The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-11-14
HOME OF WASHINGTON.
TIE BOARD OF VISITORS FOR MOUNT
TERNoS MAKE THEIR REPORT
Large Crowds Have Visited the Famous
hsssion-The Structure Not Fitted to
Sustain the Large Gatherings.

The Board Of Visitors for Noun, Yer
non' appointed by Governor Mckinney
On March G. 1893 have Just completed
'neir report to the Governor in regard to
the management OF the Institution dur
ing the past year. The report is signed
py all the members Of the board-namely:
Messrs. L. Q. Washington. TAYLOR Berry
H. watson Moore, j. Bell Bigger and
George A. Mushback. The renort con,ains
'he fohowins statement: In their last
report the board called attention IN
the greatly increased facilities afforded
Tor visiting Mount Vernon. and thev an
ucipated very large addition to the an.
nuai number Of visitors. arising from Tho
general desire OF Americans 10 soc nlace
OF so much historic and personal intsros,
rms expectation has been already reai-
ized. IL is understood that in a single
year some $1,000 persons have visited
mount Vernon, availing themselves OF
the Two conytD ient and excellent lines OF
transit now established. The charge for
ADMISSION or adults is very small being
ollly . cents, but the revenues OF the
mount vernon Ladies' Association from
an sources are stated in the last annual
$26 92s.02. "''"s u
With this great addition to the number
OF visitors, the problem OF MAINTAINING or
uer ana preserving the property from in
Jury Is greatly increased. II appears from
the last report of the SUPERINTENDENT that
Oh the occasion Of the encampment OF the
Grand Army Of the Republic. i'm Septem-
Der 1882, many Of whom visited Mount
vernon, Notwithstanding the emplovment
or a large special force and proper pre-
cautions, the building was subjected to
special strain, and is now exhibiting indi-
cations OF weakness and injury The
mansion was not constructed for any pur-
pose other than 70 be a private residence
OF family. 1t is not fitted to sustain
the burden Of a very large crowd. nor
in all probability can r. be made so with
out radical alterations. which are not 10
be thought OF. Whatever rules and lin
itations be deemd necessary by those in
charge Of the mansion TO protect II on
the occasion Of masses of persons deslr-
ing to see II, should be adopted without
hesitation by them. and cordially sustain
ed by wise and patriotic public opinion.
The danger of the mansion rom fire
has been considered but that of injury
from permitting too great a number 10
visit it at one time deserves to be watch
ed with equal solitude
The board notes with much pleasure
the employment OF additional men
to guard the property. and the es-
tablishment Of night watch and
regular patrols. They also cordially |
approve The policy Of protecting the /
grounds from picnic Of merely plea /
opposing the use Of the lawn and grounds I
for such objects and also condemn the |
suggestion Of Sunday openings.
ION June "a last. the members Of the |
board made their annual visit to Mount |
Vernon and were graufed to have the /
pleasure or the company Of Mrs. McKin- |
ney and yourself on this occasion We I
were most Hospitality welcomed by the |
regent, Mrs. Townsend. and her assoc |
ciates in this noble work Of the care /
OF Mount Vernon. our official intercourse
with these ladies during the past four .
years has been most agreeable and we .
have witnessed with cordial pleasure /
their potriotic energy and zeal I'm the .
duty with which they are charged. There |
could not be a greater error than 10 |
suppose that this trust involves only
a moderate amount OF care and super
vision. The conditions and environments
Of this property, the duty Of preserving /
Il intact, so as 20 be as nearly AIS pos
sible what it was in the days OF Wash
ngton. the difficulty Of recouciling l!ber-
Atty I'm the admission Of visitors with
proper order and care Of the property,
and especially the work Of protecting
and preserving the mansion against
tests and peris, never contemplated
when it was erected, all constitute a
ask OF the most serious responsibility
md one that every year will demand
additional thought and solicitude