The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-03-04
WASHINGTON AND LINCOLN
Address by Miss T. Winch Of East
Arlington


Following is an address delivered
at the Congregational church in East
Arlington by Miss Mabel T. Winch,
pastor:
I'VE should be very grateful for
our books of history for they tell us
all that we know of Washington. OF
his personal appearance, we are told
that it comported entirely with the
grandeur OF his character. His
stature was six feet, 2 inches, an adj
mirably proportional frame, brown
hair, blue gray eyes. bold and grace
full rider and hunter. He looked
calmly and steadily at every one
whether friend or foe. He walked
like practical soldier, grave and re-
served. His speech sparing and de-
liberatc.
ut is interesting to know how peo-
pie Of those days dressed At home
he wore the usual dress of a citizen.
On state occasions he dressed in Il
full suit OF the richest black velvet,
with diamond knee-buckles, and
square silver buckles set upon shin
ing or japanned shoes, black silk
stockings. lie wore white rufHes at
the throat and wrists, a light dress
sword. His hairrftom~iit
sword. his hair proiusely powdered
and tide with wide black ribbon.
| have read somewhere that when he
was married to Mrs. Martha Curtis
ne were a blue cloth Goa. lined with
red silk and crnameated with silver
trimmings His vest was embroider-
cd white satin. his shoe and knee
buckles were OF solid gold, his hair
was powdered and dress sword
hang By his side.
Ills bride was alfred in heavy
brocadod white silk interviewer with
q silver thread high-heeled shoes Of
white satin with diamond buckles,
ruales Of rich point lace. pearl neck.
lace, earrings and bracelets. The
aris.ccracy of Virginia was out in full
force for the wedding.
Washington father died when
George was twelve years old. He
left a large property TO the widow
and the FIVE children. George Wash
ington's education was in the local
schools and extended only to read
ing. wiring. arithmetic, book-keep-
ing and land surveying then an i'm
poftant acquisition. At the ago CT
thirteen he wrote out for his own use
ITO maxims for civility and good be-
havior He was offered commits
sion as midshipman on the ship CT
Admiral Vernon, but his mother OPP
posed the acceptance of it and he re-
fused. A. the age of nineteen he be
gan his military career and achieved
considerable service in the army, I'M
til in June Of 1715 when he was for
5y-three years OF age. he was appoint
cd Commaaderin-Chief OF the army
of the United Colonies.
He at once took command and led
cur forces to victory and secured
peace and independence to this coun-
try. With The return of peace and
the achievement Of independent ma
tionality there was universal disatis-
faction felt with congress as gov
erning power People felt they must
nave superior power. head TO rule
over them. Circumstances. OF course,
indicated Washington as that head
and the next question was, what
title should be given such leader
some wanted the title, King, but
Washington spurned such title,
thus we see the simplicity of Wash
lngton in laying aside such dazzling
offer When he Left Mount Vernon
to so to New York to be inaugurated
President, he was everywhere greet
ed BY enthusiastic crowds Of people.
At Trenton where Washing on won
such a glorious victory triumphal
arch was erected with evergreen and
floral adornments and supported by
thirteen pillars also wreathed with
evergreen and flowers. over this in
thes center of the arch Was q cupola
of evergreeRs and flowers and bear
ing the da.e Of the victory at Tren-
ton Several young ladies and girls
all dressed Ia white and wearing
wreaths OF flowers stood on either
side of the street. SIX OF these held
baskets Of flowers and as soon as the
General had passed under the arch,
thpv nlVanra1 and sang song com
posed for the occasion and strewed
their flowers before he General
"On Thursday the thirdeth Of
April 1888. the ceremony of inaugur.
ating the First President Of the Unit
cd States took place at New Ycrk
Washington had 20 endure much and
sacrifice much and suffer much;
the winter OF 81 and IS spen, at Val
ley Forge with his halffed. hall-clad
army must have heen exceedingly
trying. lie endured criticism from
many: congress among the rest. but
he proved himself brave. true. great
souled man. First in PEACE. first in
war. and first in the hear.s OF his
countrymen." Il has been said OF
him. a character Of virtues, so hap
PLY tempered by one another and SO
wholly unalloyed by any yicer. is
hardly to be found on the pages OF
history. For him il has been reserv-
ed to run the race Of glory without
experiencing the smalles Interrupt