Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-02-19
Prom he Richmond wats,l

xne M unit v ermOn AeSOclatlOns
To The Virginia Senate and House Of Delegates:
Gentlemen: Having been repeatedly asked,
'By what means do the Mount Vernon Assoc
ciation' expect to raise the 100000 required
for the purchase of Mount Vernon? What
agents have they at work?' And believing
the satisfactory answer to those queries would
remove the objections of some of the members
of the Legislature to the Mount Vernon bill,
now before the House, will endeavor by a
plain statement of facts, to answer them:
Our Association was commenced four years
ago; and for reasons, not necessary now to be
explained, was again and again discouraged,
thwarted, and nearly destroyed. Two years
ago, Phoenix like, ii arose from its ashes and
began again its noble work with vigor. All
the funds we now hold have been collected
sriblin that period. Two years ago Massachu-
sets gifted son commenced his holy work,
dedicating time and talents to the Mount
Vernon cause. The Hon. Edward Everett is
the first "agent" would mention, and fright
noble' one he is. He has already laid on the
altar of patriotism $4,000. If Mr.. Everett in
two years could raise $4,000, how long would
it take him to raise S200000? Every school
Miss could answer-ten years. Less than one
third of the time required by the amendment"
before the Legislature for the redemption of
her bonds, and that by his tnassiSe1 efforts.
l rejoice to say that he is not the only gall
liant and patriotic son laboring in our cause.
We have the Hon. W. l.. Yancy of Alabama,
ii. w. billiard, of Alabama, A. H. H. Dawson,
of Georgia, Richard Yeadon, of the Charles
ton Courier, David Paul Brown, Esq, Phila-
delphia, and other kindred spirits in New York,
Indiana, Mississippi, DC, &c. The second
'agent" / would mention. by which we hope
to raise the required sum, is that band of noble
brothers-the free and accepted Masons'-
who 'propose to aid and cooperate with our
association in raising the sum necessary to eff
feet the purchase of the honored burial place
of Washington" 'Of the feasibility and
practical result of this effort on the part of the
Masons of the United States, there can be no
doubt or hesitancy, when it is recollected that
there are now thirty-five Grand Lodges with
an average utilization of 5000 members each,
and non-affiliated Masons amounting to an
average of 2, 900 each, making an efficient ag-
gregate of $40 900, all of whom will be prompt
with the discharge of its precious Masonic
duty.
Our third "agent'-Iast, but not least-are
the women of our favored land-pure Chris
tan women, working, con amore, in a holy
cause. IN such, they know no such word
'.fail;' but, with de'eTmHed aCiA, work out their
own success. Fathers husbands, brothers,
lovers, do you not know that,
''If she will she ,OiU, you may depend upon it;
And if she won't, she won't-so there's end on it,"
would remind you, gentlemen, that, by
LII
males in this UniOn-77 $50 in Virginia, Ga
blessed leaven, to purify and raise mans sor-
did soul from the worship of the almighty
dollar,) and that less than thirty-seven cents
from every daughter Of Virginia would raise the
money. And can we fail? Never! never!
never! l have been asked by one of your
members, 'Why is it, if you have raised $685.
900, that there is so small a sum in the hands
of your treasurer here? If he had the money
no tan Ia m
and it would gain many votes" AS a Vir-
ginia woman. | blush to give the answer. Each
State has its own treasurer, and retains its own
gift until the purchase is made, and as Virgin
ia has given comparatively lille, her treasurer
holds but a small sum.
I make, gentlemen, no appeal to your State
pride-to your patriotism only desire TO
show You that the Mount Vernon Association
have no need, no desire, to put their hands in
to Nirginias Golfers and deiraud her of one
dollar. Were it possible to make the pur-
chase without your aid, we would not now be
before you in ''fOrma pauperis," not asking
for money, but for your votes but Mr.. Wash
ington will only sell to Virginia, or 10 Con- |
gross, and we have no alternative. This gen
tlemen, is not a question Of time. 1t is not
shall this Legislature purchase Mount Vernon
or the next? II IS RO1C or neUer. Mr.. Wash |
ington withdraws it if you decline, and our
efforts cease We might, it is true work on
and apply to Congress to make the purchase. |
But would you, gentlemen, accede 20 that ? |
Would you secede that hallowed spot to the |
General Government? | feel sure you would |
not. Every Virginia woman would cry shame |
on you if you did: and yet, if you refuse,
would you not be the 'dog in the manger?'
| cannot believe that any Virginia editor or
member, understanding our position and re-
sources, can refuse concurrence with, and APP
probation of, our holy scheme. Misapprehen-
sion. | am sure, has alone caused opposition.
Now, gentlemen, have done what | could
to remove this apprehension, and | leave our
cause with you, praying that He in whose
hands are the wills and affections of men, may
convince You that the Glove of money is the
root of all evil the upas tree under whose
shade all that is true and pure and holy must
perish. y ERGINIAN.