The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-02-21
Washington.

Editor, Times: Again ] ask for space
To say few words about the annlver-
sarv of the birth Of our first president,
George Washington, who has long been
called the father of his country. He
was born Feb. %, 1852, and died in
1900. He was president from lIs9 TO
1897. Up to the time of his election
as president Washington had served
his fellow countrymen in many ways.
The life Of the first chief magistrate OF
the United States proves how much
can be gained by single mindedness in
the pursuit of an ideal. The contem
poraries who met him during the strug-
gle for American independence or dur
ING his term of office seemed at loss
10 account for his greatness.
Some gifted writer has said that the
character of Washington may lack
some of the poetical elements which
dazzle and delight the multitude but
It shows fewer inequalities and rarer
union Of virtues than perhaps ever fell
to the lot Of any other man.
James Thatcher, a surgeon ~ the
army of the Revolution, referred TO
Washingtons personal appearance as
that of perfect gentleman, an accom-
plished warrior. six feet tall, erect and
well proportional Thacher added that
no one could stand in Washington's
presence without feeling the ascend
ancy OF his mind and associating with
his countenance the idea OF philan-
thropy, wisdom, magnanimity and pa
triotism.
There is something in his face indie
alive of dignifed spirit. His eyes
blue, he makes his hair in becoming
aueie, and from his brow II Is turned
back and arranged in a manner which
adds to the military air OF his appear.
anec. His uniform dress is blue
coat. with two brilliant epaulets, buff
colored underelothes and three-cor-
nered hat with black cascade. He Is
constantly equipped with an elegant
sword boots, spurs always ready 70
mount his noble charger.
Washington was always very
thoughtful for his men. In one general
order he said: .In order that the men
nav have an opportunity to attend
public worship as well as TO take some
rest after the great fatigue they have
gone through. they are excused from
fatigue exercises on Sunday except at
the shipyards or on special occasions
until further notice.
In another order he deplorcs that the
wicked practice Of profane cursing and
swearing is gaining hold on the Amefi-
can army, where il has hitherto been
little known. He hopes that the Off
GERS will BY example and influence en-
deayor 10 check il. and that they and
the men viii reflect that we can have
little hope OF the blessing of Heaven
ON our arms IL we insult the Ruler Of
| the Heavens BY our impietyand folly.
Washington added that swearing IL a
vice so mean and low without any
temptation that every man Of sense
and character dctests and despises II.
On receiving the coiors Of France
Washington said: Il receive, sir, with
lovely sensibility, the symbol Of the
triumphs and of the enfranchisement
of your nation, the colors OF France,
which you have now presented TO the
United States. The transaction will be
announced to Congress and the colors
viii be deposited within the archives
Of the United States. which are at
once the evidence and the memorial Of
their freedom and independence. May
these be perpetual and may the friend
ship of two republics be commensurate
with their existence
To Washington more than any Other
man IL due the existence Of our glori'
Gus Union. Il was he who steered the
newly Constructed ship 81 state
through the raging sea Of disordered
finance, Frustrated commerce. ruined
credit and exhausted resources, into
/ the placid waters that have brought
us 20 our present stuPendous great
ness He was greater than other meH
because he wac true to himself and e
the Stars and Stripes nov flying from
schooihouses and other buildings
Washington liberated us from The
Oppressive rule Of the British govern.
usnt May Ne finally realize the hsnl
eft Of . government Of the people. foi
the reopie and ~ the people ard pay
. ciowin0 tribute of resFect 10 ne na.
tion ~ csifhrating the iay that CAV,
hrfh b fhc father q cur countrr-
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