The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-01-13

The forestry of Mount Vernon is one OF
the most interesting features OF study as
ISOLATED with this historic spot. Ascend
ing the hill to the right, and very near the
approach to the tomb, STANDS remafkapie
tree 1t is lofty cypress, an evergreen
from the North which seems to have found
congenial soil; for its hight Indicates per
fcctlon; its trunk seems to be maze up OF
cords or muscles like the arm OF the Ro-
man gladiator. 1t is a wonderful exponent
of Gustave Dore's idea of trees, which he
endowed with souls; the mute language
of this specimen is just as appealing as
an expression on the human face.
As we pass from room to room IN the
ancestral home, the genial and kindly nos
pitality OF the olden time like peacelul
benediction falls upon us. The enthe
house is an architectural commentary on
the rise and progress of the Nation. 1t was
a princely manson in its day, no doubt,
but the state dining hall Is the only room
that can lay claim to any pretenslon 10
ward elegance and to day ii seems meager
in its proportions.
In this room there is an clabora' ely
carved mantelpiece from Carrara, with
Sienna marble columns. The exquisite
workmanship is attributed TO CanoVd.
This alone is all that remains OF the APP
pointments of this banquet-hall, where
so many iIlustrous men and famous wo-
men broke bread.
L
to the old gate kitchen, with its immense
fireplace and hanging crane, we can again
see Somc glorified "FraunceS" gliding back
and forth To the immaculate chef, Uncle
Hardness" busy with culinary art Tor
some great feast. Under his iron disci-
pine, without spot or blemish, each cover
was handed over in its perfection to the
exacting steward, who, in snow white
apron, silk shorts and stockings, knee
buckles and powdered hair, placed the
dishes in turn upon the table.
In rctrospcction VIC again materialize
Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Marshall,
La Fayette, Rochambeau, LEnfant, Mon
roe Morris and hosts of Generals and civil
| lians who have made this place historic by
! their presence.
We step out upon the open veranda, and
a vision Of loveineSS grcctS the eye: ter
raced lawns, forest trees, gentle slopes and
| the PotomacS broad eXpanSe, flecked with
dancing, drifting sails that bring back the
! faireSt, tendereSt picture, Just such as
! greeted the young, fair bride OF Mount Yer
non in that long ago
| Could the old clock in the hall, which
once struc'; the hours in Washington S
| home, speak how many tales it would tell
OF ancient grandeur, Of courtly DANES and
! gallant cavaliers, of Old Dominion hospi-
/ taities, OF stirring Virginia reels and stately
| minuctsl
| Washington "birthnight" was first cele-
| bratcd by a bail given at Alexandria at the
! close OF the Revolution. Such functions
soon became general in all the towns and
cities.
At n ball given in Fredericksburg in
| honor of the French and American officers
after the surrender of Yorktown i'm 1891,
| Washington danced the mnuet for the last
time, in the graceful and elegant manner
! for which he was noted.
The following letter from Washington
was written about "A month before his death
! in reply To AN invitation from Il committee
Of gentlemen in Alexandra TO attend the
! dancing assemblies there, and may be
/ seen in the Alexandria Museum:
Mount Vernon, 18th of November, 1899
| Gentlemen Mrs. Washington and my
| self have been honored with your polite in
| vitation TO the assemblies Of Alexandria
! this winter, and thank you for this mark
Of attention. But alas our dancing days
| are no more. We wish, however, all those
| who have a relish for so agreeable and in
| nocent an amusement, all the pleasure the
season will afford them; and so / am, gen
| tlcmen,
Your most obedient and obliged hum
| bic servant,
GEO. WASHINGTON"
Could the old halls of Mount Vernon tell
| the story OF the century since Washington
| crossed the threshold in 1853, TO enter upon
a life work, in which no man has been so
| honored, what q history il would tell.
| His achievements in penetrating the
wilderness amid difficulties and dangers,
I brought him into the favorable notice OF the
| co.,Nlial authorities, who intrusted him in
| 1851 With the defense Of the frontier of his
| native Colony.
WheH he again enjoyed the peaceful
shades pf Mount Vernon, his stay was OF
short duration. The fame OF the young