Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-01-12
A PROTEST..

Headed by Senators Martin and
Swanson and Representative Carlin, a
delegation OF the Mount Vernon Ladies
Association called on the District OF
Columbia commissioners yesterday and
protested against the erection OF re-
formatory by the District OF Columbia
near Mount Vernon. No objection to
the construction of the institution in
any other part OF Virginia was raised,
and the delegation assured the COM
missioners that it would do all in its
power TO find suitable place for the
reiormatory, should the District Off
Gals SO desire.
Mount Vernon is the most histori-
cal spot in ali Virginia." said Senator
Martin in yoicing his protest. These
ladies', who have called on you this
morning have rebuilt that famous old
place without an appropriation. They
have raised various amounts to pre-
serve and beautify the greatest of all
American patriotic institutions.
The erection OF a reformatory near
MountVernon would greatly iniure not
only Mount Vernon but that entire sec
ton of the great State OF Virginia which
is most HISTORICAL" said Senator Swan
son. Three-iourths of the persons
visiting Mount Vernon in year are
ladies', and they go there unescorted.
Would any man want his wife or daugti-
ter to pass q convict camp on her way
to Mount Vernon? l do not think
So. Then, again, it would injurc the
revenues. and they would decrease
should this institution be founded"
These women have been accused Of
making dime museum out OF Mount
Vernon" remardedRepresentative Car
lin. That is unjust. They have no
appropriation, and every cent which Is
paid in at the gate goes toward the
support of that historical spot. Mount
Vernon is historical institution.
1T has been said that the United
States government should take over
Mount Vernon. The United States
government should do lots OF things
that it does not do. I strongly protest
against the erection OF the roformatory
at that point, and / am sure that ! take
view in accordance with the people Of
the entire state.
The following were present: Miss
Harriet c. Comegys. regent, Delaware;
Mrs. Charles 3. Ball, vice regent, Vir-
ginil; Mrs. Charles C. Harrison, vice
regent, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Eugene Van
Rensselaer,, vice regent, West Virginia
Mrs. B. A. RaLhbone, vice regent,
Michigan; Mrs. John J. Poingle, vice
regent, South Carolina; Mrs. John G..
Brown, vice regent, Rhode Island; Mrs.
Francis j. Brooks, vice regent, Mis-
sissippi; Mrs. Henry w. Rogers, vice
regent, Maryland.
Though $40, 900 has Eccn paid by
the District Of Columbia commissions
ers to the United States court in this
city, for site Mt Belvoir, upon which
Ito build reformatory, Il determined
effort is being made by those opposing
the plan to have the payment to the
owners OF the proposed site deferred.
The court has as yet turned over no
money to the property holders.
Members Of the yestry OF the Po-
hick church, in Fairfax county, the
church in Which Washington wor-
shipped, held 4 special meeting Sun
day and adopted a resolution ap'
proving the fight made by the
Mount vernon Ladies Association
against the establishment OF the. re-
formatory.
A copy OF the resolution is to be
sent the commissioners today, and
it is probable that legal action will
be taken to prevent payment for the
site.