The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-07-31
WESTINGHOUSE TOMB.
EItortionate Charge for visiting the
PIsce-InvestIgation Invited.
New York Te' egram.

New York TIE, egram.
A large majority of the visitors to
the capital make pilgrimage to
Mount Vernon and the tomb of Wash.
ington. Mount Vernon is a delightful
spot. Not only is it rich in historic
association, but there is not more
beautiful spot in this part of the coun-
try. But comparatively few visitors
realize that Mount Vernon was pur-
chased by popular subscription, the
price paid being $250,000. Perhaps
their ignorance is justified when the
arrogant position of the Mount Yer
non Association is taken into consider
alton. If there ever was monopoly
this association has one. There seems
to be no good reason why the associa-
ton should use the bones of the
..Father of his Country" as a capital
to make money out of the general pub
lie, especially when the latter is the
owner of the estate. Under contract
which has been entered into between
the association and a steamboat, the
owners of the latter are permitted to
have the exclusive right to land pas
sengers at the little tumble-down old
wharf at Mount Vernon. Hundreds
of thousand of dollars have been taken
from the public in this manner. }
the people of Washington this extor-
ton is no new thing, and, as it does
not especially effect them, they have
allowed the abuse to exist without pro-
test Strangers protest loudest, and
it is but right that hearing should be
granted to their side of the question.
Mount Vernon is only fifteen miles
from Washington. The charge for the
round trip and admission to the
grounds is 81, of which sum the steam
boat9roprietors take 65 cents and the
Mount Vernon Association 80 cents.
1t is not quite plain why the associa-
ton should exact 35 cents head for
admission to an estate which that pub
lie owns. Naturally the question
arises, Where does the money goP"
and "Who are the beneficiaries OF the
extortionP" The property is govern
ed by board of regents and this
board is ruled by vice regent. 1t is
the closest kind of close corporation.
When vacancy occurs in the board
the vice regent makes an appoint
ment to fill the position, and it is un-
derstood that his power in this respect
is absolute. The board holds a picnic
at the estate every summer and counts
the winnings of the previoas season.
When any inquiries are made of the
board it wraps itself i'll impenetrable
mystery. 1t deigns to allow the pub
lie to enter its grounds al an extor-
tionate price and that is enough.
The excuse given for the excessive
charge is that it is necessary to have
large sum of money on hand to guard
the remains of Washington and to
keep the estate and house in proper
repair. As matter of fact there is
not the slightest danger that anyone
will disturb Washington's bones. They
are as well protected as they can be
without the large guard that it is said
is always ready to defend them. 1t is
perhaps worthy of remark that the
visitor sees only about half a dozen
persons about the place, and yet an
is always given that
small army is in waiting to pounce
upon the scoundrels who wonld desc
crate the tomb Your correspondent
has visited Mount Vernon dozen
times, and has never yet seen guard
that could not be overpowed by five
resolute men. The army of protec-
tors of the tomb of Washington is a
myth, pure and simple. No extraor-
binary expenses are incurred on this
account, and this excuse for extortion
S therefore groundless.
The only reason given for this ex-
;ortion is ''the care of the house and
There are employed on
5he grounds two guides, one OF whom
.uns the restaurant and four or
i've colored servants. These are un-
Ter the care of u superintendent. No |
expense whatever is incurred in keep |
no the house in repair. Under the
existing order Of thing each of the orig
nal thirteen states agrees to keep
ome designated room in repair, and
o see that its relics are preserved.
Iew York has the state dining room.
Recently the old ceiling in this room
ell to the floor. The state had it re-
,laced. There is absolutely no ex-
,ensc to the association for the care
# the house, save for the necessary
after the presence OF large
lumber of Wis tors. The care OF the
rounds is confined to greenhouse,
{ which flowers are sold in sufficient
uantity to pay its expenses. The out
av for all these and other incidental
expenses, outside the salaries of the
mployes, cannot be more than 800 a
ear. and yet it is estimated that the
ncome of the association is not less
han $50 day. The money goes some
there. Its exact destination is not
nown, but evidently the funds do not
ct beyond the clique who are now
unning affairs at the home of Wash
,gton. 1t is an old saw that says
everybody's business is nobody's
usines." On account of lack of
oncerted action this monopoly is per-
lifted to go on year after year, with
nly now and then strong protest
gainst its extortionate policy. As far
your correspondent can learn, no
,counts are rendered to anyone out
de the board; no reports of its finan- {
al standing are given to the public, !
1T, on the contrary, the utmost Sc /
'esy and care is preserved to prevent '
ID, ,~ooD1o from, EpnwinU how their :,