The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-06
APARK AT VALLEY FORGE
Arguments in Favor of the Preser.
Walton of a Historic Spot.
A Delegation Representing Pntri-
ofic Societies and the City of Phil
Senate Committees to Urge the
Passage of the McAIeer BILL

A special delegation, composed OF rep
resentatives Of the Daughters Of the Revo-
luton, the Daughters Of the American
Revolution, Society of Colonial Danes,
the City of Philadelphia and the Valley
Forge National Park Association, appear
ed before the House Committee on Mill
tary Affairs yesterday by appointment, in
behalf OF the McAleer bill appropriating
5000, coo for the purchase OF the site Of
Washington's Camp in Valley Forge for
the purpose of converting it into a ma
tional park The delegation was intro
duced by Representative McAleer and
Senator Penrose.
The first speaker was Peter Boyd, Of
Philadelphia who represented the Daugh-
tiers OF the American Revolution. He gave
q description OF the property and stated
that Pennsylvania had acquired 127 acres
already which it was willing to turn over
10 the United States free OF cost. Mrs.
Adeline Sterling OF New York. President
General CT the Daughters Of the Ameri-
can Revolution. made a few remarks in
support OF the bill. The spirit Of pa l.
ism at Valley Forge which had crca ed
the nation, she said, was the same spirit
which had saved the country at Get,ys-
burg. and both spots should be preserved
as priceless treasures.
Mrs Nathaniel s. Keaz, Of Philadelphia
urged the purchase OF the property by the
national Government. saying that funds
were now being collected for monument
at Valley Forge.
Mayor Ashbridge, OF Philadelphia. told
of the deep interest taken by p iladcl-
phians in the movement. Others who maze
short talks in support OF the bill were
Mrs. J. l. Chapman, Second Vice Presi-
dent of the Daughters Of the Reyo-u- ion;
John Cddwallader and Edwin F. Naulty.
Of Philadelphia, President and Secre a=y,
respectively. OF the Valley Forge Ma !pnal
Park Association; Mrs George McClel-
Ian, President OF the Philadelphia Sociefy
Of Colonial Danes; Miss Bliss, OF the
Pennsylvania Society OF Colonial Danes,
and Mrs. G. r. Kendrick, OF tie Quaker
City Chapter Daughters OF the American
Revolution. Substantially the came dele
CATION appeared before the Senate Com
mittee on Military Affairs and pres n; ed
arguments along the same lines.
A delegation called at the War De-
partment yesterday afternoon and con-
ferred with Secretary Root with the hope
OF enlisting his support In securing the
desired appropriation. The delegation
explained to the Secretary that the VAL
ley Forge site. comprising about 1000
acres can now be purchased for $50, 600
snd an additional $4,000 is desired to
make park improvements. Mr.. Cadwalla
der, acted as spokesman and told the Sec
rotary that II Valley Forge is to be pre-
served with the surroundings as they we're
in the winter Of HITS. when Washing
ton encamped there with h!s army, it
would be necessary for the Government to
take immediate action.
The city Of Philadelphia is growing in
the direction of Valley Forge, which is
but twepty-fouY miles distant, and the
fear Is expressed mat IT will soon be pur
chased and held for speculation, or ac-
quired by private individuals for park
purposes. The old fort, which Washing
ton erolted. Is still standing in ruins. and
also the foundations of some Of the rude
huts built by ;hc revolutionary soldiers
as well as many ether historic landmarks.
The State Of Pennsylvania, sir. Cadwal-
lader stated TO Secretary Root, had IT m
time TO time taken some interest in the
preservation % The site. ard I'D appoint-
ed commission, which acquired 81
acres. OF late. however, The State has al
lowed the matter to lapse. &c also ina
pressed upon the Secretary the fact that
the National Government does not own