[George Washington] Mini-Bio; #7

     The stately column that stretches
heavenward from the plain whereon we
stand bears witness to all who behold it,
that the covenant which  our fathers made,
their children have fulfilled. In the com-
pletion of this great work of patriotic en-
deavor there is abundant cause for national
rejoicing, for while this structure shall en-
dure it shall be to all mankind a steadfast
token for the affectionate and reverent re-
gard in which this people continue to hold
the memory of Washington. Well may he
ever keep the foremost place in the hearts
of his countrymen.
--Chester A. Arthur, 1885, On Presenting
the Washington National Monument to
the People, Feb. 21.

     However, to say nothing of eloquence,
Washington had not those brilliant and
extraordinary qualities, which strike the
imagination of men at the first glance.
He did not belong to the class of men of
vivid genius, who pant for an opportunity
of display, are impelled by great thoughts
or great passions, and diffuse around them
the wealth of their own natures, before any
outward occasion or necessity calls for its
employment. Free from all internal restles-
sness, and the promptings and pride of
ambition, Washington did not seek oppor-
tunities to distinguish himself, and never as-
pired to the admiration of the world. This
spirit, so resolute, this heart so lofty, was
profoundly calm and modest. Capable of
rising to a level with the highest destiny, he
might have lived in ignorance of his real
power, without suffering from it, and have
found, in the cultivation of his estates, a
satisfactory employment for those energet-
ic faculties, which were to be proved equal
to the task of commanding armies and
founding a government. But, when the op-
portunity presented itself, when the exi-
gence occurred, without effort on his part,
without any surprise on the part of others,
indeed rather, as we have just seen, in con-
formity with their expectations the prudent
planter stood forth a great man. He had, in
a remarkable degree, those two qualities
which, in active life, make men capable of
great things. He could confide strongly in
his own views, and act resolutely in con-
formity with them, without fearing to as-
sume the responsibility.
--Francois Pierre Guillaume Guizot, 1840,
An Essay on the Character of Washington
and his Influence in the Revolution of the
United States of America.