WASHINGTON

Long before Washington was dead his contemporaries had entitled him "The Father of His Country." Yet Washington had not originated the idea of revolution against England. Its decisive battle, Saratoga, had been planned and fought by other generals, while Washington won, scarcely a single victory in seven years' campaigning. Although present at the Convention, he had played no decisive part in the formation of the Constitution. In spite of this, Washington well deserves the affectionate title bestowed on him. He possessed an extraordinary power of leadership through the moral qualities of integrity and devotion, rather than through intellectual genius. The people admired the philosophical mind of Franklin, the political idealism of Jefferson, the fiery eloquence of Patrick Henry. Many lesser men claimed their respect and attention. But, above all, the colonies in the darkest hour trusted to the integrity of Washington. It was his devotion which sustained the Continental Army at Valley Forge and Morristown, the public confidence in his uprightness as trustee of the presidential powers which made possible the ratification of the Constitution. Coupled with self-sacrificing loyalty, Washington displayed a statesmanlike insight. His policy toward warring Europe won for the United States the respect of all foreign nations. In his administration he was not afraid to associate with him in government the ablest men of the nation, regardless of personal or party favoritism.

The age of Washington and the principles which governed it have passed away. The practice of government must change to meet changing conditions. But the ideals of statesmanship in a constitutional democracy first exhibited by Washington we cannot afford to lose, if free government is to endure. They are needed today as never before in its development.