The border vidette., 1932-06-18
FIRST COMMANDER B. iN-CHIEF

June Is marks the anniversary
of significant event in the his
tory OF our country. Ga that
day 157 years ago, we are told
by the United States George
Washington Bicentennial Com
mission, the members of the
Second Continental Congress,
sitting in Philadelphia, unani
mously selected George Wash
ington to be commander in chief
of the Continental forces.
Thus were the destinies Of
nation struggling to be indepen
dent placed in the hands Of one
strong individual. How we'll that
Individual carried out the trust
invested in him Is we'll known
throughout the world.
1t is interesting to note that
not one dissenting voice was
raised ia opposition to toe re
solution that George Washington
be appointed to this important
post. II is also interesting to
note that bis strongest supporter
was not a Member from his
native state or from a neighbor
ing state but rather from the
north, from Massachusetts.
John Adams, destined to sue
ceed George Washington as Pre-
s;dent of the United States al
most quarter of century later
was the leading advocate of max
ing the "Geptleman of Virginia
the Commander.in- Chief of the
ragged coptinentals To sub
stantiate that fact. the United
States George Washington Bi
centennial Com mission quotes
from Adams own words on this
subject:
Il bad no hesitation to declare
that | had but one gentleman in
my mind for that i'm mportant com
mand. and that was a gentleman
from Virginia, who was anong
and very we'll known to all of US;
a gentleman, whose skill and ex
perience as an officer. whose in
dependent fortune. great talents,
and excellent universal character
would command the appreciation
of all America, and unite the
cordial exertions Of all the colon,
les better than any other person
in the Union"
The man upon whose shoulders
fell the burden of carrying on q
death struggle with the most
powerful nation on earth did not
receive his appointment with
confidence and assurance 10 bis
own ability. When John Han
cock, the President of the Con
tinental Congress, officially not
itied General Washington of bis
appointment the next day, the
latter rose and made the follow.
ing speech of acceptance.
"Mr. President.
Though I am truly sensible
of the high honor done me in
this appointment, yet, l feel
great distress from a concious
ness, that my abilities and mill.
tary experience may not be equal
to the extensive and important
trust: However, as the Congress
dasire it, I will enter upon the
momentous duty, and exert every
power [ possess ia their service
and for support of the glorious
cause. [ beg they will accept
my most cordial thanks for this
distinguished testimony of their
appreciation.
BUT. lest some unlucky
event should happen unfavorable
to my reputation. I beg it may
be remembered by every Gentle
man in the room, that | this day
declare with the utmost SINGER
ity, | do not think myself equal
to the command | am honored
With.
"As to pay, Sir, I beg leave
to assure the Congress, that as
GO pecuniary consideration could
have tempted me to accept this
arduous employ ment. at the ex
pence of nv domestic ease and
happiness, | do not wish to make
any profit from it. | will keep
an exact account Of my expences.
Those, l doubt not they will dis.
charge, and that ia all [ desire. !"
10 this fashion did a great man
assume a great responsibility.
On June IS, the millions of
people engaged in the Celebra
ton of the Two Hundredth An
niversary of the Birth Of George
Washington should pause and
think Of the Significance Of that
day in the history of our civiliza