Evening star., 1918-02-17
.nGRIMAGES of foreigners to
the tomb of George Washington
at Mount Vernon during the
past nine months have been un-

past nine months have been uTa-
precedented for their frequency and
the number of distinguished warriors
and statesmen composing them.
The beautiful old colonial plantation,
with its charming mansion house, sur
rounded by its broad acres. took on the
appearance of the days when the first,
President. before the cares of war and
state devofved upon him, gathered his
friends around him for the sports and
eatertainments Of which he was very
fond These were days when the bowl
ing green on the west side of the man
sion, which has witnessed SO many
gatherings Of distinguished persons
from all parts Of the world during the
pAst summer, was crowded with the
gentry from the countryside gathered
there to await the return Of the hunt
e efs and see them sweep through the
oisappear in the sunken road, to ap-
pear again at the gate at the foot of
the green.
1t has been the official custom for
some years for foreign visitors of
prominence to this country to visit the
wreath on his tomb and look over the
house and grounds. The official visit
ors OF the past year. however, have had
q greater significance because they
nave been composed largely of men to
Wnom the life and work of Washington
nave been familiar and who have look
ed upon him as an Inspiration.
many OF the recent visitors were men
now In the worlds limelight because of
.heir prominence in the present war,
ana because their counsels have been
sought by America to help in guiding
her through the difficulties of prepara-
tfon which they encountered and are
stiu meeting These men have return
ed to their homes with cuickened ap-
probation of the influence of the great
Americon 11S years after his death, and
have publicly expressed the hope that
each succeeding 2ed of February may
be celebrated by their countrymen. not
alone as the birthday of the patriot
Wash ington. but as one of the worlds
immortals, who stood unfiinchingly
against the greatest odds to maintain
the principles of liberty and equality
for which the civilized world is fight
ing today.
1t was on a bright winters day late
in January when Mount Vernon, peace
fully shrouded in a snowy mantel bor-
dered with green boxwood hedges. Col
Harrison n. Dodge was found sitting
IN the ONCE where President Washing
ton spent many hours over his corre-
spondence and the business Of the
plantation.
Col Dodge, who has spent thirty
three years Of his life as the superin-
tendent of the historic mansion ant
estate, has fairly grown into his sur
roundings, making 1t his life work tr
create at the home of the first Presi
dent that atmosphere of congenial en-.
vironment in which there Is found ns
5arring note. He has not only endea
vored to faithfully carry out the sug
gestions and plans Of the regents of tn,
Mount Vernon Ladies' Association o.
the Union, but with untiring energ,
and forethought has been able to keel
the place. Notwithstanding the thou
sands of visitors each year, much as i
was in Washington's time. He has OBJ
served the letter as we'll as the spiri
Of the period of the eighteenth centur.
wherever 1t has been possible to IN,
records to point the way.
As an example Of the oonscisntiou
feeling Col. Dodge has had about throw
ing around the place the atmospher
Of 9fher days, whom some OF the tile
yf1A which tAs bong east portico o