Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1898-08-16
SPIRIT OF JEFFERSON.
CnAnlns Towg. Jassaasoa ooUaE1. ". v.
TUESDAY MORNING. AUGUST IS, 1888.
George Washington Memorial Asso-
citation.

1t is nearly hundred years since the
death of Washington. A marble shaft,
taller than any other similar structure in
the world, stands in the District of Co
lumbia to commemorative achievements.
A greater tribute to his goodness and
wisdom is now proposed by the fulfill
ment of his wish that there might be
established at Washington National
University for the higher education of
the youth OF the country. not only in the
arts and sciences, but in the principles
of politics and good government. The
reason which appealed to him for the
creation Of such an institution are given
in his will and he lefl,a bsquest to aid in
its foundation. During MS life time. at
his instance a site st the UNIVERSITY
was selected on the .sllae at Wash
ington upon knoll c5a esponding to
the one upon which his monument now
stands. No successful or sustained ef-
fort has bee1 made 20 carry out this
grand purpose of Washington, and the
personal contribution which he intended
to make has long since passed to other
uses. He has left, however, heritage
most valuable, in the conception of this
great work, and it has remained for the
the ladies of the country to come for
ward in an endeavor to carry it on. A
number of them, prominent in the
social circles of the larger cities, have
organized the George Washington Ne
mortal Association, with chapters in all
the States of the Union, and are making
combined and systematic effort to
bring into being the institution which
Washington foretold. They aim first to
secure sufficient funds to erect in Wash
ington an administration building,
which will bring the project directly to
the attention of the national legislators
and other visitors to the national capital
The Memorial Association has just held
a convention of delegates from all over
the United States The meeting was
and encouraging reports
were presented. Several thousand dol
lars have already been subscribed, and
interest in the movement is being widely
manifested. The Association in raising
funds depends largely upon the increase
of its numbers, the membership fee being
$500. All persons joining prior to No
vember 1st, 1895, will have the honor of
being enrolled as charter members, and
will receive finely engraved certificate
of subscription sufficiently attractive to
compel its preservation In. years to
come it will be valued as showing the
interest and participation of the contri-
butor in this great undertaking Organ
izations, as well as individuals, are
eligible for membership, and this applies
most appropriately to the small social,
benevolent and religious societies. The
certificate of membership would make
a suitable and commendable souvenir
for the walls of their committee rooms.
By inheritance West Virginia shares
the pride of Virginia in all that touches
the greatness of Washington. and her
sister States will look to her for proper
of her interest in the under
taking. The hundredth anniversary of
the death of Washington occurs on the
I4th of December, 1890, and the Associ-
alton intends that upon this most. fitting
occasion there shall be laid the corner
stone of the great University, the foun-
dation of which he sought to provide.
The chairman of the West Virginia
State Committee is Miss Grace It. Davis,
daughter of ex-senator Davis, whose
home is at Elkins, w. Va, and who
will be glad to receive and acknowledge
contributions in any amount for the
fund, as well as applications for mem
berships and to furnish any information
that may be desired on the subject.