National Republican., 1876-05-29
MOUNT VERNON.
lnprevsueIt OF the Estats-Kssting Of the
ID --E- d .. CV4ncil. s.


The annual council OF the Ladies' Association
was held ct Mount Vernon few days since, as
has already been stated IN these columns, com
meneipg Wednesday, May II, and continuing
until Saturday, the 2lth. The regent, Madame
Berghmans of W ashington, and tho vice regents
Of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Georgia,
Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jer-
sey, Delaware and the District of Columbia were
present. 49, q.
The Affairs Of the association were examined,
and the financial condition was found to be pros
perous.'
The advisory committee, consisting Of Judge
Thomas and Generals Mems and Dixie, were
present. and assisted the regent and vice regents
in their examination OF the books, and expressed
themselves as pleased with the condition OF the
the vast four years have amounted to about
$22 as which is O handsome Increase over the
ngures of former years.
considerable sums have been expended in the
restoration Of the mansion and the Improvement
of the grounds. The meeting of the council was
DEPARTED with greater enthusiasm in the work
for which the association was formed than has
ever before been observed. Superintendent Hol-
iingsworth has each year during his care Of the
place added something to Its prodaetion and at
tractiyeness, and hopes TO render IL more and
model plantation of Virginia. His efforts are now
circumscribed by the limited means which can be
devoted to agricultural and horticultural I'M
prcvements But the small portion of the estate
under cultivation is made to yield good crops
1t is the intention of the management to re-
store the deer park and to have lime spread upon
the farm. During the stay Of the viee-regents at
Mount Vernon they drove to the Porter's lodges,
the entrance to the Washington estate, three
quarters of mile west The lodges have been
lately restored by the liberafity OF the Nice-Re-
gent of Wisconsin, Mrs. Alexander Mitchell. To
this entrance to the estate Is attached peculiar
historic interest from the fact that General
Washington when he last rode to his home, four
days before his death, passed through these
gates. The rooms In the mansion have been in
great measure restored to their originality of ap-
pearance, and contain many interesting relics Of
family furniture, historical pictures and the like.
A spacious lunchroom has been provided, so
that strangers may refresh themselves at
trifing expense, without the trouble OF carrying
their provisions with them from their hotels.
selection of beautiful stereoscopic views Of the
various portions Of the estate are also to be Oh
tanned there, as wc,las roses ferns, sweet shrub
and fiOwnr.. preservation, the proceeds of all
OF which go to swell the improvement fund.
The prospect for making this enterprise sue
cessfuI one was never before so fattering as at
present. while there is spot in the vicinity more
attractive to visitors than "the American Mecca"
1t will be seen, by reference to the advertise
ment elsewhere, that arrangements have been
made for the conveyance and reception Of an un-
usual number Of guests at the mansion on the 30th
instant. The Arrow will make two trips on that
day, and at reduced prices, while Colonel HOl-
lingshesd is fully confident that he will be able to
entertain all who are disposed to visit him.