The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-02-20
The Writings Of George Washington

A great memorial edition of the literary essays,
speeches and state papers of George Washington is now
in preparation by the George Washington Bicentennial
Commission, under authorization by the congress of the
United States. 1t will consist of Is volumes and will be
ready for distribution next year. when the two hundredth
anniversary of Washington's birth will be celebrated.
This memorial edition will be the first one ever pro-
duced containing in their original form, unaltered and
unabridged, al! of the important documents produced by
the first president.
President Herbert Hoover has written a very informa-
tive foreword to the forthcoming set Of books, the first
volume of which will soon be off the press. The presi-
dents introduction, which will appear IN the initial
volume. is here quoted in part:
Literary power and craftsmanship were combined in
George Washington, the greatest political leader of his
time and also the greatest intellectual and moral force
of the revolutionary period. Everybody knows Washing
ton as a quiet member of the Virginia assembly. OF the
two continental congresses, and of the constitutional
convention. Few people realize that he was also the
most voluminous American writer Of his period. and
that his principles of government have had more in
fluence on the development Of the American common
wealth than those of any other man.
Unfortunately, Washington for many years was in
terpreted to his countrymen chiefly through warped bio
graphies written upon a great deal OF legendary assuinp-
ton. Until very recently no readable biography OF
George Washington in reasonable compass made him
stand for what he was-the most potent human and
intellectual 1OrCe IN q armament OF American lntellcCL.
Nowadays good biographies of Washington are available,
written from the sources. Many of them are devoted to
a particular phase of his activity-the military side, the
political side. the personal side. Hence when the United
States George Washington Bicentennial commission be-
gan its work it did not attempt to inspire new biographies.
It selected as its most important literary duty that Of
making Washington better known. by spreading abroad
his own thoughts and plans end hopes and inspirations
In the exact form in which he framed them. >.
The commission has set out to publish a definitive edi-
ton of all the written and printed words Of George
Washington in the form in which they left his hands,
including several volumes of general orders, almost the
whole Of which up to now had remained in manuscript
only. Most of his original writings OF every kind are
fortunately preserved in the library of congress. Other
libraries and private owners of manuscripts have per-
mitted photostats to be made for inclusion in the great
publication. When this series is completed, therefore,
almost the whole Of his reported thoughts will be within
the reach Of readers, Investigators, and writer's. .
IF nothing had been written by others about Wash
ingtons leadership in forming a new nation, his papers
and correspondence while president would forever estab-
fish him as a great constructive statesman"