The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-04-18
From Washington.
Soldiers Home President CleUeIGndS Sum
mer Residence Gen. Grants Expected


n.er Residence = Gen. Grants Expected
Death.
WASHINGTON, d. ca April 16, 1885,
The critical condition of Gen. Grant at this time
from cancer of the mouth and throat exctes general
sympathy. In this city dispatches are received at
short intervals, and posted in the departments and
prominent places As it is impossible for him to
live much longer the place for his burial has been
already discussed The Governor and inmates of
the Soldiers Home, at this city, have sent word to
Gen. Grants family, offering any of the beautiful
sites at the home for his resting place. 1t is said
Gen. Grant has expressed desireto be buried there.
As the funeral will, no doubt. be of national in
terest and the Soldiers Home frequently mentioned
in connection herewith, brief sketch of this
beautiful place may be of interest. The Soldiers
Home is situated just north of the city about three
miles from the Capitol and one mile from the city
limits. The grounds embrace 500 acres. The Home
was founded in 1851 princi pally through the efforts
of Gen Scott q fine statue of whom is there to be
SEEM and was intended for aged soldiers of the
Mexican war. In 1851 Congress made an appropri-
alton of s11S,791 (being the remainder of 100000
pillage money levied the city of Mexico by Gen.
Winfield Scott for the founding and support of the
institution. This sum was afterwards increased by
forfeitures and fines imposed upon soldiers and an
assessment of % cents per month on each member
of the regular army. ThlS assessment mas since
been reduced and is at this time IL cents per month
Inmates of the institution drawing pensions forfeit
such money to the home. There are accommoda-
tions fer 400 with all the comforts of ones fire.
side including fine library, &c. The grounds are
beautifully laid out Lakes, groves lawns, streams,
drives statuary and buildings delightfully."- inter
mingle and make most charming place to visit.
The view from the home is extensive, Alexandria,
Arlington, the Potomac and Washington being
plainly seen. From point i'll the grounds the
visitor can see through a marrow opening in the
thick woods only the dome of the Capitol. large
sign-board bearing the words Capitol VISTA di-
reefs one to this pleasing and novel sight There
are about 10 miles of the finest drives, and con-
sequence it is great resort for the fashionable.
Persons on horseback, vehicles and bicycles make
the Home lively in the summer months.
The Presidents House" in the grounds is an UNI
pretentious but substantial building, with beautiful
lawns, &C. 1t has been occupied during the sum-
mer months by several Presidents of the United
States including Pierce, Buchanan, Lincoln, Hayes
and Arthur and this season President Cleveland is
to enjoy its peaceful shade and quiet His favorte
drive is to the Home.
Taken as a whole, the Soldiers Home is not to be
excelled in its peculiar natural beauty. There is
one other Home at Dayton, Ohio, which may equal
it in some respects and excel it in Others but as
whole Washington boasts the finest in the world.
In the cemetery connected with the home many
thousand soldiers of the late war buried, and
not far from them will rest the remains OF their old
commander.