On Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:09:15 -0400, "
wrote:

-snip-
IIRC, George Washington insisted for some time that the POTUS be
addressed as "Excellency"....or was it Adams? George fought against
strenuous opposition to have a "standing army"...many opposed that.

I think you recall incorrectly. A recent Ellis bio is titled,"His
Excellency, George Washington" [or something like that] - but he was
known as "His Excellency" when he was the General of the Army.

When the title for presidency was first discussed, and Washington was
president, Adams' suggestion was "His Highness, the president of the
United States and Protector of the Rights of the same" - Washington
chose 'President of the United States.' and further designated that
Mr. President was title enough.


Jim