Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1885-06-01
The association has at

managers. The association has at
tempted to keep up the old estate,
roads, fences, tomb, and all, restore
the old mansion to the condition in
which it was left at the time of
Washington's death, and to re-fur-
nish each room as nearly as possible
in the style in which Martha Wash
ington left it. In doing this they
have been assisted by the inventory
taken by Washington's executors, and
by information CLEANED from other
sources. By much searching among
antiquities, and through voluntary
contributions of the family descen-
dants, many of the original articles
of furniture have been gathered up
and put in the old places.
The trip to Mount Vernon is
pleasant one on any fine day, and it
is especially delightful at this sea-
son of the year. The banks of the
river are clothed in fresh green, and
the laurel, ivy, and other spring
blossoming shrubs are out in all
their glory. I boarded the steamer
in company with other sight-seers
and went down to see the regents in
session. They have formed them
selves, like, into two factions.
One of their bones of contention is
the admission of reporters into the
sessions of the board. The greatest
point at issue, however, relates to
the management of affairs. A GER
tain lady, it is alleged, by her deter
mination to run matters to suit her.
self, has collided with others. Among
the things that have caused grief is
the contempt shown the custom of
respecting the wishes of deceased
members, who were formerly privi-
legged to name their successors. There
are now three vacancies to be filled,
and, while appointments may be
made, it is thought that as long as
the factions exist, there will be trou-
BILE in filling them. The leaders of
the aristocratic and democratic fac
tons respectively are Mrs. Laughton
and Mrs. Washington.
In conversation with some of the
regents about the management of the
estate, they expressed great satisfac-
ton, and said their business was be-
ing conducted on business principles.
1t has been remarked by outsiders in
various quarters, however, with more
freedom than gallantry, that the as
ISOLATION is making too much
money, and not expanding its
revenues wisely. One lady remark
ed to me "Some people are amusing
themselves by saying hard things
about us. We do not mind it,
though for the very fact that the old
homestead is attracting more people
every year, and never presented a
more satisfactory appearance than at
present, proves that the regents
know how to conduct it's affairs sue
cessfully."
1t has been suggested to the ladies
that they silence criticism and renew
their hold upon public confidence by
making a detailed report of their re-
ceipts and disbursements, as is done
by incorporated enterprises usually
Their proceedings have always beer
sub rosa, and the real friends of the
association hope the board will Civ,
public statement of the condition
of its affairs, giving as much infor
nation respecting its finances ant
methods as may be found common
surate with the popular demand.
The usual annual examination o
the property has revealed the neces
sity of extensive repairs, embracin!
the roof and foundation of the man
sion, draining OF the tomb, etc
These and other Improvements to b
made this year will entail the expen
diture of about $4,000. The asso
citation is fortunate in having an IN
invested surplus of $4,000, includin
the years interest upon the endow
ment.