The Clio messenger., 1918-02-22

ent Oh tne interests, welfare and principles of 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 es-
tablish
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 rs 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 unstntedly.
Throughout his the one reward he
sought was that he might partake, "in the midst
of my fellow citizens, the benign influence or good
laws under free government, the ever favorite
object of my heart"
Washington. although possessing wealth a.4d po-
sition, although observant of forms and
MONIES was in the best sense democrat a man
who sought the same privileges and opportunities
for every one Of his fellow citizens which he en-
5oyed, 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 an adequate army, a task that fire.
quenty hung leaden on his hands, and, secondly.
by properly safeguarding their rights after they
had been won.
George Washington received less education
in schoo-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.
his carefully kept notebooks attest. He mani
tested special ATTITUDE for surveying and for
military affairs. This taste led TO his having n
royal middys warrant obtained for him when he
was fourteen years old. and only because of his
mothers reluctance 10 have him go to England
was he spared TO fight for the colonies instead Of
becoming an officer in his maiestys service.
He had been out of school only few months
when he got his first iob--as n surveyor. II
n good one. too. for Lord Fairfax. having noted
the lads mental equipment and his intrepldity,
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 concident with his
trance upon private career young Washington
Identified himself with public interests. Fond of
athletics and sports well as Of military affairs,
he joined the local militia. and when nineteen
years old made major.
When he was still in his twenties he won his
first coonecy in his gallant hut disastrous. first
campaign against the French. II was there
that he first tasted the bitter fruits Of unprspared-
ness.
When Washington went to Philadelphia
member of the Second Continental congress he
wore his provincial uniform. an instructive
preston Of his feeling In regard to the crisis that
was to come--in fits way n fulfllment of prophecy
for during the session he was pur at the head
of the irregular army near Boston. He found
that army. not only without discipline and equip
ment. but without powder Men who had enlisted
only for few months ran away. Washington
nrtlently appealed TO the continental and pro-
congresses to provide for longer enlist