“SEND TO YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8186, 30 July 1912, Page 4

“SEND TO YOUR COM-MANDER-IN-CHIEF.”

A WASHINGTON STORY. It is a boast amongst democratic Americans—for there are Americans who are not genuinely democratic—that the laws and usages of their country permit any maa to call oa its chief magistrate

at any hour he may deem fit. _ Whatever of truth there may be in this, it can scarcely be questioned that George Washington, tho father of tho Republic, encouraged such sociability, and set a democratic example lor all future ho.uers of his distinguished office. Instances in illustration may be quoted extensively. Hero is one: During tho American lievolution an officer, not habited m his military costume, was passing by where a small company of , soldiers were ah work m.iKiug some repairs on a small redoubt. Tho commander of tho little squad was giving orders to those who were under him relative to a stick of timber which they were endeavouring to raise to the top of the works. Tho timber went up hard, and on this account tho voice of tho little great man was the oflener heard in his regular vociferations of “Heave away! There she goes! Heave, ho ; Tne officer before spoken of slopped his horse when he came to the place, and seeing the timber tometimts scarcely move, asked the commander why ho did not take hold and render a little aid. The latter appeared to be somewhat astonished, and, turning to tho officer with tho pomp of an emperor, said: “Sir, 1 iam a corporal!” “You are not, though, 'are yousaid tho officer; “I was not ■aware of that,” and taking off his hat and bowing, ‘T ask your pardon, Mr Corporal 1” Upon this ho dismounted from his elegant steed, flung tiro bridle over a pos, and lifted- till the sweat stood in drops on his forehead. When the timber was elevated to its proper station, turning to the man clothed with brief authority, he said, “Mr Corporal Commander, when; you have another such job, and have noti men enough, send to your Commander- 1 in-Chiof, and I will come and help yonl a second time.” The corporal was! thunderstruck; it was Washington.