The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-05-22
EvEN'G, MAY %, 1873
Mount Vernon and Its Friends.

Inc meeting oil the DOafd OF VlCe-regentS
Of the Mount Vernon association, which
adjourned yesterday, though quite thinly
attended, has been very interesting, and,
we think, will result in much good to the
institution. The accession of the splendid
painting Of Peale's Washington Before
Yorktown" which was presented by
granddaughter of the great artist, consti-
tutes very valuable addition to the at
fractions of the place. 1t is we'll worth
trip to Mount Vernon to look at this mag
nficent historical painting. It was the
work of one who kRew Washington and
his generals, and who has produced accu-
rate likenesses of the chief and his most
distinguished lieutenants, Lafayette, Ham
ilton, Rochambeau, Lee, and others,
grouped with mastery hand.
The resignation of Miss Cunningham,
the late regent, was rendered necessary by
her continued ill health. Her successor,
Madame Bergmans, of Philadelphia, is
lady Of rare ability, and will no doubt give
satisfaction to all parties. We sincerely
trust that new and liberal policy will be
adopted which will harmonize all the
friends of the institution in united effort
to make it q splendid success. The mana
ger in immediate charge is Colonel Hol-
linssworth, gentleman every way qualified
for the position. His valuable experience
and superior tact are invaluable to the as
ISOLATION, and we hope to see the means
placed at his disposal to make Mount Ver-
non one ofthe most beautiful and attractive,
rs it is certainly one of the most sacred and
interesting, spots on the American continent.
There is no lovelier place in the world
than that which Washington chose for his
home, and which is now consecrated by
his last resting place. The ride there
from Washington is charming. The noble
Potomac flows along through grand val
ley, with wooded heights, fair farms,
orchards and vineyards, and pleasant homes
on either side. The frowning battlements
Of old Fort Washington and the grassy
slopes of Fort Foote, less pretentious but
more powerful as defense, with numerous
earth-works of the late war, lend historic
interest to the trip. The neat steamer Ar.
row, Captain Frank Hollinghead, deserved
ly one of the. most popular men on the
river, makes daily trips from Washington
to Mount Vernon and other points. She
has a capacity of about four hundred pas
sengers, and we hope to see her crowded
during the present season. Our north.
ern friends going east can take Wash.
ington in the way without additional
expense, see the capital and its surround.
ings, and visit Mount Vernon. IF they
will take the time to examine the adjacent
country they will find farming region
naturally equal to any in the world, adapt
ed especially to fruit and grass, and tc
which large number of enterprising
northern people have already come to fine
pleasant homes, while there is still room
Tor more
We look for q revival Of the interest il
Mount Vernon with the great up-buildine
of the national capital There could be nc
more proper appropriation of money by
Congress than the outlay required to repair
the house, put the grounds in as good con
dition as when its owner left them, and t.
make a splendid and perfect Arhoretuu
and Experimental Garden there. Thi
would be the most fitting tribute to th,
memory of Washington, and would ado
vastly to the attractiveness and importance
Of the place.