St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-01-05
MARY WASHINGTON.

1t has been the custom in ali ages and
among all nations TO pay respect to the
memory of the honored dead by rear
ing the monumental shaft. This being
comparatively new country, we are
perhaps lacking in that sense of vcner-
alton Which is characteristic of the
older nations, yet we are old enough to
do better than we are doing. The fail
ure to build monument over Gen.
GRANTS grave is not our only national
disgrace. There is a neglected grave
down at the old town of Frederick Sburg,
i'll Virginia, which merits more attcn-
ton than has been bestowed upon it.
We allude TO the grave of MARY WASH
INGToN. the mother of that uncrowned
king of the American people who led
the armies OF the Revolution. MARY
WASHINGTON was Il remarkable woman,
and it was from his mother that
her first-bOrn son Inherited those
famous qualities which fitted him
so peculiarly for leadership. She was a
woman OF magnificent physique, with
strong mental power, Self-poiScd, calm,
dignified, Of gentle grace and tender
manner. and withal woman of great
piety. Early in life widow, she stood
bravely in her difficult lot, and reared
her family in principles of patriotism,
integrity and piety: and then lived to
old age to illustrate the virtues she
taught. She died just 100 years ago,
and by herown request was buried i'll q
beautiful spot on the borders of the
town where she had spent her useful
life.
Although a century has passed by,
and the nation founded by the son who
received his teachings from her lips.
and modelled his life afther her noble
example, has expanded into one of
earth'S greatest nations, still the name
of MARY WASHINGTON has almost,
passed from the memory of the people
who ought to cherish it, and her grave
is in a condition of shameful neglect.
1t is appropriate, then, at this time,
when we are having revival of centen-
NAL memories, amovementShouldb be in
augurated to redeem MARY WASHING
TONS name from oblivion, and to rescue
her tomb from obiteration. To this
end an association of ladies has been
formed. with their headquarters at
Fredericksburg, Va. who appeal TO the
patriotic sentiment OF the country and
ask for contribution of funds to en-
able them to build suitable monument
on the grave of the country's mother.
1t is proposed to make the 22d of next
February a MARY WASHINGTON me-
mortal day, as they properly conceive
that no higher respect could be paid to
the memory Of the illustrious GEORGE
WASHINGTON on that day than by pro-
mother who bore him.
1t is also suggested that branch asso-
Citations be formed in each of the cities
of this country under the auspices of
the ladies, and that they undertake to
raise fund in each locality. The
GLOBE chcerfully commends this sug
gestion to the ladies Of st. Paul, and we
hope to see them act promptly III the
matter. By applying to the GLOBE ed
itorial rooms all necessary information
will be given, or it can be obtained by
opening correspondence with Mrs.
JAMES POWER SMITH, the president, Or
Mrs. JAMES F. THOMPSON, the secre-
tary, of the national ASSOCIATION, whose
address is Fredericksburg. Va. We fur
Their suggest that ladies' association
of this character could be formed and
made an adjunct TO the newly organized
association of the Sons of the Reyolu
tion, and the two could work together
in the furtnerance Of this patriotic
movement.
Who will be the st. Paul lady or la
dies to start the movement, and push it
vigorously, so that by the 22d of next
month st. Paul will loom IN we'll
among her sister American cities in
paying tribute to the memory of WASH
INGToN's mother?