Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-10
MRS. L|7TlETON MAKES
PLEA FOR MONTICELLO
Senators Will Recommend
Passage of Resolution Look
ing Toward Purchase.

After listening to the plea of Mrs. Mar
tin w. Littleton Of New York that the
government should acquire Monticello,
the home Of Thomas Jefferson. in order
that 1t might be properly preserved, the
Senate committee on the library yester-
day afternoon gave its approval to the
MARITIME resolution providing for the ap-
pointment OF committee OF five sena-
tors and five representatives to report
on the feasibility OF the project. The
committee will recommend the passage
OF the resolution by Congress.
Responding to charges Of neglect, and
in answer to the proposal of government
purchase, Representative Jefferson NJ.
Levy OF New York, owner Of Monticello,
announced that 1T will be useless to pass
resolutions. snce do not intend, and will
under no consideration, part with the
estate"
Mrs. Littleton's Charges.
During the hearing on the project yes
terday before the Senate committee on
the library, Mrs. Littleton declared that
tho roads leading to the Jefferson estate
are atrocious, that the residence needs
painting. and that the general appear
ance Of the place was one Of neglect and
decay" Mrs. Littleton maintained that
the grave of the author Of the Declara-
ton Of Independence is "in state OF
shameful neglect
Judge r. T. Duke, jr., Of Charlottesville,
Va, who appeared at the hearing in be-
half Of Representative Levy, suggested
willing to SELL Senator Cummins replied
that private property has been taken for
public use before and suggested that 1t
could be done in this case.
Outside Of the criticism of the present
care Of Monticello, Mrs. Littleton con-
many letters from persons all over the
country indorsing the project for govern
ment acquisition OF the Jefferson estate.
Purpose Of Levy.
Discussing Mrs. Littleton's testimony,
Representative Levy later declared that
the White House in Washington is not
better care for than is Monticello. 1t
has been his aim, he said, to maintain the
property as Jefferson left 1t, and he has
declined to yield to demands that electric
lights and other modern equipment be
installed.
The neglect of the grave of Jefferson,
Mr.. Levy admits. In the past. he says In
explanation, he has for sentimental rea-
sons left the care of the grave to the
Randolphs, descendants Of Jefferson.
Cognizant of the neglect, however. Mr..
Levy has announced his determination to
see that In the future the grave is cared
for in the same way as the remainder Of
the estate
Representative Levy's uncle. Commo-
dore Levy, acquired Monticello not long
after the death OF Jefferson. His heirs
determined to save other parts Of his
estate and to sell Monticello, which had
been the object of SO much care on Jeff
erson's part. 1t was purchased by
man named Barclay, says Mr.. Levy. and
Mr.. Barclay announced that he intended
to destroy every vestige of Jeffersons
work there. Commodore Levy heard of
the threat and heard also that the pur-
chaser would sell the property if he
could make a profit. The commodore
acquainted President jackson with his
decision to acquire the property.
Il command you to do So" President
Jackson said.
las I always obey my superior officers,
I shall do so.'' replied the commodore,
saluting. He bought about 21S acres Of
the original estate. all that was then
intact. Since inheriting the property
Representative Levy has acquired much
of the surrounding land which was in
the original Jefferson estate.