The Philadelphia Times from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 13

THE PRIZE CONTEST PICTURES 13 SUNDAY MOEXDsG. FEBRUARY 23, 1896. WASHINGTON REFUSING A DICTATORSHIP By II. Smith, The Drexel Institute. WASHINGTON'S FIRST MEETING WITH THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE Forence Wilson, So booJ of Design for Women, FOURTH PRIZE FIRST PRIZE was stated, especially for this occasion.

As a sample of this effusion of poetical patriotism, the following two or three stanzas will reveal something of the spirit of that occasion: Americans rejoice, While songs employ the voice Let trumpets sound. EARLY HONORS TO WASHINGTON HIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED WHILE HE WAS YET ALIVE. was the anniversary of your Excellency's birthday. We have put off celebrating that holiday till to-day by reason of the Lord's Day, and we will celebrate It with the sole regret that your Excellency be not a witness of the effusion and gladness of our hearts." George Washington at that time was in winter quarters with his army at New Windsor, N. not far from West Point, and in acknowledging the Count's memory of his birthday, he replied: "The flattering distinction paid to the anniversary of my birthday Is ati honor for which I dare not attempt; to express my gratitude.

I confide in your Excellency's sensibility to interpret my feeling for this and for the obliging manner in which you are pleased to announce It." The thirteen stripes display. 1 AND BEFORE HE WAS PRESIDENT York city was not the only place In the country remembering Washington's Birthday in this year 1784. The residents of Richmond, were not forgetful of the day, and In the evening an elegant entertainment and ball was given In the Capitol building, which, we are informed, was largely attended. One of the most Interesting of these early celebrations to New Yorkers was that given by the Tammany Society in 17iK). This was the first time that the Tammany-Ites showed their patriotism for George Washington by publicly honoring him.

The society had only been organized less a year, and It Is Interesting to see that It did not allow the first Washington's Birthday in its history to puss by without, fitting expressions regard for the one who was then living as- President of the United States. New York then was the capital of the country, but before the close of the year the seut of government was removed to Philadelphia, where it remained until 1800. when Washington became the permanent capital. It was at this first celebration by Tammany of "Washington's Birthday that a resolution was adopted, providing that the day should always be remembered In the future, and this pledge has been faithfully kept. The members of Tamnmny held a dinner in the evening, at which thirteen celebration states that "the afternoon and evening were agreeably spent In social pleasures and convivial mirth, and the conduct of the whole company was marked by that politeness, harmony and friendship which ought ever to characterize the intercourse of fellow-citizens and gentlemen." Balls and banquets, it will be seen, were the chief methods employed in celebrating the day, and there was hardly a town too small that could not manage to hold at least one of these functions in honor of George Washington.

The early newspapers, for a month and often longer, after the 2Jd of February, were filled with brief accounts of these celebrations from different localities. Many ff them are very Interesting, showing as they do je pntriotisra of the people as well as their customs and habits in their social entertainments. For Instance, when Washington's Birthday was celebrated In Alexandria, In the Baltimore Advertiser gives us the following amusing account of a ball held at Mr. Wise's tavern: The meeting was numerous and brilliant. beamed in every countenance.

Sparkling eyes, dimpled cheeks, dressed in smiles, prompted hy the occasion with all the various graces of female beauty, contributed to heighten the pleasure of the scene. At an Interesting moment the portrait of the President, a strikiDg likeness, was ROUGH ON WHISTLER It Took the Artist a Long Time to Find Out That the Pictures Were Wrong, From the Detroit Free Press. Here is the latest Whistler anecdote to hand: Sir Henry Irving is very particular about the way his private room at the Lyceum Is kept. Adorning the walls are a number of valuable pictures In oils, water colors and black and white. Among them are two of Whistler's.

Shortly before he came to this country Sir Henry gave one of his big "midnights," and among tbe guests was the lively painter. No sooner had the artist arrived than he be-gnn to inspect his own paintings landscapes with great Interest. They seemed, much to the amusement ef the other guests, to have an irresistible attraction for him. After he had looked at them for the best part of tbe evening Sir Henry laughingly asked him if he wouldn't please look at something else. "Why, Irving, there Is sooiething wrong with them; I can't make 'em out." he exclaimed, after a reuewed examination.

And then, after a pause: "They are hung upside down! And yon never noticed it I suppose they've been this way for months." appreciation of his work for the country. In 1793 a number of old revolutionary officers, belonging to the First Brigade of Pennsylvania Militia, had a "very splendid en-tertalnmeut at Mr. Hill's tavern. In Second street, near Race street." The company was numerous and truly respectable, and among the guests on that occasion were the Governor of Pennsylvania. Thomas Mifflin, and Mr.

Muhlenberg, Speaker of the House of Representatives. At all of these patriotic banquets it was customary to give as many toasts as there were States in the Union, so that during the early years we 'nvarlably find that thirteen toasts was the i.e. As new States were added, however, extra toasts were added also to the list. Just when this custom died out can perhaps not be definitely determined, but probably the rapid increase of the RtateB may have had something to do with it, as the diners evidently saw that It was taxing their drinking abilities too heavily with the addition of each new State. However, at this Philadelphia celebration, the toasts were fifteen, as two new States had recently been added, and among some of the most interesting are the following: The People of the United States May their dignity and happiness be perpetual: and may the gratitude of the Nation be ever commensurate with their privileges.

A COURAGEOUS MAN The Pay Then Observed Was February 11, According to the Old Style Aw Observance la New York as Early as 1784-Richmond Also Celebrated the Day in That Tear, In flags and streamers gay, "tfs Washington's birthday, Let Joy abound. Long may he live to see. This land of Liberty, Flourish In peace; Long may be lire to prove A grateful people's love. And, late to heaven remove. Where Joys ne'er cease.

Fill the glass to the brink, Washington's health we'll drink, 'Tts bis birthday. Glorious deeds he has done. By him our cause is won, Long live great Washington. Huzza! Huzza! The following is also an interesting example of newspaper editorial patriotism which appeared In the New York Gazette at the same time; To Help in Paying His Way Through College Be Sold His Skin for Grafting. From the New York Herald.

Half a dozen men were relating experiences of college days when a young physician said that in cases where students were obliged to eke out their expenses In a professional career by every possihle means there often occurred pitiful examples of their courage. "Suppose, for example," said The American people diu not wait until Washington was raised to the Presidency before honoring his birthday. One of the earliest celebrations of which we have any record was In 1784, in New York city, and this was the first public celebration of Washington's Birthday in that city. The British troops had evacuated New York city 1 THE ATTACK ON THE CHEW HOUSE AT THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN ON TO TRENTON By F. MoCarty, Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art.

THIRD PRIZE SECOND PRIZE By F. V. Wileon, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. 'I suppose they have," rejoined the actor, calmly; "but I think I may be excused for not noticing anythfng wrong with them when It has taken you half the evening to discover they are upside down!" he, "at case of skin grafting comes to the clinic, any student who will give up his skin is paid five dollars for each bit. I remember one instance in particular, that of a hardworking young man who gave ten bits of flesh to graft a new face on a badly burned baby.

As the flesh must be healthy and fresh nothing can be used to deaden the pain, and it Is cut from the inside upper arm, the most sensitive part. Slices the size of a silver dime are taken and laid quivering on the wounded part where a new skin Is to be grown. The fellow stood there several days and allowed the surgeon to slice off pieces from both arms, each piece bringing the amount stipulated, which paid for extra books, clothing or food, and the poor fellow minded neither the pain at the time of the operation nor the lameness with which he wns afflicted for weeks after, neither did he fear the risk of blood-poisoning or other difficulties which might eusue. He had the satisfaction, however, of seeing a baby face resume its healthy form and bis examinations were passed with brilliancy. He is to-day a man well known and honored in the profession.

After the Almighty Author of our existence and happiness, to whom, as a people, are we under the greatest obligations? I know you will answer, "To Washington." That great, that gloriously disinterested man has, without the Idea of pecuniary reward, on the contrary, much to his private damage, borne the greatest and most distinguished part in our political salvation. He is now retired from public service, with. I trust, the approbation of God, his country and his own heart. But shall we forget him? No; rather let our hearts cease to beat than an ungrateful forget fulness shall sully the part any of us have taken in the redemption of our country. On this day the hero enters Into tbe 53rd year of his age.

Shall such a day pass unnoticed? No; let a temperate manifestation of Joy express the sene we have of tbe blessings that arose upon America en that day which gave birth to Washington. Let us call our children around us and tell them tbe many blessings they owe to him and to those Illustrious characters who have assisted him in the great work of emancipation of our country, and urge them by such examples to transmit the delights of freedom and Independence to tbelr posterity. It is also Interesting to know that New toasts wer given, drunk, as we are told, "in porter, the produce of the United States, accompanied with universal acclamations of applause." Among these toasts the following may be of particular interest In showing the patriotic spirit of Tammany 106 years ago: May the auspicious birthday of our great Grand Sachem, George Washington, ever be commemorated by all the real sons of St, Tammany. The perpetual memory of those Sachems and warriors who have been called by the Kitcbl Manitou to the wigwam above since the Revolution. Tbe friends and patrons of virtue and freedom from Tammany to Washington.

May tbe guardian genius of freedom pronounce at the birth of all ber sons Where Liberty dwells there Is bis country. The births of the Sachems and warriors who have presided at the different council fires of tbe Thirteen tribes since 1776. Philadelphlans, who were always patriotic, have never allowed Washington's Birthday to go by without giving visible tokens of their regard toward him as a man and their The President of the United States May the evening of his life be attended with felicity, equal to the utility and glory of its meridian. The Fair Daughters of America May the purity, the rectitude and tbe virtues of their mind ever continue equal to their duty and external accomplishments. Tbe Republic of FranceWisdom and stability to her councils, success to ber armies and navies, and may her enemies be compensated for their defeats by the speedy and general diffusion of that liberty which they are vainly attempting to suppress.

May Columbia be ever able to boast a Jefferson In council, a Hamilton In finance, and when necessary, a Washington to lead ber armies to conquest and glory, Tbe Day May such auspicious periods never cease to recur till every day in the year shall have smiled on Columbia with the birth of a Washington. Our unfortunate Friend, tbe Marquis de la Fayette May America become shortly his asylum from Indignity and wrong; aud may the noon and evening of his life be yet honorable and happy in the bosom of that country where Its morning shone with such unclouded splendor. In conclusion, a newspaper account of this suddenly exhibited. The Illustrious original had been often seen in the same room in tbe mild character of a friend, a pleased and pleasing guest. The song of "God Bless Great Washington, Long Live Great Washingtou," succeeded.

In this prayer many voices and all hearts united. May It not be breathed In vain. Washington himself makes almost no allusion to his birthday in his enormous correspondence. The earliest mention of it by himself is found In a letter written by him, February 27, 1781, to Count de Kochambeau, the French admiral who was then stationed at Newport with his fleet. The letter Is a reply sent to Washington by the French Count, stating that his officers and soldiers held a small celebration in Newport on the birthday of the American general, and it Is Interesting to note that this Is undoubtedly the first public attempt made In America to honor Washington's Birthday, and in this case particularly Interesting, coming as it does from a Frenchman.

The celebration to which Rochambeau alludes occurred February 11, and In bis letter of February 12. to Washington, he Bays: "Yesterday, Sunday, barely three months before, and the city was gradually recovering from the distresses of the long war. The demonstrations were not very elaborate, but they were intensely patriotic The day, at that time, was celebrated February the date of Washington's birth, according to the old calendar, and In a newspaper of February 17, 17S4, we find this Interesting account of this first New York celebration: Wednesday last being the birthday of his Excellency, General Washington, the same was celebrated here by all the true friends of American Independence, and Constitutional Liberty, with that hilarity and manly decorum ever attendant on the Sons of Freedom. In the evening an entertainment was given on board the East India ship In tbis harbour to a very brilliant and respectable company, and a discharge of thirteen cannon was fired on this Joyful occasion. A club called a "Select Club of Whigs," assembled in New York on tbe evening of February 11, and a brief account of their meeting was sent to tbe "New York Gazette" with an amusing song, written, as "One at a Time, Gentlemen! From the Detroit Free Press.

This good parrot story Is told by an English showman who possessed a beautiful parrot which excited the admiration of the crowd by its capital Imitation of the showman's voice and tones when Inviting the public to step into the booth. 1 One day the creature escaped. Soon a number of men aud boys were on its track, but before they had gone far they heard a loud noise caused by the screeching of birds in the wood. On arriving at the spot whence the sounds proceeded, they found poor poll perched on the withered branch of a tree, bereft of most of her feathers and surrounded by a flocks of screeching crows, that were mercilessly pecking at her with their beaks. In Eerfect imitation of the showman's voice, owever, the poor bird kept saying: "One at a time, gentlemen! Dou't crush so, please! Take your time! There's plenty of room!".