quite wealthy, and
many honors were bestowed upon him. Nevertheless he remained always a
simple, kindly man, even in his years of prosperity.

When England had experienced such success with railways, it was not
long before America began building railroads on a large scale.

More than three hundred thousand miles of railroads are now in
operation in the United States, and many more miles are added each
year. The great systems of railways, with their modern improvements
for fast travel, are a triumph of skill, energy and enterprise.

LESSON LXV

GEORGE WASHINGTON

_PART II_

The boundary war between France and the British possessions in America
had been the cause of the war from 1753 to 1759 in which Washington and
thousands of his countrymen did gallant services. It ended with the
surrender of Quebec, by which France lost her foothold in the Ohio
valley and all the territory east of the Mississippi.

Ten years later, the whole aspect had changed. The same country, for
which our forefathers in the colonies had sacrificed some of their
noblest sons, was now beginning to oppress these very colonies. By
unjust taxation, England tried to replenish her treasury, which a
protracted war across the seas had made empty. But though the war
against the French in the interest of England had cost the colonies in
America some of its best blood, it had not been without its salutary
lesson. America had learned its own strength as well as the weakness
of the British soldiers and her public officials. Washington, above
all, knew these facts too well. He was, however, no agitator, and for
many reasons was deeply attached to old England. He, therefore,
cautioned reserve and forbearance without sacrificing his patriotism.

In the meantime the Revolution came to an outbreak. Washington was
called upon by his compatriots to lead them on to liberty. After
careful examination and due consideration he consented, and Washington
took command of the colonial troops in the war against England. "It is
my intention," said he, "if needs be, to sacrifice my life, my liberty
and all my possessions in this holy cause."

Thus, we see him leading the army, animated with the noblest
sentiments. General Washington was now forty-three years of age and in
the full power of manhood. His personality was distinguished and his
bearing serene. He electrified the whole army.

The Colonial troops, however, were not at all times equal to