Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1896-07-04
PECULIAR ENTERPRISE.
Displayed by the Persons Who
Manage" Mt Vernon.
It Costs Money to Visit the Tomb of
Washington-Petty Extortion and
Tyranny Which Are n Ma
tionnl Scandal.
Especial Washington letter.


This is a true story of the great
est show in this country; show which
is open every day in the year, excepting
Sundays; show which is making
money all the time.
1t is well known in Washington that
some Is years ago syndicate of
capitalists bought the property di-
rectly east of the capitol
grounds, and then lobbied bill
through congress authorizing the pur-
chase of the entire tract, comprising
two whole squares, for the purpose of
erecting thereon the congressional
library, which is now approaching com
pletion. The need OF such building
has long been apparent, and the enact
ment of the law authorizing the pur-
chase of the ground in question was
easily secured. The capitalists made
money out of the transaction, and the
government has secured magnificent
literary palace for the vast, growing,
important and valuable congressional
library.
Several years ago some enterprising
gentlemen purchased the greater por-
ton of the ground on which the battles
of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge
were fought. Then bill was intro.
duced and passed providing for the pur-
chase of the ground by the government,
and the conversion of the entire tract of
land into historical park. The en-
terprise was patriotic and met with lit
tie or no opposition in congress. The
original investors made money out of
their patriotic impulses and speculative
investments.
The ground occupied by the union
soldiers at Gettysburg was long since
purchased by wise financiers and sold
to the government at a big profit; and
to-day all of the regimental battle lines
are marked by monuments, milestones
headstones and other permanent evi.
dences of the great conflict. Upon Lit.
tie Round Top there is a statue, and
there are also old-fashioned cannon OF
the period when this country was en-
gagged in an almost internecine strug.
gle. To-day some other enterprising
gentlemen have purchased the ground
on which the confederate soldiers
fought, and they are trying to sell it tc
the government at a profit.
The congressional library the Chick
amauga and Gettysburg parks are
maintained by the government. II
costs tsanAmerican citizen nothing to visit
the library or the battle field parks;
that is, nothing beyond railroad fare
There is no charge for admission and nc
tollgate keeper demands money for the
privilege of seeing the works of art, OIL
the fields of heroism and patriotism
You would regard it as an outrage i
an old soldier were required to pay
money to the capitalists in order to have
the privilege of looking over the grount
made sacred by the shedding of human
blood that this government of III,
people might be one and inseparable
wouldn't you? And you would surely
resent it as shameful imposition if
gatekeeper should meet you at the dool
of the congressional library and de
mand an admission fee to that building
which belongs to our entire people.
George Washington belonged to tn,
American people, and his memory il
heritage of the people. But if yot
want to make n pilgrimage to Noun
Vernon to view his last resting plac,
you must pay an admission fee. A
the wharf there stands man whc
compels you 10 deliver your admission
fee. No matter what motives of patri
otic desire may prompt you to visi
the tomb of Washington, you will fine
your ardor dampened and your self
respect diminished when you fnG