The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-06-22
ELECTION OF COMMANDER OF
 REVOLUTIONARY ARMY.

The George Washington Bicentennial Commission is conducting campaign of education the his- tory of the Father of His Country whose two hun eredth birthday anniversary will be celebrated throughout the country next year. The research and publicity of the committee extends to more or less forgotten phases of the Revolutionary War. few days ago it broadcasted the facts regarding the election of Washington for Commander Chief of the Continental forces on June l5 IT'S, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was adopted The election occurred in the State House in Philadelphia and the Journal of the Continental Congress shows the following:
 Resolved, that a General be appointed to command all the Continental Forces, raised to be raised for the defense of American liberty
 That five hundred dollars per month be allowed for the pay and expenses of the General
 The Congress then proceeded to the choice of General by ballot, and George Washington, Esq., was unanimously elected. John Adams delegate from Massachusetts and destined to succeed Washington President of the United States almost quarter of century later, the strongest advocate of making the Gentleman of Virginia" Commander -in-Chef. We have his words to prove this statement:
 I had no hesitation to declare that I had but one gentleman in my mind for that important command, and that was gentle from Virginia, who among us and very well known to all of us gentleman, whose skill and experience officer whose independent fortune, great talents, and excellent universal character would com mand the appreciation of all America, and unite the cordial exertons of all the colonies better than any other person in the Union. John Hancock, President of the Congress, offic- ialy notified Washington of his election the next day; and the newly-chosen General standing in his place, made the following speech of accept 
 MT. President:
 Though I truly sensible of the high honor done me in this appointment yet I feel great distress from a consciousness, that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust: However, the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power I possess in their service and for support of the glorious beg they will accept my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testi- mony of their appreciation.
 But, lest unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity do not think myself equal to the command am honored with
 As to pay Sir, beg leave to assure the Congress, that pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of my domestic and happiness. do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses Those doubt not they will discharge and that is all I desire.
 Thus began eight arduous years of fighting with independence for the Colonies the prize.
 Many States, according to the United States George Washington Bcentennal Commission will celebrate June IS, 1882 of the feature days of the ten-months celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington