Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1919-05-25
BY H. O. BISHOP,

many years to persuade the
members OF Congress to erect a suit
aoie memorial amphitheater and
ehapel In the National cemetery at
Arlington. little dreamed that their
eHorts would be appreciated by mil
lions more soldiers than were in ex-
istence at .ne time the beautiful
structure was first planned.
Back in the days when the proposi-
ton to erect such a memorial was
first discussed among the soldiers who
had served their country in the days
from 81 to '65, it was often pointed
out to the lawmakers that unless
they ceased postponing ac,.ion on the
project from year to year, none of
them would be living to participate
In the laying of the corner stone or
in the dedicatory ceremonies.
Had 1T not been for the waging of
the great conflict in Europe, this
spacious, pure marble structure, with
it's beautiful grounds and graceful
approaches, would have been entire
ly completed and ready to be used
for. the first time on Memorial day,
which occurs on next Friday.
X X
Happily, however its completion
will come at a time when it will be
possible, In many instances, for three
generations of American soldier
heroes to take part in the impressive
exercises upon its dedication. These
three generations will include the
silver-haired grandfathers who fought
so valiantly during the civil war.
Then will come the sons of these
brave men. from both north and
south, who Joined hands during the
late nineties to release Cuba and the
Philippines from Spanish oppression.
These will be followed by the grand
sons in khaki from north. south, east
and west who are now returning by
the hundreds OF thousands from war
torn Europe, where they conducted
themselves so heroically that not only
their fathers and grandfathers are
proud OF them. but all the world as
we'll
1t is perhaps we'll that this amphi-
theater was not completed sooner. 1t
Will now become more national in its
scope and interest than would have
been the case had it been finished and
put into use several years ago.
According to present speculation, the
ceremonies that will be staged at the
opening services will be OF interna-
ttonal Importance. 1t has been sug-
gested that in addition to the pres
ence of grizzled wearers of the blue
and the gray tho President and his
cabinet foreign ambassadors, United
Spanish War Veterans and the boys
who fought in France and Siberia,
that there also be invited to be present
such eminent men as Pershing, Foch,
Joffre, Haig, King Albert OF Belgium,
King George of England, King
Emmanuel Of Italy and the President
Of Switzerland. OF course, it has not
been customary for. kings to visit
this country, but inasmuch as prece-
dent has been established by the Chief
Executive of the United States. they
may return the compliment and visit
this country on this notable occasion.
II it should be possible to carry out
such plan it would undoubtedly
bring to washington more brilliant
military heroes than have ever been
assembled in any American city. 1t
would also bring as many civilian Wis
itors as usually attend the presi-
Dental inaugural ceremonies.
4 \ X
Great artists, sculptors and men and
women who have travelled through
every civilized country in the world
unhesitatingly declare the Arlington
amNhitheater to be second to none In
size, architectural beauty and loca-
ton. 1t Is so admirably situated that
it commands a view of practically all
Of Washington, and in turn Its pure
immaculate whiteness, with its back
ground Of rich green. composed OF
mammoth trees Of various descrip-
tions. can be plainly seen for many
miles in and beyond the city. 1t has
already become one of the picturesque
landmarks to which all Washington
ians point with pride.
The structure Is built almost entire
ly Of Vermont marble. 1t Is practical
ly pure white. In the construction OF
the approaches granite from Rock Is
land. Me-. was used. The total cost In
round numbers will be 100000.
The authorization for the erection