land,
and not for his own glory.

[Illustration: Washington spent five happy years at Mount Vernon]

The thirteen States were loosely bound together in a Confederation. As
time went on, the rights of different States came into conflict.
Washington, from his fireside, watched the interests of his country. He
believed with other great Americans that only a strong central
government could keep harmony among the States. In 1787, a convention
was called in Philadelphia to talk the matter over. Each State sent its
most brilliant and thoughtful men, among them, of course, being
Washington. After four months of careful consideration and labor, they
offered to the American people the glorious Constitution, upon which has
been built up the great Republic of the United States. Washington said
they had God's help in "laying the foundation for tranquillity and
happiness." The people accepted the Constitution and turned to
Washington for their first President. No one else was thought of, and he
was unanimously elected. New York was chosen for the capital.

Before he left Virginia, Washington went to say farewell to his mother,
knowing he would never see her again. She was old and feeble, but happy
to see her son so useful and so honored. She always said, "He is a good
son and has done his duty as a man."

As Washington journeyed to New York, people thronged the roadsides.
Bells rang and cannon roared. Soldiers and citizens escorted him from
city to city. At the lower end of New York Bay, he was received on a
splendid barge, which led a procession of boats gay with flags and
music. At the pier, he was met by the Governor of the State.

On April 30, 1789, Washington took the oath of office on the open
balcony of Federal Hall, in Wall Street, in the presence of a great
multitude. Then he walked to St. Paul's church and devoutly kneeling,
prayed to God for strength and guidance.

Washington had need to pray, for he was facing difficulties and problems
greater than any he had known. He was at the head of a government, such
as had never been tried before, and the eyes of the world were upon him.
The peoples of down-trodden lands looked to him for the success of
freedom. He said truly, "I walk untrodden ground," for there was no
great republic in history whose example he could follow. His heavy task
was to bring into harmony the differences of widely separate States; to
make fair laws; to create a national money; to organize the diffe