Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-22
NO REDUCTION WAS MADE
The Action of the Mt Vernon Regents as
to Christian Endeavorers.
Some Criticisms Made-A Statement
In Reply Prepared for the
Association.

Association, declining to reduce the charge
of admission to the Mount Vernon grounds
and mansion for the Christian Endeavor
visitors in July, has called forth some
criticism. One correspondent Of Tho StaI
states the criticisms as follows:
Il am requested to voice the sentiment OF
many people in the northwest section, In
expressing surprise, not to say indignation
at the refusal of the Mount Vernon man
agement to grant a reduction of rates to
Mount Vernon to the delegates of the great
Christian Endeavor Society soon to assem-
BILE in our city. 1t is thought that $4,000
Christian men and women will be in Wash
ington in July-members of all sects, de-
nominations. churches and political par
ties. The best Christian exponent of the
land banded together in one great and
holy purpoSe-the elevation and ameliora-
ton of the human race.
1T will soon be our privilege, as we'll as
duty, to show them all honor and courtesy,
and as a resident of Washington 1 blush
that the first and justifiable request for an
indulgence from Gnust L say selfish or
ganization with an overlooking treasury,
should have been CURLY denied. Further
more, is 1t not a reflection upon our coun-
try and our patriotism that our people
must pay money to set foot upon the land
owned by General Washington, and pay
money to view the white caSket in which
lies the body Of the father of his country;
and pay, not fair, but an eXOrbitant price
for such privileges? Is it not time to call
halt? What say you. regents? Be gen.
erous. Open wide the gates and let the
people in"
The Regents Reply.
When Star reporter called the attention
of Ladies Of the Mt. Vernon Association to
the criticisms made. the press committee OF
the association prepared and sent to The
Star the following statement:
The very polite request Of The Star for
information as to the necessary refusal OF
tfat part of the request of the Christian
Endeavor, which required special rate OF
admission for a week to Mount Vernon, Is
herewith answered with pleasure, by the
ladies' of the association. Requests come
almost daily and in enormously great
numbers from many and varied organiza
lions n the United States for special re-
ductions in their favor in the rates Of ad-
mission to Mount Vernon, these rates not
to apply to others.
The revenue from the admission fee to
Mount Fernon-which is % cents twenty-
five cents) for admission at the gates into
the grounds and mansion-anythng be-
yond is the charge of the steamboat and
transportation companies-is the only fixed
source of income for the maintenance OF
the estate, that it may be preserved to be
locked upon by the lovers of our country
who wish to see the sacred spot where
" dSHtllB ION lived anu Qtel- Inc admiSSiO
fee, We repeat, is the only fixed source OF
income, and the ladies' have discovered
that the price is fixed at as low rate as 1t
can possibly he. in order to keep the estate
intact, and to provide guardians for the
safety of the home and precious relics
the ladies had hoped that the Christian
people of our country would be glad to con-
tribute their quota to the maintenance of
WaShington's home. and indulge the hope
that the Christian Endeavorers and all
ether such noble organizations, composed
of our Christian people. will not be behind
hand in being willing to do their share,
and that they wiki feel pleased to know
that in honoring Mount Vernon with their
presence during the week of July from the
eth to the 10Th. for which special conces-
sions in the time of admission have been
made. that they will not only be receiving
for themselves pleasure. but that they will
each be adding the sum of their admission
fee-the p cents-to help preserve the home
of Washington as a Mecca to the youth
and men and women of their country
For the reason here giyen-that the asso-
CATION, after most careful financial inyesti-
cations. have discovered 1t to be fmpera-
lively necessary that the rate of admission
should not be lower than 70 cents and
have in consequence never made such re-
ductlons-t1ie association assembled in
council made bylaw depriving the vice
regents of the various states of the power
to in any way alter the rate of admission
until they shall have an endowment fund
sufficient to insure the preservation of
ashingtons home to future generations