Evening star., 1897-12-04
Movement in Behalf Of Projected
United States University.
CONVENTION TO FURTHER THE DESIGN
Three Meetings to Be Held for the
Discussion Of Plans.
THE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL

AS already known to the readers of The
Star, great convention of patriotic women
will lie held in this city from the 18th to
18th instant, inclusive, for the purpose of
inaugurating a movement looking to the
establishment of the United States Univer-
sity as a memorial to Gen. George Wash
ington. From Information obtained 1t is
believed the coming convention will be one
of the most remarkable of the kind that has
assembled since the century began.
Mrs. Ellen A. Richardson of Boston, one
of the leading women in the movement, in
a letter to Mr.. George H. Harres of this
city, says:
"Since the recent publication of the arti-
Gle on the subject of the university in The
Star I have been deluged with letters from
everywhere, and still they pour in. and
the tale they tell is in all extremes-patri-
otic, devoted, zealously so, Offering practi-
cal help, in suggestions money mot ire
mendous contributions and bona-fide let
ters and articles which bear some close
connection with George Washington himself
his life.
ITO me this is most touching and most
Indicative of our success. The sentiment
of the American people is alive, and will
respond promptly to this call. in these last
hours of the closing century, thus assisting
in part the payment of a debt of honor due
to the father Of his country.
The Helpful Letters.
'It is touching because helpful letters
come, not only written by men on their
business letter heads, referring to the print
ed notices in the papers, but also on letter
paper and in messages, showing all too
plainly that the widows mite is ready for
the cause.
'Washington's bequest was from the
heart to the whole people, and this move
ment will combine the heart, the sentiment,
with the intellect, and what the whole peo-
pie wart and ask Of Congress they will
get, because they will give first. Do not mis-
understand; our movement concerns only
the giving. The impetus-the life of the
giving-Will give life to the getting in time.
u think We should emphasize duly now
the fact that February %, 1885, Washing
tons birthday the last but one in the clos
ing century,, is to be an Offering day for
the George Washington memorial, and that
committees are organizing in every state,
which will arrange for the receipt of offer
ings on that day, for which the beautifully
engraved certificates, duly signed by state
and central officers, will be given. Valued
historic souvenirs they must become.
Design of the Certificates.
"Mr. Johnson sent the design from the
bureau of engraving and printing. 1t is
fine! 1t has the coupon attachment, which
will be detached and filed in proper manner
This file Of coupons will tell forever who
and how muc each contributed to the G.
w. M. There is quite an interest to see
who will secure the first 100 certificates,
whether individuals, schools, clubs or other
orders. We hope to have the certificates
ready for distribution to state chairmen at
the December meeting in Washington, all
though Mr.. Johnson thinks the time rather
limited But he will try to have them
ready.
anticipating Offering day. the George
Washington memorial committee is asking
all societies. clubs and schools to devote
one program of their winters work to the
consideration of George Washington's will
and our movement. By addressing Mrs. S.
T. Gage. secretary, Ithaca, N. Y, printed
matter in form to read, as a part Of such
program, may be secured These two facts,
made public in a clear and wholesome man
ner. will be the next good that can be con-
ferred upon US.
Classes of Membership.
"As to organizations The letter heads
show many. but there are others we ha
| not listed. because they come under head.
The responsive enthusiasm has rather led
| us to make another class Of membership,
and we are not quite ready to publish these
organizations, hoping to simply add them
to organizations already on the list.
"As regards our coming meetings In De-