The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-02-04
Father of His Country Only Man Ever To Receive the Unanimous Vote of the Electoral College = As sumed Office With Re- luctance.


 When the people of the United States turned to George Washington with the universal demand that he stand at the head of the new gov- ernment and fill the great office of first president of the republic, he evidenced the same diffidence which weighed upon him when he took command of the armies, according to the Division of Information of the George Washington Bicentennial commission.
 In response to the suggestion that he be a candidate, he recognized the fact that he was likely to be again called upon to render public service, and added simply that at his age 1t would involve a sacrifice which ad- mitted of no compensation. He maintained this tone whenever he al- luded to the subject, in replying to numerous letters urging him to ae- cept. But, although he declined to announce any decision, he had re-
 
 Washington made it clear that he was not pursuing the office, and would only leave his farm to take it from sense of duty. The elec- toral college gave him it's unanimous vote on February 4, 17S9. Neither the animosity of parties, nor the large number of enemies of the new government in some of the states, could deprive him of 8 single vote.
 The reluctance with which General Washington assumed his new posi- tion and that genuine modesty which was a distinguished feature of his character, are further illustrated by the following extract from 8 letter to General Henry Knox: "I feel for those members of the new congress, who, hitherto, have given an un- availing attendance at the theater of action. For myself, the delay may be compared to a reprieYe; for in confidence, I tell you (with the world it would obtain little credit,) that my movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his ex- ecution; so unwilling am I, in. the evening of life. nearly consumed in public cares, to quit peaceful abode for an ocean of difficulties without that competency of polit- ical skill, abilities, and inclination, which are necessary to manage the helm. I am sensible that am em- barking the voice of the people, and a good name of my own on this voyage; but what returns will be made for them heaven alone can foretell. .. Integrity and firm ness are all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, shall never foresake me, although I may consolationsw hich are to be derived froEa these, under any circum- stances, the world can not deprive me-"
 The official announcement of his election as chief magistrate of the United States was made to him at Mount Vernon on April "A, s1 789 by Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress. Accus- toned to respect the wishes of his fellow citizens, Washington did not think himself at liberty to decline an appointment conferred upon him by the suffrage of an entire people. His acceptance of it, and his expression of gratitude for this fresh proof of the esteem and confidence of his country, were conneced with decla- fations of diffidence in himself.
 1T wish" he said, that there may not be reason for regretting the choice-for indeed, all I can prom ise, is, to accomplish that which can be done by an honest zeal.''
 As the public business required the immediate attendance of the president at the seat of the gov- ernment, he hastened his departure, I.- 1oxy nf ing notice of his election, he took leave of Mount Verr m. In an entry in his diary, the feS :ngs inspired by an occasion so affecting to his mind are thus described: About 10 o'clock I bade adieu to Mount Yer non, to private life, and to, domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sen- satiohs that I have words to ex- press, set out for New York in com pany,with MT Thompson and Colonel Humphries, with the dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to it's call, but with less hope of answering it's expectations"
 On his journey from Alexandria to New York, Washington was every where received with the greatest demonstrations of affection by all classes of his fellow citizens, which, were manifested by the most flatter- ing marks of heartfelt respect and by addresses which evinced the un limited confidence feposed in his virtues and his ability.
 At Philadelphia he was received with unusual splendOr. In imita- tion of the triumphal exhibitions of at the bridge over the Schuykill river, and on each side was placed laurel shrubbery. As Washington passed under the arch. a civic crown was let down upon him. The fields and avenues were crowded with people, through whom he was con- ducted into the city by a body of leading citizens. At night the town was illuminated.
 The next day, at Trenton, he was welcomed in manner as new as 1t was pleasing. In addition to the usual discharge of cannon and the tachment by military corps, and by private persons of distinction, the women of the city arranged trib- ute indicative of gratitude for their deliverance, twelve years before, from a formidable enemy. On a bridge over the creek which passes through the town was a triumphal arch, decorated with laurel and flow CTS and supported by thirteen pill ars. On the front of this arch was Inscribed in large gilt letters, De cember 26, 1776," and beneath, formed in the flowers. "The defender of the mothers will be the protector of the daughters"
 As Washington passed under the arch he was met by party of ma irons leading their daughters. dressed in white, who carried bas- kets of flowers in their hands, and