The Washington herald., 1907-05-22

The Duke d AbrUzzi paid homage yes
terday 20 Americas most hallowed spot,
the old home and the tomb Of George
Washington. at Mount Vernon.
It was Governors Day at the place.
Upon invitation from the Mount Vernon
Ladies Association of the Union, 70
whose members the nation is indebted
for the preservation and maintenance Of
the mansion. and which is now holding
its annual council the duke officiating
at a tree planting on the lawn.
Accompanied by the Italian Ambassa-
dor. Secretary Of the Navy Metcaf. Post
master General Won Meyer. and others
of note. the duke made the trip from
Washington down the historic Potomac
to the mansion on me hill In the Nay
flower, arriving shortly after . o'clock.
He was the guest Of Mr.. Metcalf, and the
trip was an Official one. Luncheon was
served on board the vessel during tha
trip down the stream.
Those in the party were the Duke
dAbruzzi. Baron Mayor des Planches. the
Italian Ambassador 20 the United States
tho dukes aid, Lieut. Negr0tto; Secretary
Mantagua Lieut. Pfster, Italian naval
attacbs to the embassy, and Mrs Pfster;
Secretary and Mrs. MetcaH, Postmaster
General and Mrs. Won Meyer, Miss Won
Meyer. Mrs. Newberry. wife Of the As
sistaut Secretary of the Navy. Assistant
Secretary Of State and Mrs. wilson Ad-
miral and Mrs. CUwles Mr.. and Alrs.
Larz Anderson Miss Elkius. Hiss War
der. and Miss Chabot
Governor Unable 10 Appear.
Gov. Swanson was unable 20 be pres
eut. Mrs Swanson. as well as several
other well-known yirginians. attended.
however. and the day, with the westher
absolutely perfect. was Of unusual inter-
set Virginia was represented by the fol-
lowing. Mrs. Swanson. Mr. and Mrs.
Taoras Nelson Page, Mrs. Emma r.
Bali state regent, Leigh Page. Of the
board II visitors Of Mount Vernon. Judge
and Mrs. r. T. W Duke, Of Chariottes-
Vile. Rev. Eyeraud Meade, and Rev.
Samuel Wallace. Of the Union Theological
Seminary
The Mayflower anchored of the historic
grounds and the paTtv was taken ashore
iutendent OF the home and the 90 acres,
met the delegation 40 the wharf and inn
mediateIy began showing the distinguish
ed visitors about the place
Altered in the uniform Of his rank n
the navy Of his country. and with his
head bowed reverentIy. the Duke Of Alb
ruzz was taken % the tomb OF Washing
t1u where he placed a beautiful wreath
Of flowers. tied neatly with q ribbon ot
green. white and red the national Colprs
of his native land. upon the sarCophagi,
brown ami disCOl0red with age. While
the exercises were simple ln their impress
sfveness. the accompanying party stood
outside the tomb Of the Father Of His
Country. in silence and with eyes on the
ground out Of respect 90 the dead.
Received by Regent.
From the tomb the party proceeded to
the mansion only a short distance away.
The women of the association. including
the regent. Mrs. Justine Van Rensselaer,
Townsend. of New York. awaited them.
Mrs. Townsend. who is eighty-six years
of age. was seated in a chair on the lawn
and received the distinguished guests.
enc by one. until she nad been introduced
to am of them.
Almost Immediately, the Duke *
AbruzH escorting Mrs. Townsend on his
arm. followed 10y Secretary Metcalf with
Mrs Swanson. the party following. started
for the scene Of the tree planting, just
10 the north of the old colonial building
Overlooking the Potomac, apparently
only "a stones throw away, the mansion
as a background. and surrounded by the
women of the association and representa-.
tlvos of the diplomatic service Of this
country and of Italy as wel, the tree
planting took place, with the Duke OF
AbrUzzi officiating.
The address Of welcome was delivered
by Thomas Nelson Page, who referred 70
the good feeling and the paternal relation
ship between the United States and tho
country across the sea represented by the
duke and the Ambassador. Politely, the
duke acknowledged the honor with a bow,
and the exercises were at an end.
Go Through Mansion.
From the lawn, the party was taken
through the mansion. shown the different
rooms Of interest. signing their names on
the register. and having everything ex-
planned to them by Mr. Dodge. The duke
was much interested in the old home. and
asked many questions regarding its Won
d6rful preservation. Yesterday was tine
first time Mr. Won Meyer had visited
Mount Vernon in twenty years.
Mount Vernon is held IN trust by the
Womens Association from the State OF
Virginia The Tuesday following the be-
ginning of the council which starts on
Wednesday. is known rs Governors Day.
when the house and premises are TO be
inspected by the officials TO see if every
thing is i'm keeping with the sacredness
of the site. Each year on this date the
governor or his representatives, and
members of the board Of visitors journey
to the old home and spend the day with
the patriotic women of the country Who
have had the work in hand for nearly
half a century.
Little business was transacted by the
council yesterday. Meetings were held
during the morning i'm the library. but
they were Of short duration. Later, Mrs.
Swanson arrived. and the other guests
came from time 20 time. The day was
spent about the beautiful grounds and In
the mansion where the man. whose
memory is sacCed to every American, once
lived.
The council will continue uHl the last
Of the week. Most of the important busi-
ness. however. has been considered. and
several of the members have returned 10
their homes.
The Nayfover returned to Washington
late yesterday afternoon with the distin-
guished guests aboard.