Evening star., 1897-05-11
LADIES' ANNUAL COUNCIL
Mount Vernon Association in Session at the
Mansion.
Gov. O'Ferrall and STAFF Pay ThefI
Respects-Several Valued Relics
Presented to tho Society.

The proceedings of the annual council OF
the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association have
reached a most interesting stage. The ses-
sions Yesterday were devoted to a discus
sion of the report of the superintendent,
Mr. Dodge which minutely details the con-
dition of every part of the property.
The ladies of the different committees
have thoroughly fam:liarized themselves
with the estate by actual inspection of all
parts of the house and grounds, and their
opinion is that it is in generally excellent
condition.
Seven of the vice regents attended service
at Pohick Church Sunday last, and were
afterward entertained at luncheon by the
rector Rev. Mr.. Kloman.
The record committee, whose especial
work it has been to get together complete
history of the do.ngs of the association
since its formation. has made lucky hnd
in bundle of manuscripts tucked away IN
an old closet, which completes the record In
a most satisfactory way.
A Valued Relic.
The council has accepted from Mrs. Har-
rison Whelan of Philadelphia gift of a
carpet which is very valuable, not only in
its historical association, but as an example
of the handmade carpets of its time. The
carpet was a gift from Louis XVI to Cen
latter, and now. after the lapse of a century
and more, it is spread on the floor of the
banquet hall, for which 1t might have been
made, well does It cover the space. The
groundwork of the center is dark green,
studded with stars. which surround the na-
tional coat of arms. The border, which is
about two feet wide, is in lighter tints, and
its ornamentation on the four sides are
swans, the Bourbon emblem, and butter
flies.
The insidious moth has made some in
roads in this historical relic, but the marks
are not sufficient to greatly mar its beauty.
recently restored house servants quarters
the council returned to the banquet hall
as the most suitable place for assembling
Vice Regent Resigns.
Mrs. Mary Pendleton Abner, vice regent
for Ohio. rendered her resignation yestef-
day as her future residence will be in New
York.
One of the Iestorations contemplated is
of the wall paper on several of the rooms
The old-time paper will be carefully re-
moved and the pattern copied for the new.
Mrs. Hearst who has attended the ses-
sions OF council has announced her deter
rnnaton to continue the building Of the
sea wall. the cost of which she has borne
for several years. During the next two
years the work will be steadily EXTENDED by
her order. During that period she expects
to be absent from this city.
Committee reports were discussed late
yesterday and the committees for the COM
ing year announced.
A brick from the old chimney at Wake
field where the monument built last
year, was presented ty Mrs. Washington of
West Virginia yesterday, and Mrs. Rich
ardson of Louisiana presented lace hand
kerchief, which belonged to Mrs. Washing
ton, the gift of Mrs. Story of New Orleans.
The Governor and His Staff
According to annual custom, the council
today suspended business, to receive the
visit of Governor OFerrall of Virginia and
staff and the board of visitors. These gen.
tlemen spent the middle of the day with
the ladies and had lunch with them. The
council viii adjourn by Thursday.