Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-18
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1926.
To HE Editors of the Pssnir Gazette.

To The Editors of the Paenir Gazette.
Gentlemen-I feel well assured you Will rea'
div insert the few following remarks, when
are produced by reading some observations l"
the National Journal Of the 10th inst. under the
head Of aromb Of Washington" 1t 1t Is an
Editorial production, the Editor 1t is presumed
has stated what he heard, or if Commun'ca-
ton in either case, .here is an omission OF GER
tain facts concerning this visit OF the Members
of Congress ostensibly to the "Tomb OF " ash
ington."
Itwould have been but fair that all the CIR
cums,ances should have been published, as II
has been made matter Of SO much importance
as to be subject Of newspaper notice. In the
statement is omitted most important Jdci'
that is, that this party Of pleasure selected OF all
DAYS in the week Sunday the l4;h day OF the
-,on,h IN visit Mount Vernon, and this after
the proprietor had published in the newspa
oers. and at the Gates on the road leading TO
the place, that he objected to persons vis't'ns
there on the Sabbath day. He had gone further
by writing to the Captains Of the Steamboats,,
and informed them that he objected to visitors
on Sundau; but on any other day they were
welcome, provided they did not lnJure the
grounds.
1, appears that the Captain of the Steamboat
made this communication to this pleasure party
of Congress gentlemen. They, notwithstanding,
proceeded on under the presumption that Judge
Washington was not acting from due rever-
ence for the Sabbath day--sent committee TO
ask permission Of him to pay their respects to
the deceased father Of their independence.
Here it may not be improper to inquire, would
not these Members Of Congress have showed
more etfectually, their respect for the memory
of the father Of their independence, by following
his example, by keeping holy the Sabbath day,
as he invariably did, and which the present ex-
cellent proprietor Of Mount Vernon does,-and
thus set good example 10 their constituents,
instead of making it day Of amusement and
of parties Of pleasure, under pretext Of visiting
the Tomb Of Washington? IF this was their
object, why not select some other day?
But il Is said the permission was refused,
and the Committee no: treated with common
politeness. All who know Judge Washington,
know him TO be mild and pohte man, hu, very
decided in any course he believes to be correct
He nav have had reason from what was said
by the Committee, to apprehene, notwithstand-
ing his objections, that the company would
land, and if he had grounds for such an appre-
hension, it is probable he apprized them that
they subjected themselves TO actions OF trespass
1t is asked is il possible this report is true? In
answer to this, ask, is it possible that there is
any set Of men who have any regard for, not
only the rights ofindividuals, but for the sacred
institutions Of society and Of religion, as to be
surprised that the proprietor, who is almost
daily during the week thronged with visitors,
should not be allowed the retirement of the
Sabbath day for himself and family? That a
gentleman's estate, because i. happens to have
on il the remains of the Father Of his Country,
should not be protected from intrusion by all
sorts Of people, not excepting Members Of Con-
sress, particularly on the Sabbath day.
i would ask these gentlemen, do they follow
the example, or adopt the principles of the great
Washington, by authorising, by their state
ments, the remarks have noticed. Do they
suppose he ever did endcavor, directly or indi-
rectly, by means Of newspaper remarks or other
wise, to lessen the standing or wound the feel
ings Of any individual, for having exercised his
right of property, in not permitting his habita
ton to be made pleasure ground, especially
on the Sabbath day? Permit me to advise these
Members Of Congress to read General Wash
ington's Farewell Address, and there learn what
were his principles and practice, both political
and moral, and learn to respect him, not by vio-
lating the Sabbath, but by keeping it holy.
FL.
p. 1t isexpected the Editor of the National
Journal will publish the above in his paper.
Messrs Editors: The enclosed is the produc-
ton Of boy Of thirteen. 1t was given me as
testimony of friendly regard, for having con-