Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-11-15
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
An Interesting History.
BY ARROYO.

BY ARROYO.
OF the lands appropriated for public use nine
teen acres and sixty perches appear on the
original plan of the city as university Square,
and were intended by President Washington for
the site OF a national university, which he
wished to see established at the Capitol and &c
which he left in his will fifty shares OF Potomac
navigation stock, on which e5,0oO sterling had
been paid.
The following correspondence between Gen.
Washington and the Commissioners Is well
worthy of perusal and valuable as showing the
interest taken in this subject by the 'Father OF
his Country"
PHILADELPHIA, IS JANUARY, 1895.
TO The Cor,'7ntssior'eTs Of ne Psderat Dtstr s
Gentle,nPn:-A plan for the establishment OF q
university In the federal city has frequently
been the subject OF conversation, but in what
manner II Is proposed TO commence this impor-
means by which 1t Is to be effected, how it is to
be supported, or what progress is made in 1t,
are matters altogether unknown to me.
l has always been a source OF serious res1ac-
ton and sincere regret with me, that the youth
of the United States should be sent to foreign
countries for the purpose OF education. Although
there are doubtless many under these circum-
stances, who escape the danger of contracting
principles unfavOrable to republican govern
ment, yet we ought to deprecate the hazard at
tending ardent and SuSceptiO e minds from be-
ing too strongly and too early prepo55e5seI IN
favor of other political systems before they are
capable of appreclating their own.
For this reason have greatly wished to see
a plan adopted by which the arts, sciences al
belleS-lettreS could be taught in Til er fullest
extent, thereby embracing all the Advantages
of European tuition, with the means OF acquir
ing the liberal knowledge which Is necessary to
qualify our citizens for the exigencieS of pub
lie and private life (and which with me Is
consideration of greater magnitude) by aSSemb-
ling the youth from different parts Of the rising
republic, contributing from their intercourse
and interchange OF information, to the removal
of prejudice which might, perhaps, sometimes
arise from local circumstances.
The federal city, from its centrality and the
advantages which. in other respects. 1t must
have over any other place in the United States.
ought to be preferred as the proper site for such
a university. And il a plan can be adopted on
q scale as extensive as have described, and the
execution OF it should commence under favor
able auspices, in a reasonable time, with a fair
prospect of success, will grant in perpetuity
fifty shares in the navigation OF the Potomac
river towards the endowment OF it.
What annuity will arise from these fifty
shares. when the navigation is In full operation
can at this time be only conjected, and those
who are acquainted with IL can form as good Il
Judgment as myself.
AS the design of this university has assumed
no form with which l am acquainted, and as
am equally ignorant who the persons are who
have taken, or are disposed to take, the maturing
of the plan upon themselves, | have been at 4
loss as 10 whom should make this cOmmunica-
ton OF my Intention. Ii the commissioners OF
the Federal City have any particular agency in
bringing the matter forward, then the informa-
ton which | now give them is In the proper
course. II, on the other hand, they have no
more TO do with it than Others who may be
DESTROYS OF seeing so important q measure car
ried into effect they Will be 50 good as TO excuse
my using them as the medium for disclosing
these my intentions, because it appears neceS-
Sary that the funds for the establishment and
support of the institution should be known to
the promoters of it, and l see no mode more
eligible for announcing my purpose.
IfriNr trgNrrl
address and the assurance OF being gentlemen
&C. (Signed) GEO. WASHINGTON.
CITY OF WASHINGTON, February IS. 1875.
S1':-Your letter of the 18th of January relates
to one of the most engaging subjects with which
the human mind can be impressed. The legi--
lators OF all enlightened countries have thought
the education of youth so important to the We
fare OF society, that 1t has been primary 0bje,t
of their attention. 1t is a theme which merits
the most serious consideration OF United Ameri-
ca at this time, for, as you will observe, it Is
much to be regretted that the youth of this
country should be obliged to emgrate In search
of learning, by which they run the hazard OF
imbibin. disadvantageouS prepoSSessions We
have often conrersed together, on the founding
of an university upon a scale the most extern
Sive, and cannot express the satisfaction 1t gave
us to find your opinions on this subject so con-
sOnant to our own.
Your letter conveys comprehensive view of
the great characters and general utility OF such
an establishment. We had chosen piece OF
ground, which, If approved OF by you, is intend
l.
we will solicit your consideration OF the several
parts and their proposed application. when your
other engagements will permit dedication OF
portion OF your time to this object.
Some donations for the university have been
subscribed and we doubt not when the subject
under consideration is more matured, we shall
find many persons literally disposed to forward
this national concern; especially when 1t Is mall
known how much you have 1t in mind, no SIN
cerely you regret the want of such an establish
ment, and how generously you have contributed
Many have suggested In part what olght to
be done In forming general plan; none has yet
been presented; but the board was Informed
some time ago that DR.. Thornton has lo1g had
It in contemplation to lay such an one before the
executive, and has made some progress In di-
costing il.
The board of commissioners are not vestel
with powers by any act OF Congress or OF the
legislature OF Maryland onthe subject Of ma
tional university. We shall, however, solicit
and receive donations with great pleasure,
and, when necessary, there will be no difficulty
In procuring the aid OF law from this state, the
legislature OF which cannot be inSenSible of the
immediate benefit toSbe derived from such an
institution.
Though every assistance In our power will be
most readily yielded, it will, we hope, be conSid-
cred as work in which united America are
generally concerned, until sufficient sums are
collected to erect the necessary buildings and
insure success TO the object.
When we have the pleasure of seeing you
will beg leave more fully to explain our ideas on
this subject.
We are, sir with the greatest respect, &C.,
DANIEL CARROLL,
GUSTS SCOTT.
WILLIAM THORNTON.
President OF the United States.
NATIONAL CHURCH AND THEATER.
On portion OF the land thus intended by
Washington for the site OF a university the pre-
sent observatory is built. Another square was
intended for the site OF national church. but
1t does not appear that any attempt was made
to erect such u structure. The land intended
for this purpose now forms the site OF the Patent
Office. The original plan OF the city also iu-
cluded a site for a theater. No steps were taken
however, looking to the erection OF such an edl-
nce, until the matter was fOrcibly brought be-
fore the minds CT the people AT the present
time, While the subject OF building an opera
house Is being agitated, 1t would be well to con-
slider the opinions OF prominent men in earlier
days. The following action OF President Mon
roe In regard TO a resolution passed by our city
authorities soon after the destruction OF the
Washington theater by fire, which occurred on
the night OF the 10Th OF April 1929, is well
worthy OF peruSal, as showing the propriety and
feasibility OF such work.
Resolution to Request OF the President Grant
of Public Land for City Purposes.
Resolved by NE Board Of alderman ditd Bl1rd
OF Common C0UhcH Of Washington, That the
mayor be requested TO take possession OF that
part OF the public reservation south of the canal
and north OF the mall, between eth and 9th
streets west, as was designated in the plan OF
the city. published under the direction OF the