The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-28
A MoNsrROrs PROPOSITION.

The proposition to remove the remains
of Washington from Mount Vernon TO
New York is monstrous, and more so be-
cause the idea originated not in a desire
TO pay tribute TO Washington. but to add
another attraction TO the city of New
York for commercial purposes.
The New York Herald which seems TO
have originated the idea. prints in Its
issue of yesterday interviews with a
number of New York citizens from
Mayor Strong down. With shocking
candor Mayor Strong says in reply to
a question as TO what he thought of the
idea. that the city could well afford
it,"
Mr.. a. p. Fitch, Comptroller OF the
city, said that he would like to have
time to consider the proposition, but
that $50 much money is needed for
so many different things in New York
that one has difficulty in discriminate
ing" Comptroller Fitch further said;
IF it can be accomplished we would all
like to see il done. Still | should like
to be in Congress the day some New YORK
Representative offers Il resolution pro-
viding for the removal of Washington
bones from the Potomac 10 the HUDSON.
Just to hear the outburst that would
come from the statesmen south or Mason
and Dixon's line'
Alderman +. l.. Marshall said -
"You cannot quote me too strongly IN
favor of the proposition. Few ever see
the tomb of the immortal Washington
l.. IL gf
place Here millions could see IL, and
Washington's memory could be equally
honored with Grant. The cost would be
a mere bagatelle compared with the mer-
Its of the proposition.
1T would cost, l should say, a half
million dollars. Suppose 1t should? There
is not a man, woman or child in Great
or New York who would not be willing
to see twice that sum expended"
Alderman Thomas Dwyer said
ITO bring Washington from his lonely
resting place at Mount Vernon. and give
him fitting tomb on the banks of the
Hudson would be a magnificent and pa
triotic accomplishment BY all means let
IL be dore. Grant should not be honored
above Washington"
Both were brave soldiers and wise
statesmen. and both were emphatica.ly
Heroes of Peace Grants famous say
ing. Let us have peace. will live az
long as the saying about Washington.
First in war. first in peace and iirsJ in
the hearts of his CountrJmcn.' Wash
ington is still first in The hearts of his
countrymon. but If you saw tho Little
tomb at Mount Vernon after seeing the
Grant tomb at Riverside you would rot
think So"
OF course this thing is not to be taken
seriously. In the first place. the ladies'
OF the Mount Vernon Association. whose
consent Will have to be first obtained.
will dispose OF the matter in very short
order If ii ever comes TO their attention.
But New Yorks audacity knows no
bounds. and II may be that serious eff
fort will be made TO remove Washing
tons sacred dust to New York We hope.
however. that the people Of New York
will have too much sense If they have
not the consideration for me feelings of
the people of Virginia. TO attempt
such thing. Nothing would so surely stir
up strife and embitter the people of
Virginia and the whole South against
New York as a serious attempt OF this
character We do not believe that Gov
ernor OFerrall went too far when he
said that the people would resist such
G movement. If necessary to prevent It.
by force OF arms The people Of Viz
ginia and the people Of the Souen resent
with Indignation the suggestion that ,ir-
ginia soil is not good enough to contain
the remains Of her great son. and that
Washington would be honored by bury
ing him in New York besides the remains
OF Grant
AS We have said the whole thing is
monstrous and audacious and is conceiy.
ed in spirit of trade which does NOT
hesitate TO traffic in things as sacred even
as the dust of our greatest patriot and
soldier. But II is a short-slsh,cl policy.
in one sense New York would be the
gamer in having the remains of Wash
ington entombed In . handsome mauae-