The Idaho Springs siftings-news. (Idaho Springs, Colo.) 1905-19??, 1918-02-15


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 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 unstntedly
Throughout his career the reward he
sought was that he might partake Sin the midst
Of my fellow citizens, the benign influence OF good
laws under free government, the ever favor1te
object Of my heart
Washington. although possessing wealth and po-
sition, although observant OF forms and cere-
monies, was In the best democrat 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, a task that fire.
Quenty 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 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 notebooks attest. He mani
Tested a special aptitude for surveying and for
military affairs. This taste led to his having
royal middys warrant obtained for him when he
was fourteen years old and only because Of his
mothers reluctance to have him 60 to England
was he spared to nght for the colonies instead Of
becoming officer IN his majesty's service.
He had been out OF school only few months
when he got his fifst job-as surveyor. 1t was
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 a
public surveyor Almost concident with his en-
trance upon a 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 was made q major.
When he still in his twentes he won his
first colonelcy in his gallant but disastrous. first
campaign against the French. II there
that drst tasted the bitter fruits Of unprepared
ness
When Washington went to Philadelphia a
member Of the Second Continental congress he
wore his provincial uniform. Instructive ex-
preston Of his feeling in regard to the crisis that
was to come-in its way fulfillment Of prophecy
for during the session he was put at the head
Of the irregular army 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. Warrington
afdently appealed to the continental and pro-
vincial congresses to provide for longer enlist