George Washington

George Washington, the President of the United States of America, had a friend who fought with him in the war and was in peacetime his daily companion. This friend was a pleasant man but had no talent for business.

When a high government post became vacant, many people thought that Washington's friend was sure to get it.

But another candidate for the office appeared. This was a political opponent of Washington, a man of great talent for business.

How great was everybody's surprise when that other man got the post!

When people asked the President to explain this appointment, he said: “My friend is welcome to my house and to my heart; but with all his good qualities, he is not a man of business. The other man is. My private feelings have nothing to do with this case. I am not George Washington, but President of the United States. As George Washington, I am ready to do my friend any kindness in my power, but as President of the United States, I can do nothing.”