Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-10-20
THE CHERRY TREE STORY.
Student of Historical Myths Tells
How 1t Originated.

Student of Historical Myths Tells
How 1t Originated.
Writing of some OF the myths OF Ameri-
can history in Harper,s Magazine, Albert
Bushnell Hart tells Of the origin OF the
story OF George Washington and the
cherry tree and its inventor, Mason Locke
Weems.
"Weems' Life OF Marion was professedly
an Historical Romance and his life OF
Washington is not much more authentic.
Doubtless the lively parson had no
thought OF deceiving his readers by in
venting long dialogues and telling
speeches; and perhaps his shade is to-day
surprised and gratihed to know that the
story OF the Ratchet is an American
classic which has crystallized the impress
sion Of Washington in the minds of mil
lions Of Americans. The text Of the i'm
mortal invention is perfectly well known
to every virtuous American boy and girl.
1.-THE following anecdote Is . case in
point, says Parson Weems. 1t is too valua-
for it was communicated to me by the
same excellent lady to whom / am in
debted for the last.
"'When George" said she, twas about
six years old, he was made the wealthy
master OF . Ratchet, Of which like most
little boys, he was Immediately fond; and
was constantly going about chopping
everything that came in his way. Ono
day in thelgarden, where he often amused
himself hacking his mothers pea-sticks,
he unluckily tried the edge OF his Ratchet
on the body Of beautiful young, English
cherry tree, which no barked 90 terribly,
that don't believe the tree ever got tho
better Of 1t. The next morning the old
gentleman, finding ont what had bsfallen
lis tree, which, by the way, was . great
favorite, came into the house; and with
much warmth asked for the mischisvous
author, declaring at the same time that hs
would not have taken I've guineas for his
tree. Nobody could tell him anything
about it. Presently George and his
Ratchet made their appearance. George,
asked his father, do you know who killed
that beautiful little cherry tree yonder in
tho gardenf This was tough question,
and George staggered under 1t for Q
moment, but quickly recovered himself,
and, looking ut his father, with the sweet
face OF youth frightened with the mex
pressible charm Of all-conquering truth,
he bravely cried out: Il can't tell q lie,
p; you know can't tell lie. did cut
it with my hatchet.' Run to my arms,
you dearest boy cried his father. in trnns-
ports, run to my arms; glad am 1, George,
that you killed my tree; for you have paid
me for 1t . thousandfold. Such an act OF
heroism in my son Is worth more than
1000 trees, though blossomed with. silver,
and their fruits Of purest gold.'"
at was this way by interesting 1t once
both his heart and head, that Mr.. WASH
ington conducted George with great ease
and pleasure along the happy paths Of
virtue
This story was first printed by Weems
in 1905. The aged lady who was distant
relative, and, when girl, spent much Of
her time in the family was probably also
. creation. A for the tale, it is Q curious
fact that grandson Of Weems says that
one of Weems' children, not long after
Washington's death, cut down Pride
OF China candidly confessed his fault
and was rewarded with a sound whip
ping! II this anecdote b. true, Weems
was doing his best to make out that the
father of George Washington was . wiser
and kindlier man than Weems himself.m