Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-12-10

Marshal. The capital city has been
honored with second place. because it
was planned and laid out by Washington
himself.
Six aides have been chosen from yir-
ginia. They are Mr.. J. Park Corbin. who
represents Fredericksburg, Washington's
mother lodge; Mr. Edgar Worfeld, ST.,
represents Alexandria. Washingtons own
lodge; Mr.. S. II. Donahoe. of Fairfax
Courthouse. the county in which the re-
mains of Washington lie. and Mr.. w. II.
sands. of Richmond Mr.. Harry Hodges.
Oh Noifoik; and Mr. II. - Conrad. of
Harrsonburg
Ihere will be no reception given by
the Grand Lodge of the District of
columbia to the Grand Lodge OF Vir-
ginia. and the representatives, Of the other
Grand Jurisdictions present. as has been
stated: but instead there will be a mag
innocent banquet given by the Centennial
Committee at WIZARDS Hotel. and q
reception from to II o'clock
M'kJNiEY PROMISES TO SPEAK.
Major a. Il. Courtney, chairman of the
Executive Committee of the Grand Lodge
OF Virginia, went to Washington and
called upon President Mckinley, to in
Vite him to speak. The President con-
sented, but asked that IT be understood
That his address would be very short
one, as he has been extremely busy pre-
pairing his message to Congress, in addl-
ton to his other duties.
II is an interesting coincidence that
both Washington and Mckinley were
made Masons in Virginia, and made irreg-
ularly. Washington became q Mason
before he was y years old. and Mckinley,
though a citizen OF Ohio, was made a
Mason in this State.
The present Chief Magistrate became a
master Mason after the surrender Of
the Confederate forces at Appomattox
Courthouse. Winchester was within the
Federal lines and ii was on the 1st. %.
and 30 of May. 1865, that Mr.. Mckinley
was regularly I. p. and r. TO a master
Mason in Winchester Hiram Lodge.
William Mckinley name appears on the
roll as No. 143; residence. Poland O.
A booklet OF 200 pages has been printed
under the direction Of Major A. II. Court
ney. 1t gives the full details of the CEN
tcnnial movement, with correspondence
that proves conclusively that Washington
was a Mason--a fact that some contro-
vert. 1t is designed 10 be a souvenir OF
the occasion, and will answer a scrurril-
Gus publication lately sent out from Chi
cago. which revives the old denial OF
Washington's connection with Masonry.
PAY TO SEE THE TOMB.
Some little disappointment has been
expressed by the Masons of Virginia at
the action Of the Grand Regent and
Ladies' Association in charge Of Mt.
Vernon. in refusing to admit the Masons
10 the grounds unless they pay fee Of
% cents. There is said to have been an
understanding that the Masons would be
given the entree TO Washington's tomb
on this occasion without charge. Fur
Their than this # is contended that the
Masons have the right TO visit the tomb
free of any cost. one day ~ each year.
This right was given to them in consid-
GRAFTON Of the assistance given i'm raising
the purchase money OF $780, 900 for Mt.
Vernon, and the estate.
Ann Pamela Cunningham, OF Richmond.
was the originator OF this scheme, and
having appealed in vain 10 Congress. and
TO the i-~@islature of Virginia. she inter-
ested the Masons and the movement was
practically started by Richmond Lodge,
No 10. Of Virginia.
The question has not been definitely
settled. and the Grand Regent may re
consider the matter upon representations
TO be made by Major Courtney.