The Ordway new era., 1921-02-18

tourists. Mt. Vernon of course is the Washing
ton shrine and 1t will continue to be that so long
as the republic endures. 1t the Virginia
home on the Potomac to which Washington took
his BRIDE there he made plans for his life work,
plans that were rudey shattered by the events
OF later years. 1t from that refuge that he
went forth to command the armies of the Revo-
luton, and it was from the secluson of that
attractive place that he answered the call to be
President He returned to the old home
tiring from office, and there he died, and there
his bones lie.
When the national capital city was laid out,
and for many decades afterward, Mt Vernon
was looked upon as. "long ways Off" from the
capital. 1t is only seventeen miles away Today
there three ways of reaching Mt. Vernon
by boat, by electricity. by automobile. 1t is
easy hours travel from the business center of
Washington. With these facilities the number of
visitors has greatly increased 1t is believed the
time is not far distant when million and half
Of tourists will annually visit Mt Vernon.
If you should happen to be In Mt. Vernon on
the 22d Of February you would, In Imagination.
Washington as he went about his country place
on his birthday. 1.-THE very atmosphere speaks
to you of him." said distinguished Frenchman
Visitors marvel at the faithfulness with which
the buildings and their contents and the grounds
have been preserved. There have been, of ne
cesslty, some requirements, but speaking in
broad way, things are as they were when Wash
ington last looked upon them. One can almost
see the house cat coming out Of the hole under
the door that led to the room occupied by Mrs
Washington. And what sense Of comfort one
gets as he sits in an easy chair on the veranda
and looks out the Potomac and across the
river to the hills of Maryland, just as Washington
did! "No wonder Washington did not wish to
leave the place even to be President Of his c0un-
try" says to himself.
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Aid society continues
to care for the Mt. Vernon home and lands. The
country owes debt of gratitude to this society
for preserving the property. Years ago when 1t
was about to fall Into the hands Of private spec
ulators this society was formed and 1t has done
Its work well. Many persons believe, however,
that congress should buy the estate In the name
of the government and throw 1t open to the public
Always under the management of the Aid society
q nominal charge for admittance has been made
Many of the visitors linger in the country about
the old Washington home. or course no one who
knew the Washington family Is now living, but
there are plenty of descendants Of the old families
in the neighborhood who delight to talk of the
old days The countryside has not changed much
in 12O years. Many houses built while Washing
ton was alive still stand. Three miles south OF
Mt Vernon the old Pohick (EpiscopaI church In
which Washington frequently worshped Is still
occupied by the Episcopal congregation Within
the last ave years tile interior of the old build
ing has been restored and today visitors may look
on the decorations precisely as tney were when
Washington attended
' passing time has not served to take away any
Of the Washington atmosphere about the old city
of Alexandria, seven miles south OF the national
capital and on the road to Mt. Vernon. The hrst
thing the writer is told is that Washington 'did
LOT for u.s." "He established our public school
system" says the local guide. and he gave US our
frst fre department He was always doing some-
thing for us." Foremost Of the Washington show.
places in Alexandria is old Christ church. OF
,vhich washington was member for some 40
years. The church building Of brick has been
nroserved unchanged The pew that Washington
occupied is reserved every Sunday for strangers
who may happen along as me service % nour, rns
stories Of the nrst President he viii. Arst q all
tslI YOU how washington always came up from
n. yernon on horseback. followed By his faith
al BACK bodysuard y bright red uniform;
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