The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-02-04
STATES UNITE
! FOR ERECTION
OF MEMORIAL
aeorre Washington and All Who
Served in World War to Be
Commemorated by Building.

xoriated Press. )-NatlOnai Victory
memorial building here commemor-
.tiug the Father OF his Country and
the sons who defended 1t in the
world war, is expected to be COM
pIeted by 1928 in time for the next
inaugural ceremonies.
The present plan for financing
the project is through state partici-
nation. each state subscribing a
sum of money for each citizen who
served in the World war. The in
S diyiduals to be represented by Blue
and Gold service stars, which will
form state clusters on a huge SER
vice flag in the dome of the build
ing.
Some of the states, it is under
Z stood, will issue bonds while others
will solicit funds by popular sub
scriptions. Tennessee has author
lied a one hundred thousand dol
lar bond issue; Ohio has appointed
a state committee to undertake the
raising of its fund, while Maine,
} Delaware and New York, and the
District of Columbia already have
guaranteed hearty cooperation.
In President Harding's recent en-
dorsement of the erection of the
building. he explained that it was to
. be a practical memorial comment
Grating not only the services of all
Americans in the World war, but
perpetuating the memory of George
Z Washington, and carrying out the
educational features suggested in
his will. The presidents solicita-
ton of state cooperation in the
erection of this national monument,
has lent a nationwide interest to a
project begun many years ago by
the George Washington Memorial
association.
In connection with the laying of
the cornerstone of the George
Washington Victory memorial, as
it is called, on Nov. IA, in the pres
ence of high government officials,
foreign representatives and the
heads of the army and navy, Presi-
dent Harding said: I'VE are come
to pay tribute to the foresight
which first encouraged and endow-
ed the institution here established
an institution which is to be alike
a monument to those who sacrificed
in a noble cause and a beacon to
shed afar the light of useful knowl-
edge and grateful understanding
among men"
Fills Want.
The purpose of the Memorial was
also announced as a gathering place
for Americans, where American
minds could meet in fruitful ex-
changes. Thus, as the president
suggested, this institution of the
national capital may become,
through its varied uses, a yeritable
university of American citizen
ship" 1t will I'LL a long-felt want.
for, unhappily, though the city of
Washington has become an inter
national meeting place, it is not
yet equipped with suitable assem-
bly, rooms.
When completed, the building will
house the headquarters of national,
military and patriotic organizations,
while spacious rooms will be set
apart for the exclusive use of the
states and territories. Organiza-
tons may, upon request, and with
out charge, use the auditorium and
and conventions
was known as THE George Wash
ington Memorial" but later also
designated as the Victory Memoir
ial, was authorized by an Act of
Congress in 1913, to be erected by
the George Washington Memorial
association, on the site of. the old
Pennsylvania station in the Mall,
. and the spot where Garfield fell. It
is to be between Sixth and Seventh
streets, N. W., on a line with the
New National Museum building.
The same act donated the land
designated and provided that the
structure be administered by the
regents of the Smithsonian institu-
ton, who control the neighboring
buildings.
Colonial Design.
The design of the white stone
structure depicts a fine colonial
building. with a pillared front
facing the south, and a square
gTound plan. From the broad
green Mall, which bisects Washing
ton, long low steps lead through
the facade of majestic columns to
an imposing lobby, decorated with
historical mural paintings. The
Memorial is to be of four stories
IN height. surmounted by low
dome which crowns a huge central
auditorium.
The main feature of the edifice
Will be this national auditorium or
spacious dimensions, giving the ma
TONS capital public meeting place
OF size ample to seat 10000 people.
The ground floor Of the hall is in
me form Of a great eclipse, its long
axis running north and south. Here,
there will be seats for 5000 people,
while above, an. encircling balcony
viii accommodate several thousand
more. There will be $4,000 square
teet OF space in the main floor,
which will contain a number OF
smaller halls and reception rooms,
a spacious stage and George
Washington museum, besides the
assembly hall.
Future Plans.
Within the auditorium may be
held future inaugural receptions,
national and international conven-
tons. conferences and free public
concerts. Part OF the fund now
being raised provide for the pur-
chase of a fine organ and an en-