The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1913-03-18
MASTER J. B. PETTY WRITES
OF HIS TRIP TO WASHINGTON

James Smithsonian. The building or
institute has made American science
respected in all parts of the world.
We then went to the bureau of agri-
culture, where different plants are
grown and studied. After supper we
went to the capitol, and one of Geor-
gia's sons, that splendid character OF
whom so many are proud-Senator
HOke Smith-asked to be dismissed
from the senate that he might show
the boys through the building and
impress them with the possibilities of
their future. The capitol occupies a
commanding situation 80 feet above
the level of the Potomac river, and
is one of the largest and stateliest
buildings in the world. It's crown
ing glory is its imposing dome, the
height of which above the base line
of the east front is 2S7 feet and five
inches. It's diameter at the base is
1875 feet ) inches. 1t is of iron and
weighs S,9O9,200 pounds. The Stat
lie of Armed Liberty surmOunting the
dome is of bronze, 10 feet and six
inches high, and weighs 1895
pounds. The corner stone was laid
by George Washington in 1873.
From the capitol the boys went
to the congressional library. Here
description falters, for 1 do not
think there are words in the English
vocabulary that could describe its
beauty and magnificence. 1t could
best be described as looking heaven
ly. 1t covers an area of u acres,
and contains three stories surmount-
ed by a dome of copper Overlaid with
thin coating of 23-karat gold. 1t
has about 1000 windows, and cost
with site over $6,600,000. 1t is the
only government building open to
visitors until 10 o'clock at night.
On Tuesday We went to Arlington,
General Robert E. Lees home. The
house was built by George Washing
ton Park Curtis an adopted son of
George Washington. On the hills sur
rounding Arlington House sleep &c.
600 soldiers who died during the
war between the states. We return
ed to Washington about noon, and
at 1870 the inaugural parade began.
Having a grand stand provided for
US we secured a good view, 1t lasted
until dark.
Wednesday morning we went by
boat to Mount Vernon, the home of
Washington, and reached there about
IL o'clock. After seeing his old
home, old stable, the carriage in
which he rode the school house and
the old and new tombs we returned
to Washington. Our time was limit
ed there, because Of some delay of
the boat, so we couldn't well take in
all the trip had in store for us. Upon
our return to the city we were es-
corted by those in charge to the white
| house, where We were received in the
! east room and each given a cordial
/ handshake by our new president,
| Woodrow Wilson.
/ Our train was scheduled - leave
! at 10:45 p. m. on our return, so we
! left on the moment and arrived in
Atlanta at Sis p. m. Thursday.
While in Atlanta l spent a portion
Of the time very delightfully."- with my
! friend and school mate, William
/ Christie, who lives in Decatur.
also had the pleasure of spending
Saturday in Fairburn at the home of
DR.. L M. Hobgood, father of Mrs
/ Mcneil. l left Atlanta Sunday morn
ing and reached Dawson in the af-
, ternoon.
II was 4 uelISulIul week through
out, the pleasures and scenes of
which can never be erased from my
memory. To many l feel indebted,
as has heretofore been expressed. At
this time / will make special mention
of Mr.. John D. Simmons, circulation
manager of the Atlanta Journal, who
planned and arranged the trip and
had the boys in charge, and did so
much for their pleasure and enjoy
ment, and of the Red Mems Drum
Corps for the entertainment they rem
dered; the trains crew for their safe
transportation, and OF Mr.. Walter
VIM, the Journals staff photogra-
pher, for doing his best (without in
jury to his camera) to make our pict-
ures as good as possible.
Any one can indeed count them
selves fortunate who has been or may
be entertained in an Atlauta Journal
party. Boys, work for .e next trip
offered. J. B. PETTY.
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