The border vidette., 1931-11-07
ADJUSTMENTS OF WASHlNGTOM

That both the president and
Mrs. Washington suffered from
homesickness while in executive
residence in New York and
Philadelphia, is recorded in his.
tory. Mrs. Washington wrote
to Mrs. Fanny Washington whom
she left in charge at Mount Yer
non: II never go to any public
place. Indeed I think I am more
like state prisoner than any
thing else; ;there is certain bounds
set for me, which l must not
part from, and 1 cannot do as 7
like. a am obstinate and stay at
home q great DEAL"
The President, in writing to g.
friend in Virginia regarding the
dignity of his position, said,
God knows it has no charm for
me. I had rather be at Mount
Vernon with friend or two
about me. than to be attended at
the seat of government by Off
GERS of state and representatives
of every power in Europe"
Yet, we are informed by the
United States George Washing.
ton Bicentennia! Commission.
there was no lack of gayety in
either city with continual round
of balls, dinner-parties. theatres.
concerts, and other diversions,
and if the Chief Executive and
his wife could not join in the
most exciting past times of the
capital, they could at least fol-
low their inclinations IN many
respects.
Ia Colonial times. there was a.
passion for gambling in certain
quarters, and bets were placed
on all games. Loo or as Wash.
ington sometimes spelled it Leu,
was the most popular, and it
was no uncommon thing for 8
man or woman to win or lose two
or three hundred dollars at g.
sitting. There is on record
however, of Washingtor's win.
ming more than three pounds, OF
of losing more than nine pounds,
fourteen shilliugs and nine
pence. 10 fact, Washington al.
ways played for small stakes.
He seemed to be Interested In
the game and the diversion it
afforded rather than the win.
nings.
Washington's fondness for
cards and billiards shows in his
diary an account where before
be became Presidenthe often rec.
orded that be had been home all
day at cards." and itemized pur.
chases of "one doz. packs play.
ing cards.
Washington's natural fondness
for horses and racing and some
times cock-fis shting during mis-
life. was entirely in kee ping with
the traditional tastes of the Vir.
ginia gentleman. He not only
subscribed literally to most of
the racing purses, but ran his
own horses, attending in person.
aud betting moderately on all
the results. He was fond of
riding to hounds, and when at
Mount Vernoa this was one of
his favorite pastimes.
He loved hunting and fishing
and dragging for sturgeou, too.
and often went duck hunting.
Although these pursuits we're
for the most part impossible
while Washington was in office.
be did occasionally manage TO
slip away. Ia 1890 paDer rec.
ords, yesterday afternoon the
President Of the United States
returned from Sandy II ook and
the fishing banks. where be had
been for the benefit Of the sea
air, and TO amuse himself IN the
delightful recreation Of fishing.
We are told be had excellent
sport, having him self caught a
great number Of black sea bass
and black ish-the weather
proved remarkably fine, which
altogether with the salubrity of
the air and wholesome exercise,
rendered this little voyage ex-
tremely agreeable, and cannot
fail we hope Of being servicea.
BILE to a speedy and complete,
rosknrafinn Of hnalfh