The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1921-02-22
George Washington

The birthday Of George Washington was FIRST, publicly ccle-
brated in 1888 Partisan politics had already begun TO sway the
feelings OF the people of the new nation at that time and hence
ii was that the Fedcralsts alone participated in the celebration,
the Republicans. corresponding to the Democrats OF today, rcus-
ing to take part in IT, Later, when Washington had retired from
the presidency. Feb. p, saw all parties united in paying tribute to
the father OF his country"
Describing the personal characteristics Of Washington, the
historian, Van Tyne, says; "He was a stalwart man, over six
feet in stature and well proportional in weight. His composed
and dignihed manner and his majestic walk marked him a mastcriul
man. This character was heightened by a wei -shapcd, though
not large. head set ON a superb neck. His blue gray eyes. though
penetrating, were heavy-browed and widely separated. suggesting
a slow and sure mind rather than wise and brilliant imagination.
Passion and patience. nicely balanced. appeared in the regular
placid features, with the face muscles under perfect control 4
resol rey closed mouth and a firm chin told OF the perfect moral
and phvsical courage. His clear and colorless skin never flushed
even in the greatest emotion. though the face then became hexi-
bic and expressive.
OF Washington's mental traits, the same historian says the
directive faculties were the more marked in his mind. "Ic had been
half educated, with no culture except that coming from good com
panionship. From it he learned rather the tastes Of a country gen
teman-courtesy, hospitality, and a love of sport. The sound
ness OF his Judgment and the soidity OF his information were the
notable qualities. lie had little legal training. and was too shy
and dihident for effective speech" OF original craftsmanship
Washington had little but he had "common-sepse lifted to the level
OF genius" Believing in a course. he followed it. single-handed,
hrm and patient. No rash action or personal caprice was ever
charged TO him. He was able to bear great responsibility and
courageousy to meet unpopularity and misrepresentation. There
was no flaw in his devotion" He was often anxious, but never
Respondent he wrote. I'VE shall do better next tme" This
spirit. and his gift for military administration. were the winning
traits in the years following the selection of him as commander
in-chief of the Continental armies.
On more than one occasion during his career Washington was
the imam OF the hour" 1t was the young Virginia colonel who
during the French and Indian war saved tie remnants OF General
Braddocks army and who, by his soldierly conduct at that time
laid the foundation Of the military fame which was later to elevate
him to the highest post of command. 1t was to Washington, seat
ed in congress in his uniform that the statesman Of the day turn
ed when the hour came for them to choose a supreme military
leader. 1t was Washington alone-his strong personality, his
sublime courage, his infinite patience and determination, above all
his lofty moral characteristic kept the cause Of American free
dom alive, with only the most meagre resources, until foreign aid
was enlisted and victory was won. 1t was Washington who by a
brilliant and daring stroke of generalship revived the dropping
spirits of his soldiers and his countrymen and inspired them to con-
tnue'the struggle against the greatest odds. 1t was Washington
who in the trying years after the triumph over the British, kept
the il-treated soldiers from rising in open mutiny and throwing
the new nation into anarchy. 1t was Washington who by his lead
ership and the confidence he inspired furnished the decisive nHu-
ence that resulted in the adoption OF the constitution.
Seeking to explain the personal leadership of Washington, Mr..
Van Tyne says, ut was not his mind, for FrankGns was greater
not his force, energy or ingenuity, for Benedict Arnold surpassed
him in these qualities; not his military experience, for Charles
which day by day won the love of his soldiers and the perfect
confidence of his countrymen. The absence OF mean ambition, the
one desire of serving well his country and his felow-nen, the
faithfuness that could not be driven from its task through jeal-
and solitary place among the worlds heroes"
The study OF the story of Washingtons life, with its lessons
Of patriotism, service and honor, is a never failing source of profit
and inspiration to all who take time to peruse the pages Of history
Washingtons birthday may be most appropriately observed by
dwelling upon his character and the cause to which he dedicated
his life, unselhsh devotion to his country. Washington's real
monument is not the huge pile of granite which his grateful coun-
trymen erected on the bank OF the Potomac to perpetuate his mem
DRY but it is a great nation, blessed with the most benehcent gov
ernment and institutions ever devised by man, which he, more than
any other single man, was instrumental in establishing. We do
well to celebrate the birthday of such a man, to honor his memory
to emulate his character and to resolutely dedicate ourselves tc
him and from those associated with him to whose labors we are
indebted for the democracy which has given to us
the rights to peaceful lives, liberty and the pursuit Of happiness:
-O-