Evening star., 1937-02-21
Bv Herbert HOHander.

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When the American people to-
nlorroW commemorate the birthday
anniversary OF George Washington,
they lDiH be celebrating one OF the
oldest tete days in the Nations
history. EUen during Washington's
lifetime his birthday ,pas marked
By popular demonstrations, though
some teaO jealous Republicans OBJ
5ected on the ground that that
sn1dcked too much of mondrchiSn,.
Yet, then as 7rop, the people gen.
orally eagerly seised the opportun-
tty OF doing honor to the great lead
er OF the Revolutionary cause, and
the first President of the United
States.
pUBLIC recognition Of George
Washington's birthday anniver-
sary. the forerunner of celebrations
to be held throughout the country
tomorrow, goes back at least to 1779.
In that year the anniversary was first
observed at Winchester, Va, and four
years later at a dinner given by the
officers of the Maryland line, at CAM
bridge, Md. Those observances were
on February II, many persons still
being hesitant in their acceptance Of
the Gregorian calendar.
In 1896 motion to adjourn on Feb
fuary ~ in honor of Washingtons
birthday anniversary was made in
Congress. However, some vociferous
members declared that it would be
bad precedent, and in the ensuing
demonstration by the galleries adj
3ournment was taken without the de-
sired action.
In his diary Washington makes little
mention of his birthday anniversary
directly, generally confining his en-
tries on February II or February % to
his customary laconic but precise
statements with respect to his business
occupations of the day. However, it
Is known that Washington was not
unmindful Of the sincerity of the
tributes paid to him on his birthday
anniversary, and by his personal par
ticipation in some celebrations gave
ample evidence of his appreciation.
II it Is true that republics are for
getful of the men to whom they owe
the most for distinguished services,
the case Of George Washington Is the
exception that proves the rule. No
man before or since ever was SO sig
nally honored, during his own life
time on his birthday anniversary,
which became an occasion of national
and international celebration. 1t is
given to but few men to live to wit
ness such demonstrations; that oppor-
tunity was accorded to Washington
during almost two decades Of his own
life. Upon his death the birth day
became a national holiday, and the
passing years have added luster to the
anniversary.
As the pioneers pushed westward
IN the early years Of the nineteenth
century, they established with them
in the newly opened lands a rever-
ence for Washington and the custom
Of marking his birthday.
The first public celebration west Of
the Mississippi River took place in
st. Louis. Missouri Territory. Feb
ruary %, 1917. The master of cere-
monies Of the occasion-which was at
tended by the leading citizens for
many miles around-was William
Clark, the man who, with Meriwether
Lewis. made the famous expedition
from st. Louis to the Pacific Ocean.
thereby establishing the claim Of the
United States to the vast Northwest
region.
During his lifetime washington's
birthday anniversary inspired almost
a. many songs, verses, toasts and ora
tions as have followed his death; but
II not actually so great In number, at
least the former make up Tor that un-
avoidable deficiency by q vigorous,
outspoken ardor.
IT WAS the last year Of his life
17ss-that provided for George
Washington the occasion Of the hap
piest of all his birthday anniversary
celebrations. After many years in the
field and in public Office he was home
once more, amid the familiar scenes
Of Mount Vernon. From every quar-
ter Of the United States and from
many foreign lands came congratula-
tions and good wishes.
But the final touch of gladness was
accorded to him on his last birthday
anniversary in the elimination, in the
stately confines Of Mount Vernon, OF
o beautiful romance between lovely
Nellie Gusts, his adopted daughter.
and his young secretary and nephew,
Lawrence Lewis.
In 1899 George Washington himself
participated In two celebrations, the
one at Mount Vernon on February az.
and another at Alexandria. Va, On