Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1915-02-27

Jealous outhursts exclaimed: would Washington
have been commander of the Revolutionary army
or president of the United States If he had not
married the rich widow of Mr.. Cust1s?" Mrs
Washington's third of the GUSTS property equaled
fifteen thousand acres of land, good part OF It
adjoining the city of W1l1amsburg, several lots
in the said city between 1000 and 5000 negroes,
and about 900 10000 upon bond esti-
mated at the time about 100000 in all Be
Sides this was increased by the death of the
daughter Patsy Custis, in 1878, by half her
fortune, a of 6 10000. But it must be re-
membered that Washingtons colonial military
fame had been entirely achieved before he had
even met Mrs Gusts. Washington was worth
about ss0o.OOO. the richest man in his day.
1t has been said that his penchant for lovely
women was acutely alive all through his active
career. Washington human, and there is
question that fair women always had attract
ed him
In his sixty-sixth year he wrote Love is said
to be involuntary passion, and it is There
fore he contended that it cannot be resisted"
Though a lover himself. Washington was not
Matchmaker In letter to the widow OF
Jack Custis ("Jack' his wife's son, who had been
his ward) he writes: 81 never did, do be-
heve shall give advice to a woman who Is
setting out a matrimonial voyage And
again, 'sIt has been maxim with me through
life, neither to promote nor to prevent a matrf
moniaI connection 1 have always con-
sidered marriage the most interesting event
of ones life, the foundation of happiness or
misery
Yet in letter to Eliza Custis Bates (the eldest
of Jacky's four children), dated January 6. 1876.
Washington gives some interesting advice
Neither shun by too much coyness the addresses
of suitable character whom you may esteem;
encourage them by advances your part.
however predisposed toward them your inclina-
ton may be-
In choosing a partner life prefer of
your countrymen (by this American)
of visible property and whose family is known and
whose circumstances (not depending fortu-
itous matters) may not, like foreigners. reduce
you to the heartrending alternative of parting
with him bidding adeu to your country. fam
lily and friends forever
''In forming connection of this durability let
the understanding well the passion be
suited; without the appreciation of the first the
Indulgence of the latter may be compared to the
rose, which will bloom, glow for while. then
fade and die, leaving nothing but thorns behind
it. There other considerations, though sec
ondary, nevertheless important. Among these
congenality of temper is essential, without which
discord will ensue and that walk must be
pleasant and toilsome when two persons linked
together cannot in 1t without jostling each
other"
Alas, Eliza Ann ("Betsy") didn't take Wash
ingtons advice She married Thomas Law,
Englishman, the nephew of Lord E1lensborough
yet it is said she was comparatively happy in her
choice.
Though Washington loved, and loved often
there is doubt that good deal of romance
has been woven around his early career. Accord
ing to some Washington had "a rag every
bush," from the vinecIad hills of old Virginia to
Boston Commons But the truth is Washington
indiscriminate lover, did he tride
with the affections of women Despite the eff
forts of forgery and calumny no deed of shame In
regard to the sex ever could be laid at his door
During the time he president Mrs. Hart
ley is mentioned to whom some say he was very
devoted Yeates says: "Mr. Washington once
told charge which made against
the president at his table, that the admfra
ton he warmly protested for Mrs. Hartley was q
proof of his homage to the worthy part OF the
sex. and highly respectful to his WIFE.