Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-07-02
MOUNT VERNON.

FOR THE NaalloSAt isIkLLioENCkk
Papers in different parts of the country convey the
general sentiment that Mount Vernon and the grave Of
Washington ought to belong the whole people,. to
the mode of its acquisition and subsequent appropriation
the following extracts furnished:
FROM THE NEW YORK COURIER AND ENQUIRER OF JUNE II.
PROPOSED SALE OF MOUNT yERNos,-It is reported that
the present proprietor Of Mount Vernon Mr.. John A.
Washington is negotiating the sale of the estate with
certain private individuals and that he has agreed to
surrender it for the of two hundred thousand dol
lars subject however, the condition that Congress is
have the refusal of the property and that appca
ton is be made to that effect II is said Also that
necessity alone drives Mr. Washington to relinquish q
property that has been him but source of trouble
and Impeachment in consequence of the pres
of yisers from all parts Of the world If these
facts correctly stated we see to doubt,
then Congress will have thrown upon it responsibility
that be easily got rid Of has heretofore been
hecase. We not acquainted with the parties that
wish purchase Mount Vernon, with their objects in
making the purchase They may be good and patriotic
who wish to secure from desecraton the tomb of the
Father of his Country But however noble and dsinte
rested their Intentions IL Is not to single private ind
vidua company Of private capitalists, but to the
whole American people that the sacred Of Mount
Vernon oughtto belong and doubt not that the voice
OF the people will make itself heard when the oues
ton is brought up demanding that this small but valuable
tract of land shall be purchased and made the property
of the nation it does cost two hundred thousand
dollars We well remember sailing down the Poto
mac in crowded steamer, filed with men and women
from every State and almost every nation the merry
laugh Of youth ringing galy round the deck min
ged with the sound of heated controversy for it
time when political excitement ragged furousy through
the land The passengers full of life and excite
ment but two sentences passed rapidly from to
ther-" Mount Vernon! Tomb of WASHINGTON !"-and
sudden change the every eye turned to
the little white tomb that lies uncovered in the
rivers bank and while the steamers bell oled forth It's
requiem over the departed hero universal expression
Of deep mournu interest gathered upon the faces Of that
motley crowd. Unconsciously the soul of each man
bowed before the spell of that sacred spot 1t was an
involuntary exhibition of the love and that
sleeps in the breast of every American for the
memory of Washington.
Now, shall permit this holy spot of carthto which
patriots and phianhropsts of foreign lands journey
devou Islamites make pgrimages to the tomb of their
prophetic pass into the hands of private individuals to
be appropriated to such purposes may suit their will
and pleasure? Shall rather purchase it, and
beauty and adOrn it. and make it worthy to be the last
home OF the greatest best and wisest of manknd We
do not know what difficulties may have heretofore pre-
vented the purchase of Mount Vernon by Govern
ment but under existing circumstances the duty is
plain to admit of doubt and we believe, we hope,
that at its next session Congress will bestow precious
gift to the nation, to be preserved for all a me-
mento OF Washington and shrine to which the yotaries
of human freedom may repair 10 strengthen their
faith and renew their vows
FROM THE TROY wHra
The Mount Vernon sale of property is now settled
affair This estate which since the earliest settlement of
Virginia has been in the Washington family is now about
to pass from it. Two hundred thousand dollars could
be given for an estate which, landed property is not
worth 000 unless there be an intention to con-
vert it into show place to make money by 1t is to be
hoped however, that Congress will step in and secure
that estate forever for the nation The grave Of Washing
ton ought to belong to the whole people.
PROM THE SPIRIT OF THE TIMES
The President ought sometimes be allowed to enjoy
retirement and repose Mount Vernon is the place for
him. 1t ought to be owned by the cosntry be fitted
up and the grounds arranged exactly when the Father
resilpl hat fba Jo,4
go to Mount Vernon whenever he needs repose and ecu
sion 1t being understood that while there he is to be ex
empt from the encroachmen Of unwecome and unlimited
ysiters The tomb Of Washington n corsecrated spot
ought to belong to the nation to be had any
able cost and, with the adjacent grounds should be
preserved as in the days Of great Patriot and Sage
Such surely must be the opinions and sentiments Of
the National Inellgencer well that Of every patr
otto paper throughout great country
AN OBSERVER