ive in it, and so it
was used for the Pennsylvania University.
While his furniture was coming by sea from New York, Washington had time
for a short visit to Mount Vernon, but he and his family were settled in
his new home when Congress met the first Monday in December.
About this time, two political parties began to form in the United
States. The Federalists, who were led by Hamilton, wanted to make a
strong central government, which would develop the country and be
respected abroad. The Democratic-Republicans, who were led by Jefferson,
wanted the States to hold the chief power, because they were afraid a
strong central government might be turned into a monarchy. Both parties
had the good of the country at heart. Jefferson's party is the
Democratic Party of the present day and the Federalists live still in
the Republican Party.
Jefferson and Hamilton were bitterly opposed to each other's ideas and
disputed with their usual fighting quality. Washington quietly heard
each side and did his best to keep the two men at peace, for the country
needed both.
In the spring and summer of 1791, Washington made a tour of the Southern
States. It was a trip covering eighteen hundred and seventy-five miles.
The same horses made the entire journey and kept up their spirits until
they trotted back into their stalls at home! The President returned very
happy about the condition of the country and delighted with its
confidence in the new government.
The end of his term of four years drew near and Washington looked
forward to the comfort of private life. He was growing quite deaf and
had had several severe illnesses. He was tired of the load of care, and
of the strife of opposing parties. But four years were not time enough
to establish so great a government. Washington alone held the faith and
confidence of the people, and they begged him to give them four years
more. He wanted to retire, as he feared that, after another term, he
would not be able to carry out his plans for Mount Vernon; but he
finally consented.
Washington's second term was filled with great difficulties. Indians
attacked the western frontiers, and Algerian [Algeria is in northern
Africa] pirates seized American ships and imprisoned American citizens.
France and England were at war and it was difficult to keep America out
of the quarrel. These and other problems, besides disputes among public
men, kept Washington's heart weary and sore. Through it all, he sa
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