These people soon became clamorous
for separation from Virginia, and at last in 1792 Kentucky was
received into the Union as a separate state.
And now the question of a suitable capital for the United States
began to be thought of. The first Congress had met at New York, but
it only remained there a short time. Then the seat of government
was moved to Philadelphia. Philadelphia, however, was not considered
a good place. So it was decided to build a new capital. The Northern
States wanted it in the north, the Southern States wanted it in
the south, but finally it was agreed upon to have it on the Potomac
River almost in the middle, Virginia and Maryland offering the
territory. Splendid plans were made, and the building was begun,
but for the next ten years Philadelphia still remained the seat of
government.
So four busy years went past, and the time of Washington's presidency
drew to an end. He rejoiced to think that after his hard work for
his country he could now go back to his peaceful home at Mount
Vernon, and be at rest. But his friends would not let him go. The
government of the United States was not yet firmly on its feet.
Only he could make it firm, they said. The people loved him, and
would be guided by him when they would not follow any one else,
therefore he must stay.
At length Washington yielded to the entreaties of his friends and
allowed himself to be elected President a second time.
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