[14] Griswold's Republican Court, page 137.
[15] Life of Washington, iv. 513.
[16] Address before the Philolexian Society of Columbia College, 1831.
CHAPTER IX.
washington's novel position—the spirit of the people—appearance of the democratic element in society—the question of a title for the president discussed in congress—the result—discretion necessary—washington asks advice concerning ceremonials—responses—washington's arrangement for visits of ceremony—jealousy of the people—silly stories concerning the pomp of the president and vice-president—customs of the levees established—grand balls—mrs. washington's journey to new york—her reception—her drawing-rooms—washington's habits of living.
Washington's position was a novel one in every particular. He was the chosen head of a people who had just abolished royal government with all its pomp and parade, its titles and class immunities, but who were too refined, and too conscious of their real social and political strength as a basis for a great nation, to be willing to trample upon all deferential forms and ceremonies that might give proper dignity to, and respect for deserving rulers, without implying servility.
In the convention that framed the constitution, the representatives of the people exhibited this conservative feeling in a remarkable degree; and the extreme democratic sentiment, such as afterward sympathized with the radicals of the French revolution, was yet only a fledgling, but destined to grow rapidly, and to fly with swift wing over the land. Yet the spirit was manifest, and its coalescence with the state-rights feeling made circumspection in the arrangement of the ceremonials connected with the president and his household extremely necessary.