why We
cannot do without YOU"
TO make any one aise nresident. h
seemed to men everywhere, would be
ike GROWING q subject while the king
Fas by.
Washington Holds Back.
But Washington held back, a. he
had held back from attending the con-
stitutional convention. He doubted his
evil capacity, called himself an old
man, said 1T would be to forego re-
pose and domestic enjoyment for
trouble, perhaps for public obloQuy."
The acceptance" he declared,
would be attended with more did,
denoe and reluctance than I ever e1-
perienced before in my life"
But he was not permitted to de-
cline. Hamilton told him that his at
tendance upon the constitutional con.
vent1on must be taken to have pledged
him In the view Of the country to
take part also IN the formation Of the
government TN a matter so essen.
tial to the well-being Of society as
the prosperity of q newly Instituted
:, government" said the great advocate;
"a citizen, OF 10 much consequence as
yourself to its success has no option
but to lend his services, If called for.
Permit me to say it would be inglori-
GUS, in such a situation, not to hazard
the glory, however great, which he
might have previously acquired"
Yields to Popular Will.
Washington, of course, yielded, like
the simple1aninded gentleman and SOL
der he was, when it was mada thus q
matter of duty.
When the votes Of the electors were
opened In the new congress, and it
was found that they were one and all
for him. he no longer doubted. He did
not know how to decline such a call,
and turned with all his old courage to
the new task.
.. The members Of the new congress-
1o~ ~
that 1t was the 9Th OF April. 1889, be.
fore both houses could count q
quorum, though the 4th of March had
been appointed the day for their con.
vening.
Washington Notified.
Their first business was the opening
and counting of the electoral votes;
and on the 7th Charles Thomson, the
faithful and sedulous gentleman who
had been clerk of every congress-
since the first one In the old colonial
days fifteen years ago, got away on
his long ride to Mount Vernon to no
tfy Washington of his election.
Affairs waited upon the issue Of hin
errand. Washington had for long
known what was coming, and WA
ready and resolute, as of old.
There had been no formal nomina,
tions for the presidency, and the votes
& of the electors had lain under seal till
the new congress met and found q
quorum; but It was an open secret
" who had been chosen president. and
Washington had made up his mind
what to do.
Bids HE Mother Farewell.
=. Mr.. Thomson reached Mount Yer
non on the 14th, and found Washing
ton ready to obey his summons al
!: once.
He waited only for hasty ride Il
Y fredericksburg to bid his aged mother
farewell.
hi She was not tender In tho parting
IA Her last days had come. and she had
al set herself to bear with grim resolu
~ tion the fatal disease that had Ions
been upon her. She had never beer