The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1922-02-10


National Victory memorial building
here commemorating the Father OF
his Country and the sons who de-
Tended it in the World War is ex-
pected to be completed by 1925 in
time for the next inaugural cere-
monies.
The present plan for financing the
project IS through stale participation,
each state subscribing sum OF
money for each citizen who served
be represented by blue and gold ser
vice stars, which will form state
clusters on huge service flag in the
dome OF the building
Some of the states 1T Is under
stood, will issue bonds while others
will solicit funds by popular sub
scriptions. Tennessee, has authorized
a one hundred thousand dollar bond
issue; Ohio has appointed a state
of its fund while Maine, Delaware
and New York and the District of
Columbia already have guaranteed
hearty cooperation,
President Hardinp's Endorsement
In President Hardirg's recent en-
6orsement OF the erection OF the
building, he explained that it was to
be a practical memorial commemora
ting not only the services of all
Americans in the World War, but
perpetuating the memory of George
Washington, and carrying out the
educational features suggested in his
will. The Presidents solicitation of
state cooperation in the erection Of
this national monument, has lent a
nation wide interest to project be-
gun many years ago by George
Washington Memorial Association.
In connection with the laying of
the cornerstone Of the George Wash
ington Victory Memorial, as it is
called, on November 14th, in the pre-
sence 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 endowed the in .
stitution here established an institu.
ton which is to be alike monu-
ment to those who sacrificed in no
tie cause and beacon to shed afar the
full understanding among men"
The purpose Of the memorial was
also announced as gathering place
for Americans, where American
minds could meet in fruital exchang-
es. Thus, as the President suggested,
this institution of the national capt.
tai may become, through its varied
uses, a veritable university Of Amer
lean citizenship" It will fill a long
felt want, for, unhappily, though the
city of Washington has become an
international meeting place, it is not
yet equipped with suitable assembly
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. Organizations
charge, use the auditorium and as
[sembly rooms for their meetings and
conventions.
Authorized BY Act Congress
The building, which originally was
Memorial" but later also designated
as the Victory memorial, was au-
thorized by an act of congress in
1913, to be erected by the George
washington Memorial Association,
on the site Of the OF Pennsylvania
Station in the Mall, and the spot
where Garfield fell. 1t is to be be-
tween 9Th and It'll Streets. N; w. on
a line with the New National Muse
the land designated and provided
that the structure be administered by
the Regents OF the Smithsonian In
sutton, who control the neighboring
buildings.
The design of the white stone
structure depict fine colonial build.
ing, with a pillard front facing the
south, and a square ground plan.
From the broad green Mall, which
bisects Washington, long low steps
lead through the facade of majestic
columns to an imposing lobby, decor
ated with historical mural paintings:
The memorial is to be Of four stories
ii height, surmounted by low dome
which crown a huge central audi
forum. -,
The main feature Of the edifice will
be this national auditorium of spaci-
Gus dimensions giving the Nations
Capital public meeting place or
size ample to seat ten thousand PEG
Die. The ground floor Of the hall is n
the form of a great elipse, its long
axis running north and south. Here.
there will be seats for six thousand
people, while above, an enclrcEng
Number of men from each state