Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-11
Mount Vernon.


A proposition is now pending before the Legs
lature of this State for the purchase of Mount Yer
non. But week or two have elapsed since
resolution contemplating the same end by Con-
gress, was by that body laid upon the table, and
following close on the heels of this came reSolu-
ton, we believe not yet disposed of, inluirirS IN
To the expediency of furnishing one room in the
Presidential Mansion with articles that had been
used by Washington.
Whilst we yield to no one in sincere reverence
for the memory and character of the ''Father OF
his country" and grateful appreciation OF his
services, we are yet compelled to believe that In
all these PROPOSITIONS there is vast deal Of clap
trap. For our part we think the best way for our
rulers. both State and Federal, (f we may be par
doned the use of the latter term to exhibit their
respect for the memory of Washington, would be
70 practise his virtues and regulate their conduct
by his high and honest principles. Nthey will
but emulate his patriotism in their public career,
and infuse somewhat Of his sincerity, sobrety,
moderation. Justice, 6rmness and independence In
To the administration of the Government, they
may safely let the title to Mount Vernon remain
in its present owners and his furniture rest in qui
ct wherever it may be, and the character of the
"Republic" for gratitude will suffer no detrimenr
in'he estimation Of the world. But on the other
hand buying at an extrayagant price every foot Of
land Washington ever owned. and placing in the
white House every article Of furniture he ever
used, whether at home or in camp, whilst they
neglect his teachings and disregard his example
will not convince any one that they feel either a
high veneraton for his character or cherish deer
sense of gratitude for his services. We are how
ever, not quite certain that Mr.. HEM of Wiscon-
sin. when he offered his resolution about placing
Washngton's furniture in the Presidents house
did not design fling at the costly and regal style
in which it has recently been fitted up. 1t is ;
strange fact that the more Democratic We become
the more sumptuously and luxuriously we fit NJ
the executive mansiOn-it being now furnished il
= style of costly magnifcence never before ap
preached. To this, however, we do not MAKE
the slightest objection.
But to the Legislature of Virginia paying wv,
hundred thousand dollars for two hundred acres o
poor land in Fairfax county, simply because it wa
once owned and cultivated by Washington, VI
do most strenuouslyobject. We have got alonS
pretty we'll for thelast fifty -four years without
owning it,and we see now no good reason for tn
States purchasing it at twenty-times its intrinsic
value. The reason certainly is not found in
pIeihoric treasury and lo,c tares. Nor are we q
bic to perceive any benefit that will accrue to TIT
State from its ownership. viii it make the PEG
pleibetter or more intelligent? VIII it add Il
the wisdom and patriotism of our Legislature?
We would at least recommend to the presen
General Assembly that before they determine
paw the two hundred thousand dollars, they max
the experiment of a pilgrimage to that venera'e
spot and see whether the Old Domination is likel
to get an equivalent for her money in the incrsas
ed wisdom and improved industry of her law ma
kers.
If the State this year buys Mount Vernon
the price demanded, it will not be great Will
until she will have to purchase the birth place {
Henry, the residence Of jefferson, aud the grav
of Madison. The truth is, there will be no en-
to such appeals to her maternal pride as long
she permits it to be coined into dollars