National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1873-05-15
AMERICAS MECCA.
VISIT TO THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON

Among the many spots In the vicinity Of wash
inRton which are dear alike 10 citizens and
strangers Mount Vernon occupies a prominent
and deserved place. The history OF the estate,
which during life was occupied by washington,
aud which to-day holds his mortal remains, IL
seemingly familiar to all Americans, but In re-
atty there are but few who know or appreciate
the laborS and self-sactincing devotion Of the
small hand Of ladies' who some years ago under.
took the tass Of purchasing and maintaining the
estate hallowed by such sacred associations.
4 few years prior TO the war q bill was intro
duCed and passed by the virginia Legislature
chartcring the Ladies' Mount Vernon Assocla-
ton. The terms Of the bill provided that the
association should consist Of one lady from each
state 10 the Union. who should be designated as
vice regents, and who should have the power TO
elect from their number presiding and mAnag-
ing otilcer, known as the regent, Il further
gave them authority to purchase In their cor
pOrate capacity, and hold 10 fee simple the
grounds known as Mount Vernon, and make
such general regulations for the government OF
the same rs would he most conducive TO the OBJ
ieCts OF the society and tend 10 tho increased
patriotism OF the citizens OF the United States
by encouraging love for the father Of his
country.
The ladies' started In their holy mission at
once, and soon sufficient money was realized
from voluntary contributions and private sources
70 place them IN possession s THIS, the Grst
arrangements under their charter AZ would be
most advantageous financially TO the cause and
AZ the same time hest accommodate the people
who desired to visit the tomb. After a consulia-
tiOn u was decided that one Of the principal
sources Of revenue must be from an admission lee
charged to all parties who visited the spot.
In order to make this remuneratlye and insure
re guar trips II WAS found necessary TO enter into
a contract with certain parties, giving them the
exclusive privilege OF running boats 70 the wharf
they IN turn agreeing TO be responsible for all
toIia-a contract which has been funlled 10 the
letter by 10th parties, aud which ia to-day the
only source OF revenue TO the society. At the
beginning, II Is true the nre OF patriotism caused
large voluntary contributions, but the war, with
ita attendant evils, soon followed and the ladies'
fo' y themselves deprived Of both contributions
anu toll receipts from ylsltors-the latter being
caused by the boat not being allowed 10 make us
trips.
Ihis caused a blank In the operations OF the
society, and during the period OF years en-
and the grounds permitted unhappily to 20 10
ruin. As soon as
PEACE WAS RESTORED
the ladies', not daunted by their sad reverses,
their former condition, and as a frst move neil.
Toned Congress for an appropriation Of seven
thousand dollars, that being the sum estimated
As losses caused by the prevention Of the daily
trips by steamers.
The money was promptly Appropriated, and a.
promptly expended In making nece ssary repairs
to the buildings and grounds-that Is, as far a
possible-and again Mount Vernon WAS omen h
the public, and In a shape which proved that the
trust imposed on them had been faithfully exc
cutcd by the jealous and dlslntercsted board OF
regents. The fate which attends all public
works OF charity In this country followed the Ia
dies Of the association. To repay them for the
time, labor and annoyance incident upon their
mission, certain dissatisfied parties started the
cry NJ fraud and demanded an investigation and
thorough fTpnEc Of the work OF the society.
70 this they had but single and a proper re-
Spouse.
The association Is private corporation, char.
tered by the state Of Virginia, and the funds
used were entrusted by individuals, and had been
honestly expended. ny law the Governor OF the
state was authorized to appoint q commission,
consisting Of i've gentlemen, to be known as the
hoard Of visitors, and to them the books and pa
pcrs are and have ever been open for inspection,
In addition to this an annual report is made and
published by the regent, and any necessary legit.
innate Information In regard to ule work Of the
society Is oheerfully gwen, on proper applica.
ton; but the ladies do object TO irresponsible
persons establishing a censorship, and AFRO,
eating to themselves the authority Of controlling
not only the action OF the board, but really al
tempting TO dictate the management Of the es
tate Itself
They have thus far performed their whole dut,
10 the entire satisfaction OF all, and It Is to bt
hoped that In future some means may be deyiset
and some generous chords touched in The heart
OF the American people which will allow tn,
LADIES' 10 open wide the gates Of admission, ant
permit all 10 visit the tomb OF washington with
out being required to pay fec for the purpose
Until this Is done the price must be charged, ant
the payment made, all the soreheads and Inter
ested owners Of property In the vicinity to IN
contrary notWithstandng.
Yesterdays rRiF,
The annual meeting OF the Boar,l OF Regent
takes place to-day. and as q lifting prelude 10 tn
occasion Il was decided that the formal presenta
lion and acceptance Of Peales beautiful picture
washington Before Yorktown" should TAX
place yesterday. To this end the necessary ar
engagements were made, and at the usual hou
distinguished ladies and gentlemen embark q
for the tomb. II was truly Characteristic gath
erinR. Representatives from every state In tn
aud meeting for the single purpose Of honorinl
me memory o. the Father Of his Country, AM
assisting IN the ceremony OF the presentation,
ceremony IN which, with Infinite credit to hersel
anu associates, the donor made the who'll
American people her debtor.
The past seemed forgotten. The North, south
East and West clasped hands, and with bowe,
which contained the dust Of him so highly an,
deseryedly honOrcd, the most striking dguTes ID
me group being Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, OF the lat,
confederate army, and by his side Miss Nellie
the young daughter OF President Grant. As
relief TO this scene the lady regents stood nea
by, most OF them past the meridian OF life, bu
escn seemingly inspired with the occasion, ant
Tor the background the simple tomb completed
most suggestive picture.
Among those present were Mrs. A. 7. Gun
bingham; regent, Madame Berghmans, o
pennsylvanla; Mrs. Hudson, OF Connecticut
Mrs. General llalstead, OF New Jersey; Mrs
General Barnes, Of ID. C.; Mrs. Fitch OF Ind.
and MIS-, y. ID. Washington, Of W. Va, tn,
i muSm Vi tue 'A'e "eii'kno"n COL L. W. Wash
inc STATE o. virginia was represented by III
board Of visitors as follows: Judge Thomas
General EitLhugh Lee, General c. s. Meem AM
senator hiAle; Colonel Robert 0uld, the NTH
member, being absent. General Halstead, OF
v. J. and J. L. sykes, Of d. C., Represented tht
anWsoIy n2afl MI; w w. Corcoran, one OF the
present