East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1922-02-22
BY WILLIAM %. BARTON

become
One rarely hears referred to except in terms of hariy
But is of the very few stories that have down
to us concerning the youth of Washington and not in all
spects unworthy either of credence respect.
The original little hatchet story from the pen
Rev. Masn Weems, friend of Washington and for time
rector of Pohick Church. where Washington attended He
wrote several books the most famous of which is his Life of
Washington. The first edition pamphlet of 82 pages,
which appeared SOO very shortly after the death of
ngton grew into szable little book of 244 pages 1t ran
through 40 or editions.
Weems the friend not only of the Washington family
but also OF the Lees and other noted Virginia people, The title
of his book bears this testimonial from General Lee Light
Horse Harry of the Revolutionary army the intimate friend of
Washington:
The author has treated this great subject with admirable
success in new way He turns all the actions of Washington
the of virtue by careful application of
Gus drawn from the conduct of the founder of
our republic from his earliest life."
That virtually that General Lee and other intimate
friends OF Washington admired this ted old biography for the
very qualities which have caused us to ridicule it.
It interesting to the story of the little hachet pre-
cse as Parson Weems wrote it. Having related how the faith
er Of George careful to train him in habits truthful
with classic parallel references Ulysses Temachus
he says:
This you'll say was sowing good seed!-Yes it was: and
the crop thank God believe it will be- where
man acts the true parent that is the guardian angel by his
The following anecdote is in point It is too valuable
to be lost and too true be doubted for communicated
last.
When George said she was about six years DID, he
made the wealthy master of hatchc of which, like most little
boys ne was mmodeatey fond and constantly going about
ehoppng everything that came in his way.
zone day. in the garden where he often amused himself
hacking his mothers peascks he unucky tried the edge
his hach on the body beautiful young English cherry tree
which he marked terribly that don't believe the tree ever
got the better of it, The next morning the old gentleman find
ing out what had befaen his tree which, by the way was
great 1avote came into the house and with much warmth
asked for the mschevous author declaring mt the same time
that ne would not have taken five guineas Ior it,
presently George and his hache made their appearance
George said his father do you know who killed that beautiful
little cherry tree yonder in the garden?'
rms was tough question: and George staggered under it
Tor moment; but quickly recovering himself and looking
his father with the sweet youth frightened with the in
expessible charm OF aconquerng truth he bravey cried out
- can't tell lie, pa; you know can't tell lie did cut il
with my hatche'
Run to my arms, you dearest boy cried his father in
transports run to my arms glad George that YOU killed
my tree for you have paid thousand fold Such an ac
OF heroism in my son is worth than thousand frees
though Dlossomed with silver and their fruits pures gold
Parson Weems obtained this story from an old lady whose
lifelong acquaintance with Washington gave her access to ac
OF his early le and whose reputation ruthuness was m
challenged. ~ "
Weems did invent the story and neither did his inform,
anu Inc story rested on some basis of fact 1t not likely thai
came down without eXaggeraon but when YOU have made
al possible deduction what have you left? father trann.
ms boy 10 be truthful and the boy having done wrong act nC
being tempted to seek refuge faehood braye telling b
truth and his father commencing his truthuneSs instead
furnishing the boy. ~ v
So after we have had little laugh at Parson Weems on
ms hlgny colored narrative disposed to say that the l
hatchet story still good one to tell to American boys
"""~""""s~"~-~-~-
he Grant county road will get federal aid but it is not get
g the state cooperation that should be forthcoming wifi
Oregon expendng forty millions or hereabous on boba
there should be more available for roads of econo
Importance to the people The tourist business is snendid 49,
we want 1t but our home folk are also entitled to look in
in while. ~ " '
Now that the sheriff will be able to collect trayel -
there Will be no further for enforcement
are many however, who have been able to 50 how
pay has ever been an issue far local law
the sheriff is concerned. ~ y