The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-02-21
Tribute Of Nation
Laid at the Feet
Of Washington

No President, no American In fact,
has ever during his lifetime captured
the popular fancy Of whole nation
as did George Washington in 1889.
Evelyn Thorpe writes, in the Boston
Herald. He alone stands as the idol
of an adoring populace.
When Washington, as President-elect
Of the American people, began the
long trip from Mount Vernon to New
York in April, 1889, for the first inau-
gural ceremonies of the nation. he mod
estiy expressed his wish and intention
to avoid notice and display as he jour-
neyed through the states. But the
people were too delighted at his cleo
ton. too grateful for his splendid serv-
ices In their behalf, too proud of his
victories, too conscious Of his great
ness, to permit him to pass unnoticed.
A fig for his modestyl He was their
hero; they would adore him. True to
the spirit Of democracy. the people
had their way. He was eulogized,
Toasted, feted and acclaimed from the
moment he left the shelter Of Mount
Vernon until he entered the door Of
the Presidents house in New York
city.
Hardly had he left his own door.
yard when his friends from neighbor-
ing Alexandria captured him and es-
corted him to their little village for
a neighborly farewell. Here, he was
at home; these were his friends. They
had prepared for him a great dinner
to which the community's finest were
invited. There was cordial good fell
lowship. eulogistic farewells and
hearty we'll wishing for this great
man who was peculiarly their friend
and neighbor. Washington was more
than grateful for their confidence and
love and this frenk expression Of 1t
touched him deeply.
Welcomed at Philadelphia.
He arose before daylight to continue
his journey from Baltimore. but it
was not too early for the. Baltimore
ans to do full honor to their departing
guest. At $50 in the morning they
started him off on, his journey amid
the cheers Of the people and the boom
of cannon.
Philadelphia was the largest city
through which he was to pass and
they had made extensive preparations
there. The city was gayly decorated.
impressive triumphal arches spanned
the highways; streamers. flags and
evergreens made the old city festive
scene. There was banqueting, speeches,
music and fireworks. The honored
guest was greeted with great enthusi-
assn and frequent shouts Of Long
Life to George Washington. the father
of the people!" 1t was busy and
happy day for them all.
The next morning found the gay
city disheveled by the torrential rams
which were relentlessly descending,
making sorry havoc of the previous
days splendor and delaying Washing
tons start for Trenton until nearly
noon. He rode in his own closed car
riage accompanied by Lieut. Col. Da-
vid Humphreys. an aide-de-camp on
his staff during the war. and Charles
Thomson. secretary of the Continental
congress, who had journeyed to Mount
Vernon to notify Washington of his
election to the Presidency. and who
was now escorting him to New York.
\ Again Crossed Delaware.
They arrived at the old stone ferry
house at Colvin's ferry on the Della
ware early in the afternoon. Patrick
Colvin. himself. owner Of the ferry.
was on hand to personally conduct
the Presidential party safely across
the Delawarel What memories must
- Dcs hSve stirred Of that earlier