The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-04-27

Il should think the relatives Of Wash
ington would be the ones 10 act IN the
| matter if such a movement should come
up for decision. Washingtons nearest
relatives beside in Alexandria. ! can
not speak for them. but | presume they
would oppose the proposition. Certainly
Virginians and loyal Southerners would
oppose II. Why, as loyal as Virginia is
to the Union now. If she should ever con-
template secession again the removal of
Washingtons remains would be the most
powerful influence / can think or 10
make her do so. No; No; We have no
idea OF letting the remains of Nirginia's
distinguished son be carried away from
Mount Vernon. which Is by association
the most appropriate Of al places for
the tomb of Washington, and which Is
held sacred in the hearts Of Nirginians
as the home Of the great patriot
ALL OPPOSED TO IT.
Later in the evening Governor OFer-
rail- received from the New York Herald
the following telegram:
"Wm you kindly wire the Herald at
our expense what your opinion is Of the
proposition TO remove the remains or
Washington 10 New York and place them
I'm a companlon mausoleum 10 that Of
Grant in Riverside Park
The Governor replied as follows:
Governors Office.
Richmond, Va, April 26, 1897.
New York Herald. New York:
If there is a white man in all Virginia
who would favor a proposition 10 remove
the remains of Washington from Mount
Vernon to any other place.it would require
the strongest electric light 10 find him,
for he would be hiding in some cavern TO
escape the wrath of an angry people.
Nirginians will never consent that the
bones of Virginias most illustrious son
shall be taken from Virgnia's soil, and
from the spot he himself selected as his
last resting place.
WOULD RESIST WITH ARMS.
If such a thing were attempted so IN
tense would be the feeling of opposition
that l believe the people would be IN
clined TO resist II with arms. virginia
gave washington TO the cause Of Repuoh-
can liberty, and It is as little as she can
ask that she may be permitted TO
keen vigil over his tomb. IL he could
sneak the proposition would be hushed
forever. | DO not believe that the noble
women who have so beautifully and faith
fullv cared for Mount Vernon would con-
slider the suggestion for a moment. nor 90
! believe there is a near relative VINO
Vvould not frown it down. Washington
belongs to Virginia no less than 10 the
Union. and her right to his remains para
mount to all other States combined. Ihe
proposition will astound every man, Wo-
man and child i'm this state.
CHAS r. OFERRALL,
Governor OF Virginia.
IT is RIDICULOUS.
When Mrs. Emma r.. Ball, virginia
regent. was asked about the proposition
she said: "The Mount Vernon Association
is I'm charge Of Mount Vernon, ana the
place is admirably kept up. 1t is under
stood that it will 20 back TO Virginia II
the association fails 10 hold sacred its
trust. But neither the association nor
the state would think Of permitting the
remains of Washington TO be removed
from that sacred place. The very propo-
stion Is ridiculous. Virelnians have no
idea of even considering such meas
ure"
WILL NEVER BE DONE.
Colonel John Bell Bigger. Clerk OF the
virginia House Of Delegates, and OK
member OF the Executive Board Of the |
Mount Vernon Association, was equally |
as emphatic rs Governor O'Ferrall in his |
opposition to the proposition. There is |
no reason IN the movement" said he. |
"and il will never be done. II IS waste |
OF time TO talk about such q thing"