Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1885-1890, 1885-06-11
WASHINGTON T I
From our Regular Correspondent


in midsummer. The association Of
ladies who manage the Washington
estate have been in annual session
there for more than a week, and the
steamer that phys the Potomac daily
between this city and the tomb Of
Washington, has been crowded with
pilgrims. It was in 1858 that Col.
John Washington saw that Mount
Vernon would have to so by the auc-
tioneer's hammer If something could
not be done to save it, andhere
in the romance Of Mount Vernon. 4
woman who had been q confirmed in
valid from girlhood, raised a fund Of
100000 and embodied a plan which
gave the home and tomb of George
Washington to the nation. This was
Miss Cunninghan1, Of South Carolina.
She had visited the spot in her child
hood, and when compelled to give up
all Of life except that which could be
enjoyed in sick room, the projecto OF
buying Mount Vernon inspired her.
1t was a singular instance of energy
and perseverance, From her sick bed
she aroused III enthusiasm, especially
among southern women, which result
ed in splendid success Edward Ey-
erett caught her enthusiasm, and his
lecture on Washington, delivered III
different cities, brought money to the
Mount Vernon fund. She interested
Madam LIE Vent, and Mrs. Cora
Mawatt Richie, and in 1860 her work
hal been accomplished; the house,
the tomb, the farm Of Washington,
including two hundred acres of land,
belonged to a national association.
The Legislature Of Virginia granted
charter to the association in perpe-
tuity, and no disposition of the prop
erty can be mace without the consent
Of the Legislature. None of tie
Washington family were afterwards
inferred at Mount Vernon. The key
vault was thrown into the Potomac
river. Within the brick vault there
are twomarble tombs, those Of George
and Martha Wilmington. One lools
at them through open iron work, and
Eats OF" is the rule at the grave
Around these tombs is a wooden for
Ing, which if stepped upon starts al
electric alarm at the house. During
the bloodiest days of the war, Mount
Vernon was treated rs neutral ground
and soldiers Of both armies met IN
der the trees that overhalg the tomb
The different States each have
charge Of aroom, Sc far as the rooms
in the old mansion hold out in mum
Der. The lady managers are callec
Regents. and the Regent of each
State has been instrumental in hay
ing its restored and refulnished as
nearlya5 possible ia the style that pre-
vailed at cc.Iount Vernon during Gen
Washington's lifetime Many Of his
original article OF furniture have
been gathered up and placed there
again and many relics OF revolution
airy times may be een in the various
rooms. Hanging in the entrance hal
is the key Of tho Bastile sent to Gen
Washington by La Fayette, and over
the door Of the dining room is Wash
ingtol's field glass, said to have beer
hung on its peg by his own hand anc
never since removed. The curious
marble hearth and mantel in the din,
ing rom were sent from France. Or
the way, the ship bearing the gift was
captured by pirates. When they
found the marble was intended fo1
Washington, they landed it on tkt
American shore. In a little drawing
room is the harpischord almost as
large as Il modern piano. which Wash
ington gave to Nellie Gusts as a wed
ding present. The attic Don which
Martha Washington occupied afte1
Gen. Washington's death, because i
commanded a view of the tomb, is il
almost the identical condition il which
she left it.
Only one boat is allowed to Ian;
q sight-seers at Mount Vernon. TIL,
round trip fee of one dollar fcots VI
handsomely at the end Of a year. Il
the past year $4,000 persons visitet
the place. The green houses are al
4 source Of revenue, a few flowers be
ing a favorito relic OF the spot. Their,
is some complaint that the manager
of Mount Vernon are making to,
much money, and that they do no
spend their revenues wisely. How
ever that may be. it costs considerabl
to keep the estate up in its presen
condition. During the coming yea
extensive repairs will have to be mad
Ga the roof and foundations OF til
house, the tomb is to be drained ans
anew wharf made, involving il al al
outlay Of about $4,000. The Regent
say that they do not mind unkint
go