The Dolores star., 1918-02-15

ment Of the interests welfare and principles of the
Inhabitants, he receives today the homage of the
millions who enjoy the heritage Of the free Amer
ica for which he fought and which he helped es-
In this he was at one with other great men bred
In the new. free spirit and atmosphere of the
colonies He did not seek to set himself over
them. but to work with them. contributing as his
part In the struggle his military genius and ex.
perience and his carefully trained executive
ability. His ideal was the common good. For
that he gave his time and strength unstintedly.
Throughout his career the one reward he
OF my fellow citizens. the benign influence Of good
laws under free government. the ever favorite
object Of my heart
Washington. although possessing wealth and po-
sition. although observant Of forms and cere-
monies was In the best sense democrat man
who sought the same privileges and opportunities
for every one Of his fellow citizens which he en-
joyed and who devoted his gifts and energies to
that end.
That they might have them, he not only ex-
pended freely his energies of mind and body, but
he constantly exhorted his fellow countrymen to
prepare themselves for the high destiny that he
fcrcsaw for this country, first, by raising and
eQuipping an adequate army, a task that fire.
quently hung leaden his hands, and secondly,
by properly safeguarding their rights after they
had been won.
George Washington received less education
In school-than most lads Of poor parentage do
today. He left school before he was sixteen years
old. and, except in mathematics in which he had
advanced through geometry and trigonometry, his
education did not extend beyond that which boys
usually get in the grammar grades Of the public
schools What he studied he knew. however, as
his carefully kept notebdAks attest He mani
Tested special ATTITUDE for surveying and for
military affairs This taste led to his having q
royal middy's warrant, obtained for him when he
was fourteen years old, and only because Of his
mothers reluctance to have him go to England
was he spared to fight for the colonies instead of
becoming an ohicer In his majesty's service.
He had been out Of school only few months
when he got his first job--as surveyor. It was
a good one. too. for Lord Fairfax, having noted
the lads mental equipment and his ntrepidity,
gave him commission to survey his wild acres In
the Shenandoah valley So well did Washington
accomplish the arduous task that he was made
public surveyor. Almost coincident with his en-
identified himself with public interests. Fond Of
athletics and sporM. as well as Of military AFFAIRS
he Joined the local militia. and when nineteen
years old was made major.
When he was still In his twenties he won his
ilrst coionelcy In his gallant but disastrous first
campaign against the French. was there
that he frst tasted the bitter fruits Of unprepared
ness.
When washington went to Philadelphia as
member OF the Second Continental congress he
wore his provincial uniform, an instructive ex-
preston Of his feeling in regard to the crisis that
was to come In tts way fnlfllment Of prophecy
for during the session he was put at the head
c6 the irregular army near Boston. He found
that army. not only without discipline and equip
nent, but without powder Men who had enlisted
hnly for 3 few months ran away. Washington
ar6entIy appealed TO the continental and pro
1snc1ai consresses 70 provide for LONGER enlist
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