The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1860-04-21
The Purch... OF arov.t Vernon.

We regret to see that the impression has gone
forth that the recent visit Of the ladies of the
Association to Mount Vernon was to take formal
possession of the property. Such, however, Is
not the case. They are not compelled to assume
the expense connected with such step until
1861, and do not consider it prudent for them to
do so until sufficient means are raised to make
Mount Vernon self sustaining. We have before
us a copy of the Mount Vernon Record Extra.
containing statement of Miss Ann Pamela
Cunningham, the Regent, showing the present
financial condition of the Association. II is emf
nently favorable. 1t shows that their payments
TO Mr.. Washington have all been punctually
made, and that they have besides about $40 900
for the fund which will be necessary to meet
further responsibilities and what are these res
possibilities. Miss Cunningham says:-
Practical men whom have consulted on this
subject, estimate that it will require from IS, 700
to $4,000 annually to cover the expenses which
must be incurred If Mount Vernon is to be kent
in repair, and provided with force sufficient TO
protect and preserve the house and grounds in Sc
curity and good order worthy their future national
position. Of this sum, the annual recei9s from
visitors may furnish from Il, 900 to $4,000 al
though those of the past year only AMOUNTED to
81. 22S 25, but the remainder cannot be safely
relied on, except from principal invested so as
to yield the requisite interest. The safety of in
vestmert, as general rule, is inverse ratio to
lucrative interest If We estimate at 6 per cent
it would require principal OF from sl2l 900 to
$4,000 As we have S2O,O0O in possession,
we are already i'm a position to meet one of our
obligaions--tO restore Mt Vernon 10 m.at il mas
in its palmy days. We haye yet to acquire the
$40, 900 needed for annual maintenance. The
question for you now to decide is shall we take
possession of Mt. Vernon without funds incur
the risk of increasing indebtedness-to lie can
ra1n1 W.. I'm hnut hutw with a he,
from the future donations of the generous and
patriotic hearts which may be touched by annual
piteous appeals to their purse and patriotism to
us from our embarrassments-or like unset
fish patriots, not wearied or discouraged by the
hard fought battles of the past but inspired by
the glorious victory achieved. and confident of
ability to win new trumphs-reconsecrate our
selves to the work with determination never to
pause until We reach the gaol We set out for,
viz the purchase and ststenttstioa of Mount Yer
non from tie heart offerings Of a grateful people
offerings which shall wipe ont the rcproach which
stained the cscutcheon of Republics for centuries
past-oherings which are tribute-nay, such
premium to private and public integrity as to i'm
press generations to come with the poacer of
ratae and point the ambitious to the character
and example of Washington, il they would win
laurels which never fade-kept green in the
hearts Of grateful people---oferihgs which shall
Poeia'tu W Woila, upon NHose HedrtS There Is
no name which possesses the spell of our Wash
ington, that this great Republic, in the year $780,
in the midst of internal discussions, has yet.
through the instrumentality Of his appreciative
and grateful countrywomen been able to give a
proof of her progress in wisdom and virtue
which shall be recorded for all time.
1t will be seen, therefore, that there is great
deal yet to be done, but considering the success
of the past labors Of the ladies of this Associa-
ton, their energy, their dcvotedness and pcrsc-
verance. VIC can have no doubt of the final ac-
complishmcnt of their patriotic purpose. It is
essential, however, that the public should not
get an idea that everything has been done and
thus relax all efforts. What is needed now is the
most essential part of the whole affair. II the
ladies do not get their 'sustinaton fund " they
will be very much like the man who purchased
huge animal that he did not know what to do
with We tEust, therefore, that the patriotism
of our fellow citizens will he again called into
action, and crown the eNertons of the ladies with
success.-lN. Y. Day Book, April l4th.