The evening times., 1896-02-27
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
Quarterlofa Million Dollars TO
Be Spent in This City.
'76 PATRIOTS MEMoRIALlzED
A Magnificent Structure Will BE
Raised on Commanding Site-It
VIII He the General Headquarters
Of All the State Organizations-En-
erGy OF the Ladies'.

The Daughters OF the American Revolu-
| ton, many of whom reside here, who
held their fifth continental congress recent
ly, are anxious to appear In their proper
hight before the public.
They fear that the impression may have
been gained from the reports of the pro-
| ceetiings In some OF the daily papers that
their association is formed simply for so-
ciety women with nothing better to do
| than to make fad" or the Revolutionary
| events and spirit.
In the first place. the Daughters say,
the reports of unparliamentary and semi
| disorderly proceedings during the congress
are largely ffctions and due to exaggera-
tions by careless reporters.
They say that if there was noticeable
an absence OF parliamentary rule and Sen
atorial courtesy" 1t was simply because
the members are unskillcd IN such prac-
tice. and unaccustomed to carrying on big
conventions.
They are all descendants of Revolutionary
heroes who established the liberties we en-
Joy.
No one who Is eligible is debarred from
membership because OF her humble station
In life, as the society is not a blue-bloOd
aristocra,ic organization. Yet among them
are those who represent the intelligence,
wealth, culture and educat ion of the
country.
THEIR OBJECT.
The purposes are threefold, historical, pa
trioiic and commemorative. These de-
scendants OF colonial sires seek not any
advantage TO themselves, but to perpetuate
the memory OF all those heroes who es-
tah ha 4
seek to inculcate in the minds of the youth
OF the country today the spirit OF the
men and women of the Revolution.
The Daughters lay special stress upon
the fact that the noble women OF that
time should not be forgotten. They erect
monuments TO the memory OF old heroes
and to designate historical reports An
other aim is to secure and preserve old
documents, relics and records of the patriots
and promote the celebration OF all patriotic
anniversaries
A MAGNIFICENT STRUCTURE.
A post facto cxamina ton OF the work
of the convention shows that much bust
ness was transa cted in which the citizens
of Washington should be especially inter
ested. The headquarters of the organization
are permanently located in this city and
their needs have become so imperative that
a building Of their own is demanded.
movement was inaugurated for the
erection OF structure, upon 4 conspicuous
site, to cost not less than a quarter OF n
million dollars. 1t will be in the style
of Colonial architecture, and fircproof.
1t will be sort of museum OF Revolutionary
relics. Each OF the original thirteen
States will have its own apartment for
records and statuary. II will contain a
vast auditorium for holding meetings, a
library, reading rooms, and the societies
of offices. Its construction Will be begun
at no distant date, with funds raised
entirely by voluntary contribution.
The first to enjoy distinction in this
movement is the Abrigal Phelps Chapter,
of simmsburg, Conn.
Other large contributions have also been
received. 1t is said the edifice will be
source OF pride to Washington, and a mon
ument to the heroes Of '76. Though many
the country. ali agree that the Capital City
should be given the honor OF having the
location of such a building.
THE NATIONAL HYMN.
Another Important feature OF the con-
was the report OF the committee on |
the. selection of a national hymn. 1t is the |
purpose OF the Daughters not to dlsplace |
any of the famous old national and patriotic |
airs. all of which they indorse. but to have I
a hymn dstipctively heir own. There were |
eleven competitors, and. while no selection |
was made, the competition being left open |
for another year, there was much interest |
in the report, during which the Marine |
Band rendered patriotic selections.
A further matter considered was the |
work necessary to urge upon Congress the
need or carrying out the injunction of |
W Washingtou's farewell address. to build |
q national university, Ito promote as an |
object OF primary importance institutions /
'or the general diffusion OF knowledge"
The grounds for this purpose are already |
waiting on the site of the old Naval OBJ
'ervatory. While the Daughters have no
Jurisdiction in this respect, yet they hope
% secure favorable action ny CONGRESS |