The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1918-02-21

ment of the interests, welfare and principles the
inhabitants, he receives today the homage of the
millions who enjoy the heritage of the free Amer
lea for which he fought and which he helped
tabSh.
In this he was at 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 the common good. For
that he gave his time and strength unstintedly
Throughout his career the reward he
sought was that he might partake Gin the midst
Of my fellow citizens the benign influence of good
laws under a free government the ever favorite
object of my heart"
Washington. although possessing wealth and DO
stion, although observant of forms and cere-
monies, in the best sense a democrat q man
who sought the same privileges and opportunities
for every 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
fOresaw for this country first, by raising and
equipping adequate army, 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
mis- carefully kept notebooks attest. He mani
tested a special aptitude for surveying and for
military affairs This taste led to his having
royal middy'S warrant, obtained for him when he
fourteen years old, and only because of his
mothers reluctance to have him go to England
he spared to fight for the colonies instead of
becoming officer in his majesty's service.
He had been out of school only a few months
when he got his first job-as a surveyor. It was
the lads mental equipment and his intrepidty
gave him a commission to survey his wild acres in
the Shenandoah valley. So well did Washington
accomplish the arduOus task that he made a
public surveyor. Almost coincident with his
trance upon private career young Washington
identified himself with public interests. Fond OF
athletics and sports, well of military affairs
he joined the local militia. and when nineteen
years old made major
When he still in his twentfes he his
first colOnelcy in his gallant, but disastrous first
campaign against the French. It was there
that first tasted the bitter fruits unprepared
ness.
When Washington went to Philadelphia as a
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 its way fulfllment of prophecy
for during the session he put at the head
Of the irregular army near Boston. He found
that army. not only without discipline and equip
nent, but without powder Men who had enlisted
only for a few months away. Washington
ardently appealed to the continental and pro-
vincial congresses to provide for longer enlist