Evening journal., 1921-02-21

lent form, and then it was almost
always fatal In 1853 he was fired
on by an Indian guide at fifteen
PAGES. once crossing the Allegheny
River in December, in self-con-
structed raft, he was thrown into
the icy water. and escaping on a
floating log, lay all night in frozen
clothes. the night being so cold the
river froze over, and he walked
across the next day to escape the
savages.
''The greatest calamity that Wash
ington missed by a narrow margin
was being married 20 a woman who.
with all her relatives, was devoted
TO the cause of England. Captain
Morris, who married this woman, re-
turned to England. Had Washing
ton become entangled in matri-
monial alliance with her, he might
have been lost to America
"The Battle OF Princeton Is the
subject OF a famous painting by
Trumbull. Washington himself told
the artist he was in greater peril
then than at the time Of Braddock s
defeat. In the height OF the battle
the two armies were for a season in
furious conflict and Washington be-
tween them within range OF both
fires. Irving, the historian, writes,
His aide, Col. Fitzgerald, losing
sight OF him in the heat of the fight
when enveloped in smoke and dust,
dropped the bride on the neck Of
his horse and drew his hat over his
eyes, giving him up for lost. When
he saw him, however, emerging
from the cloud. waving his hat, and
beheld the enemy giving way, he
spurred to his side. Thank God,
he.cried, Your Excellency is safe.
Away, my dear colonel, and bring
up the troops was Washington's re-
ply, the day is ours
Yes, God gave Washington to
our nation, and he Is our priceless
heritage. the incarnation OF man
hood. virtue. Integrity. piety. patti
ence, fortitude and aii noble traits
which alone make a man or nation
truly great. Modesty, which adds
charm TO all other qualities in men,
was pre-eminent in Washington.
When he had closed his career in the
French and Indian war and had be-
come a member of the house of bur-
gesses. the speaker. Robinson, was
directed by a vote of the house. to
return their thanks to that gentle
man on behalf of the colony for the
distinguished military services he
had rendered his country. Mr.. Rob
inson discharged his duty with great
dignity, but with such warmth of
coloring and strength OF expression
that he entirely confused the young
hero. Washington rose to express
his thankfulness of the honor, but
such was his trepidation and confu-
sion that he could not give distinct
utterance to a single word. He
blushed. stammered and stumbled
for a moment. when the speaker re-
lieved him by a stroke of address
that would have done credit to any
maste rof assemblies. sit down. Mr.
Washington. your modesty is equal
10 your valor, and surpasses any
language I possess.
"As a statesman, Washington re-
mains an example for all time. Never
did he allow private friendship or
political prejudice to interfere with
the discharge of public duty.
During his administration as
president, a gentleman who was the
friend and companion of the general
through the whole course OF the
war, applied for a lucrative and
very responsible position. The man
was at all times welcome at WASH
ington's table and enjoyed his confi-
dence and had rendered valuable
service during the war. He fully ex-
pected the appointment. and his
friends cheered him in anticipation
OF success. The opponent for this
position was known to be hostile TO
the politics OF Washington, yet he
had the temerity TO stand as candi-
date for the Office to which the
friend and favorite of Washington
aspired. He had nothing to urge in
favor OF his candidacy except merit,
ability, business capacity. His ap-
plication was considered hopeless by
all. and yet he received the appoint
ment on the ground that he was
eminently qualified TO execute the
functions OF the office. while the
friend OF Washington was not.
Washingtons justification OF his
course was that he was acting. not
as George Washington but as Pres
ident OF the United States in the dis
charge OF his duty. Herein is the
difference between the statesman
and the politician. Proclaim Il
abroad"