The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1912-01-09
KEY MANSION AS HOME FOR
BOY SCOUTS.

1t would be strange, indeed, if the
home of Francis Scott Key, in George
town, should be destroyed without
bringing out vigorous protests and
something like concerted efforts to pre-
vent this spoliation of one of the Dis
trict's most historic memorials. These
protests are coming in from many
quarters and the recommendations of
a course to be pursued are taking
many forms.
In this connection the following let.
ter from the executive secretary of the
local council of the Boy Scouts of
America, which explains itself, will be
read with great interest:
Washington Headquarters,
10y Scouts OF America,
washington, ID. c., Jan. ., 1912.
To the Editor of THE TINES:
Your article regarding the Francis
Scott Key mansion IL timely. / know
Of nothing which would be more in
keeping with love for the Stars and
stripes than to- preserve the house OF
Francis Scott Key, the home of the
aotHOT VI Inc 0ldT.CpdusleO banner.
l do not care to be considered as rush:
Ing into print with all kinds of Wild
dreams, but l do wish to suggest that
nothing would be more fitting than for
those in charge Of the Boy Scouts OF
america to interest the 100000 boy scouts
In this matter.
No greater lesson in patriotism and
democracy could be instilled than for
this great organization. members OF
which some day will I'LL our legislative
halla. n 10fn with C0nUraae In, MIA N
whereby this historic spot might be
saved to future generations. Such an
act on the part OF our lawmakers would
ssrton h to ne es s oft
our efforts to legislate for commercial
ism.
Would 1t not be possible and feasible
for Congress- to buy this property and
habilitate It, using 1t as a museum In
which the various flags would be de-
posted and saved to future generations.
Other rooms could be used for gather
taught their first lessons. 1. e.. the his
tory Of the Stars and Stripes and the
forms Of respect due to the flag. Too
few Of our citizens know the simplest
conspicuous only few days since when
Rear Admiral Evans was buried.
Is there not some person who might
invest in this plan alb a memorial, put
ting into 1t the required cash to pre-
serve this spot, thus showing a patriot
ism and loyalty, not merely sentiment.
but acts equal possibly to those of our
citizens who fought Tor 1t?
should be glad to go into the de-
tails of such a. plan, showing how valu-
throughout the whole country.
Respectfully, Z. s. MARTIN.
Executive Secretary.
There is no reason why this vital and
progressive organization of manly
young Americans should not become an
active and effective agency in saving
the Key mansion from destruction, and
we feel sure that the plan suggested
by Secretary Martin will be given
earnest and careful consideration.
Three hundred thousand boys, together
with the officers of their various local
organizations, scattered all over the
country, may become tremendous fac
tor in any movement to which they
devote their attention, and there are
many reasons why the preservation of
the Key mansion should enlist their
special attention. Their activity in this
work would instil into their minds an
abiding lesson in patriotism and would
give them, in the Key mansion--in
the home made memorable by the
author of one of our national anthems
"a rallying point for all time to come.
There seems to be clearly defined
conviction that the proper thing to do
the one way, in fact, to place the
mansion forever beyond the chances
and changes of destructive progress
is to induce Congress to purchase the
mansion outright. 1t would be an easy
matter to include sufficient amount
of land in the purchase to provide for
park on the banks of the Potomac
which would be an additional charm
to the city, and perhaps provide an
other playground for the children. This
is matter in which Georgetown is
specially interested, and should enlist
the special efforts of the citizens OF
that section.
And then getting these 100000 boys
behind the movement, acting in CO.
Operations with Congress, the plan might
easily become an accomplished fact.
The mansion will certainly be torn
down in the spring unless something
is done in the meantime to preserve it
1t is time to- act if this venerable
building, the home of one of the mer
whose name and fame is inextricably
interviewer with the glory of our coun.
try, is to be preserved to the nation.