New Britain herald., 1930-02-22
WASH|NGTONL| LIKED
 WINE AND DANCING
Had q Temper, too, Modern h.
 yeSti8atorS Disclose

And most folks know. too, that the story about young George chop ping down the cherry tree is pure fiction-just a figmcnt Of the i'm agination of Parson Wccms who aC- quircd the habit ot turning all of | Washington's actions into virtues.
 But just what sort Of a man was the "Father of His Country whose memory is honercd by millions?
 Historians burroWlng for new in formation on General Washington in this inquisitive age have revealed that he was only human, that he had his falts as well as his virtues. After all, this heroic figure in inc nations history was very much like other men.
 ! Real Man
 He was essentially a mans man six feet three and onc-half inches tall "as straight as an Indian." and one Of the best horscmon of the time. who rode to hounds with the Gusto of an English squire.
 He was q favoritc with the wom- on. From boyhood he was quick to fall q victim of the Vaccinations of the fair. While some historians have shown a tendency to cXagger- ate this amiablc weakness. the truth seems to be that he often lost his heart-but experienced little diff culty in finding it again.
 He fell in love with Martha Gus tis. a wealthy widow. at first sight and married her shortly aftcrward. She no more represented his first love than he did hers: he had been rejected by Miss Betsy Fauntlcroy and had paid court 10 others. This marriage brought Washington S66,00o dowry, then handsome for tune.
 His eyes have been described as "bluclsh" and a female chroniclcr added that they were Every liVcly." His teeth were defective and bad ly made set Of false ones distorted his mouth and gave the lower part of his face the square look seen in portraits.
 Painters gave Washington smooth face. But in truth if bore the marks of smallpox. His face vas extremely pale. but burned quickly when exposed 10 the sun. and became forid
 Richest Man of Time
 Out Of Washington's diaries there emergcs a, business man-cnicicnt, industrious, punCtuaI. hard headed, cIose-flstod. practical and cautious a forerunncr of the modern captain or industry. He was probably the richest man Of the time his wealth being estimated all the way from 10000 10 s1 1,000,O00
 As a planter, he practiced crop rotation, diversified his products and cXperimcnted in breeding horses and cattle. His horse was saddlcd and al his door at dawn ready for the daily trips about his plantations.
 Honest himself and conIcmptuous of dishonesty in others. he stood upon his rights and took court ac- ton against those who attempted 10 defraud him.
 As q real estate dealer and busi , ness man at Alexandria. Na. he was known as hail fellow. well met" ' and a good companion. He be- ] longcd 10 AlcNandria's first yolun- . tcer fire company: "Iriondship . Hose"
 Danced, Liked Races
 Washington played prominent . role in social life of Virginia. House . parties were frequent at Mount Yer 1 non. He mentions many oXpcndi- . lures for arrack wine and punch; he . liked afternoon tea served in the . summer on the Neranda; he was fond Of picnics, barbecucs, clam . bakes, and still danced at the age of 6t.
 He went regularly 10 the Will liamsburg races He frequently lost various sums at cards. the largest on record now being pounds 14 shillines. He missed few opportunities to sec stage plays. though there were few theatcrs in . lis time.
 His diaries indicate that his bool. knowledge was moagcr, and that he | had difficulty With spelling and . grammar all his life. When it was suggested that he write his memoirs . he said: "A consciousness of dcfcc- tive education and a certainty Of the . lack of time unfit me for such an . 
 plsIlh1nG slavery on economic and . social rather than moral grounds, he made the best Of it. carefully clothed and fed his servants and employed a doctor for the sick
 Had Famous Temper
 Washington had q temper, that is certain. When he discovered the ucachery. or coWardlincss Of Cen cral Charles Ice at the battle Of Monmouth, it is recorded that "cusscd him out with some good round oaths.
 But it hasn't been reported what he said when two naughty girls stole his clothcs-and watch and money-when he was bathing in the Kappa hammock river. At least. he failed to appreciate the joke and the girls were sentenced to six months in jail.
 Sincerely skoptiCal of his ability 10 i'll the requirements as commander ln-chicf of the army and later as president. Washington preferred much lower station in the affairs of his country.
 But when duty called, he accepted and, despite many ob- stacles, rose to the front rank as patriot, soldier, tatcsman-and man.