George Washington

4.8

George Washington, the President of the United States of North America, had a friend who fought with him in the war and was in peace time his dally 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 the case. I am not George Washington, but President of the United States; as George Washington I am ready to do my friend any kindness which is in my power, but as President of the United States I can do nothing.”