Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-03-11
AN APPEAL
HE.. VrUtH
TO THE
CITIZENS or THE UNITED STATES.

CITIZENS or THE UNITED STATES.
1t is well known to you, that on the 9th
of April, 1858, contract was signed be-
tween John a. Washington proprietor Of
Mt Vernon, and the Regent of the Mt. Yer
non Ladies Association. by which the Nam
sion and Tomb Of Washington, and 200 acres,
are to become the property Of the nation
The title to be held by the Association, and
the property to he transferred on the pay
ment Of 5000 600. All interest on said sum
paid on the 22d of February. 1889, the an
niyersary of the birth of the Father of his
Country.
The assumption, by woman, of so vast
responsibility as the collection OF this sum.
and the additional one of $500 900, neces-
Sery tor the repairs, improvements and pres
eryation of the Estate, was hailed with JOY,
not only by the millions of this great Rcpub-
lie, but by the millions across the sea, in the
fatherland of the children of WASHINGTON.
This solemn obligation was assumed when
the Association had scarce extended beyond
the Southern States in which it had its origin,
but ,Comap had faiM IN the deTth of love
and reverence felt for the illustrious Patriot,
aud courage to dedicate herself to tnc holy
work Of developing it to the height OF the
generosity required to sccurc the possession
of his sdcred ashes. And now, when that
anniversary approaches-an anniversary to
which others, than our own nation. turn as
the fitting time for grateful people to re-
ward her labors--I place before you the re-
suit OF the devotion of the women Of the land,
and call upon YOU to judge between them
AMI the nation in whose patriotism they
contided.
BY their excrtions, the Association has en-
larged from 9 States to %. Its boundaries
extend from Maine to California, from Min
nesota to Florida. Twenty-four Vice Re
gents have entered upon their duties in their
respective States. Through their indefati
gable Efforts, and those of their generous
ally-thc Hon. Edward Evcrctt-thc Treas
urcr Of the Association has been enabled to
pay to Mr.. Washington, in addition to the
!. Is 600 paid on siguing the contract, the
first instalmcnt of S57 900, due on the LIST of
January, 1859, with the interest thereon
) 10, 900 on the l4th of December. the 5Sth
Anniversary of Washiugton's death $1,000
on the 9TH OF Feb, and $4,000 on the | It'll
Of Feb. instant. making S2j 900 on the sec
und iustailment of Sil 500, GO, due on the
22I OF February, 1860 which, in addition
t. the SIS, 900 invested by the Association,
makes upwards Of Sll7 900 reported to Re-
gent up t. date. Additional sums are known
to bee collected in various parts of the coun-
try.
The purity of their patriotism, the zeal, en-
crgy and the selfsacrifcing spirit, which act
yates them and their co-laborers, are best
shown by the moral influence already exertcd,
and which is SO eloqucnty described in the
words OF another.
The present awakening of public feeling
towards the memory of Washington, would
suffice to encourage the friends of our race.
1t is pure and high enough to challenge the
sympathy Of angels. We may point to it as
a mark OF Heaven favor-a sign that Pro-
violence has not deserted us in punishment OF
our national sins-a timely revival of the re-
lgion of noble thoughts-a blessed touch on
the electric cord OF sympathy which ought
oltener to thrill a country possessing such an
origin and such II common experience as ours
Let us hail it as an suspicious omen, as the
Imagination of new telegraph of the heart,
deep laid and love fraught, like that new
bond of humanity, which, If not now, must
ere long awaken the pulses Of the continent
and seeing these things, let us bless God
and take courage
But prosperous Us the Association has
been, entering upon a new year with high
hopes and renewed zeal, determined to press
onward until the goal is attaincd-it is ey-
dent from the statement now made, that Mt.
Vernon cannot be secured by it to the nation,
on the day anticipated, without immediate
and simultaneous action by the whole coun-
Try. The appeals of the officers Of the As
ISOLATION have been scattered broadcast over
the land. Official reports each month, have
reminded my cuuntrymon how rapidly time
was passing. And noC the day draws nigh
on which it is 50 confidently expected that
the great American people will redeem the
pledge made by conbding 'co"dn. But ten
days rcmuin, before an anniversary to which
all eyes are turned as the expected and ap
proprilte time when she will reap her reward
in triumphantly indicating Il nations hon
or, aud nauguratng the birthday of Re
publican gratitude. Shall she fail ? VIII a
people possessing untold wealth. numbering
over ton millions adults, from whom the con-
trbutlon OF three cents each, would bestow
$3.50 200. consent to record on the Anniuer-
sary Of ms Birth that we are unworthy to
have received II Washington
ANN PAMELA CUNNlNGllAM,
Regent Mt, Y. l.. \, of the Union.
PHILADELPHIA. Feb. llth, 1889.