of Washington little is known. Every American Childhood and boy has heard the story of the hatchet Education of and the cherry tree, which by some is Washington. supposed to be a lie told in the interest of truth, reminding us of Mark Twain's interesting remark that in one respect he was superior to George Washington. Washington could not tell a lie,—but, said Twain, "I can, but won't!" In that he half represents nearly all Americans. "They can," but we fear, like Twain, would tell the greatest lie when they say "I won't."

Washington was, however, truthful, bold, modest, chaste, temperate. His whole life, after he became a conspicuous object to the people, was never stained by a known immorality. It has been said of him traditionally that in two instances he swore vigorously, both times on the battle field, and Wendell Phillips expresses his gratification that Washington showed the common frailty of human nature in this way. Edward Everett, however, examines all the evidences and circumstances of the traditions, and pronounces the traditions unreasonable and untrue. It would seem strange that a man not accustomed to profanity should begin to practise it under such difficult circumstances, but even if he had cursed some, we agree with Phillips in excusing him, but do not regard it as a wrong. It would not detract from our

estimation of the man, for if ever a man could ever use properly strong Scriptural language in the full sense of the words, it would be when a battle was about to be lost by the cowardice or imbecility of an under officer. Still we doubt if Washington, even in such a temptation, swore. He was undoubtedly a man capable of wrath, and would have been a feeble man without it. But in a time of wrath he probably spoke as he was accustomed at other times to do. His education was accurate, but not extensive. He did not go to William and Mary College, the only one in the colony, probably because his father not living, he was needed at home, and he had good private tutors fully equal to the faculty of that young college. He had the advantage of the society of his uncle, a graduate of Oxford, and he gives evidence of having studied the English language carefully, and so much of mathematics as to make him an accomplished practical surveyor.

At the early age of thirteen he had written out a series of rules on the conduct and character of a gentleman, and to this day it is not known whether they were original or compiled. In either case they show remarkable accuracy and forethought. Indeed, his system and adherence to strict propriety amounted to genius in that respect; in that respect it was evidently supernormal.

Three of the years that he might have spent in college he spent under equally severe discipline in the fields as a surveyor, keeping accurate notes of his work, and writing a journal of his proceedings. As soon as he arrived at manhood he had some severe discipline as a military officer against the Indians and the French, all of which we pass by, supposing that Americans are familiar with the story.

Who has not heard of the Indian chief who met him after he had become famous, but before he was President, and exclaiming : "The Great Spirit must have saved you! Three times I and my men aimed directly at your heart and fired, but the balls were turned aside."

Washington, after attaining his majority, was elected and several times reëlected to the Legislature of Virginia, till the American revolution broke out, and thus enjoyed the advantages of legislative education, than which we know of nothing better calculated to drill and develope a man's mental powers, especially if he be studious and industrious. In this way Washington obtained a thorough education.

The American

The great story of the American revolution cannot be condensed into a paragraph. Revolution. How all the colonies demurred at being required to give up their ancient privileges;

how they remonstrated at paying taxes to the mother country without being represented in her councils; how calmly they protested; how they insisted upon it that they desired only their ancient liberties, nothing additional, nothing new, and not separation from the old country; how, finally, they were driven to arms by the rebellion of England, not by their own rebellion; how, then, hired soldiers from other lands were sent to drive them into submission; how they called upon Washington to be their commander; and how reluctantly he accepted the post; but how wonderfully he persevered for seven long years, the very embodiment of cool and unflinching energy; and how, finally, the British arms being humbled and the greater part of their forces being annihilated, the wishes of the most liberal minority of her people were regarded, and America was declared independent, we shall not further describe.

Condition of

the Revolution.

America had by this time nearly three million of people, but at the close of the war their America after movable property was nearly all destroyed, nearly every family had lost a member in battle, in many families all the men had perished, the different colonies were loaded with debts that it seemed they could never pay; the soldiers went home half-clad and with only paper money in their pockets, which was soon not worth five cents on a

dollar; and to complete their sorrows, not yet consolidated into a nation, but dissevered, and perhaps soon to be discordant states, without even a common dependence or a common government to hold them together.

When the noble fifty-six signed the Declaration of Independence, one of them who sat next to Franklin turned to him and said: "Mr. Franklin, we must hang together now." "Yes," said Franklin, we must hang together, or we will hang separately!" It seemed after the Revolutionary war that the states who had so nobly hung together during the war, were doomed to hang separately in the time of peace. We doubt whether an eminent statesman in Europe then thought it possible that these struggling states, notwithstanding England had withdrawn its forces, would ever crystallize into a nation; or if so it would be a monarchy. Indeed Washington was besought to declare himselfla dictator and assume the place of a king. The army was ready to obey him. offer was deliberately and formerly made.

The

Here was exhibited that trait of character in Washington which has most astonished the

Washington refused to be King.

world, and which has seemed to some almost supernatural and has placed the name of Washington highest on the roll of fame. Washington refused to be a monarch! Not from fear of