The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-19
foot OF the staircase Beneath the glass case
is the following printed in black letters on card
KEY OF THE BAsTILE
presented TO
GENERAL WASHINGTON
LAFAYETTE,
after the destruction of the
famous French Prison in 1889.

after the destruction of the
famous French Prison in 1889.
The key is Of iron. foot long. very heavy
and similar to those that used to throw the bolts
in the calabooses of the South during the days
of slavery. A cross piece at the handle end en-
abes it to be gripped firmly, and it is capable of
being made q terrible weapon. With it in his
hand a muscular turnkey, making the bloody
rounds of the prison in advance of the execution
err, might nave cheated the guiilotine of every
one of its victims. single well directed blow
in each would have dispatched them ALL
There accompanied this relic, the gift also by
Lafayette to General Washington a model of the
Bastile, made out of stone taken from the for
bidding old pile 1t is about two feet long and
foot high. The work is roughly DONE but the
miniature is said to be perfect. You may even
look down and see the cross marks on come of
the cell doors, which, il will be remembered,
were made with chalk in the prison proper. and
served daily to direct the executioner in gather
ing up wretches for the sacrifice. The model
also in glass case. rests on table in what Is
known as the banquet-room of the mansion, and
In frame beside it is an autograph letter from
G. W. 2. Gusts, Washington's step-son to Mr.
John Warden, expressing pleasure at hearing
that the model is safe again at Mount Vernon
where he thought, it properly belonged. 1t had
for many years been deposited in the museum at
Alexandria, Va. The letter is dated in 1856
from the Arlington House
Lafayette brought these two relics over with
him when he came as the countrys guest, and
presented them to General Washington during
his memorable soiourn at Mount Vernon. Not
only Mr.. Sala but everybody will be interested
in knowing that the affairs of the patriotic asso-
citation which owns and controls Mount Vernon
were never in SO prosperous and satisfactory a
condition as at present. Everything ia kept in
the most perfect order, and the number of visit
ors this year has been unusually large. The
receipts are growing so generous that within the
next year it is believed it will be possible to
duce the cost of the trip to an Insignificant sum-
It is already mere trifle to those to whom the
pilgrimage appeals with any force whatever
Some improvements are going forward, such as
do not cut into the sacred lines of the place A
little frame observatory on the bluff in front
of the mansion is almost completed, and will
command magnificent view of the Potomac in
either direction. And keeping pace with the
march are the stories of the guide. which grow
in marvellous interest ell the time. They have
long been famous for their sufficient and con-
nected charm. but of late they have grown to be
eloquent. Even those who are ''stumped" yet
retire in a measure delighted. The project of
building railroad from Alexandria to Mount
Vernon at one time much discussed. seems to
have been abandoned. Public sentiment did not
support it.