Evening star., 1928-05-13
Capital Sidelights


west meant to this Nation and the
debt that this peerless country owes to
George Rogers Clark was emphasized
when the House last week passed the
bill providing for memorial to Clark
to be erected on the site Of his greatest
victory. which Is now the center OF
population of the Nation, on the 15Oth
anniversary of his epochal achievement.
Representative Arthur H. Greenwood
of Indiana. in summing GS our COM
mon heritage IN Clark's exploits as
the Hannibal of the West" says:
I'm the winning and holding Of the
West for American independence there
is one with military genius like unto
that of washington; with love Of lib
erty and vision for expansion COM
parable to jefferson; one with a devo-
tion to law and order worthy of John
Marshall and possessing an understand
inc of human nature with diplomacy
to win and engage others similar TO
BENJAMIN Franklin. This patriot ana
soldier used his pre- eminent talents
for his country at time when MS ca
nable leadership was sorely needed.
When we take into consideration the re-
suits obtained by the military leaders
of the Revolution there seems TO pc rev,
II any, who accomplished 80 mucn WIN
the rneager assistance provided as Col.
George Rogers Clark.
The conference OF Representative
John M. Robson Of Kentucky, better
known to his friends as y. M. from
Kingdom Come" with President COOL
idge during the week removed all ooupt
that the Mount Vernon boulevard bill
will be passed by the House under sus-
pension of the rules a week from to-
morrow. concurring in the unanimLu us
action Of the Senate.
Representative Robson Is enthusiast
tic over this memorial road TO lie de-
ciied upon by the Presidents bicenten-
NAL commission as a most fitting way
to commemorate the two-hundredth an
niversary of Washington's birth. In
describing the proposed route, Mr. Rob-
sion calls attention of his colleagues to
the fact that the river routes great
advantage Is In its scenic possibilities
and historical associations. About half
way between Washington and Alex
andria this route passes close to Ab-
ingdon, the home Of John Gusts, Mrs.
Washington's son. which still stands
overlooking the river Here Nellie Gus
It's, Washington's adopted daughter.
was born. A beautiful view OF the river
and a panorama of Washington and the
north shore are obtainable from this
point.
Passing on into Alexandria. this route
enters the city by Washington street
and passes directly by Christ Church,
where the Washington pew may still be
seen. This church was visited by 1884,
3i8 people In 1926, In addition TO those
attending services. This route passes
directly through Alexandria, Washing
tons own town. II was his market
place, his post Office and his voting
place. It was the meeting place OF the
lodge of Masons to which he belonged.
and the lodge hall Is now the repository
of q great many articles and paintings
associated with him.
The trowel, square and plumb bob
used In laying the corner stone Of the
Capitol may be seen here, and also the
Bible that was used In the days of
Washington Here also is an original
painting OF Washington by Gilbert
Stuart. the Pope Peale painting of him
In early life. and many other paintings
and interesting relics. There was e3,-
484 visitors to this shrine In 1926.
There Is scarcely foot OF ground IN
Alexandria that Washington did not
tread. The old quarters of the volun-
teer fire company. Of which Washing
ton was a member. still stands. In
Gadsbys Inn. now the City Hotel. he
recruited his first company of pro-
vinciai troops authorized by Gov. Din
widdie. with which he fought the Battle
OF Great Meadows.
In the ballroom OF the old City Hotel
In 1893 was held the first celebration
OF Washington's birthday From the
steps OF the same building he gave his
last military command to the Alex
andria Light Infantry Blues. his body
guard during the Revolution: and here
also in November 1909. less than 80
days before his death. he cast his last
vote.
At the Carlyle House ne received his
appointment as major in the British
army on Gen. Braddock'S staff: and In
this house also, at the convention Of
the five governors assembled to confer
with Cen Braddock, the first sugges-
ton Of colonial taxation was made. the
step which ultimately led to the revolt
OF the colonies
Other places of historic interest still
standing In the city and intimately as
sociated with the life of Washington are
the home of DR.. James Craik: of DR.
Elisha Cullen Dick. his family physi-
clans. and the home Of Light Horse
Harry Lee, and Of his two famous sons
Robert u, and Sydney Smith Lee.