Although we may think it odd today, back in 1789 when our federal government was just being formed and George Washington was inaugurated as America’s first President, there was little precedence as to how to address the new chief executive of the government. The only examples given by the European powers were royalty where “your highness” or “your excellency” were appropriate. But what about a democratically elected President?
The article shown is taken from the “Gazette of the United States” newspaper from New York, May 16, 1789, about two weeks after Washington was inaugurated. It provides some interesting insight in to the thoughts of the day when the government was truly in its infancy.
2 Comments To "How shall we address the President?"
#1 Comment By Набоков On 09/05/2009 @ 3:00 am
“спасибо за инфу”
#2 Comment By Bill Caughlan On 09/08/2009 @ 1:18 pm
The committee mentioned in the article came back with the title, “His Highness the President of the United States of America and the Protector of the Rights of the Same.” This not really being in line with the thinking of the majority, was voted down. Thank goodness!