The Washington times., 1928-08-01
connerciaIizing Treasured
Spots History in Washington.
ARNEaT rrotegt Z ade 81 the sitor g The MedfoTd

TAREHsT protest il made by the editor Of The Medford
Mass, Mercury against what he terms The
4o of ste treasured spots cf history in Washington
ne Asssachusetts editor visiting il Washington
and calls attention conditions that should long ago have
sen chaed Congress knows that there IS Just complaint
scnsk sitors ID tie Capitol for instance having 70 pay
guide fees when the Government should furnish Official
guides.
Ell. i Dart ii tie editorial which the Medford editor
We had tie privilege 81 standing beneath the great
done 81 tie Capitol Washington with its world famous
works of art It's rich history It's traditions Of a that
csstest il our history There guides who big
badges about the size Of pOcemans insignia who volun
tseed tO show one over he building iOr cnsrgs 81 e
rsrty AZ least half dozen times the trip the entire
party as halted and informed that some who had Joined
since tho trip started had not paid he 2Ocen fee and
would they please step forward and Do 20.
We have no fault to find with the guide, who more
than earned lis small fee by the delightful manner y
which s described the building ~ art treasures its bis
tory We do criticize the fact that the richest government
- world does no supply b gus gqass Is 1sss & e
from which they could secure tie information
guided trip through the spacious building
AT Mount Vernon the home and last resting place q
George Washington this Commercialism carried " "A
even greater extent for walls and fences Of the estate
csss Where there i established ticket office and turn
sfle with 10 chance of entering the grounds without
whs sbe rather of Bis Country would say could
III sea HE residents of these United States many coming
thousands 81 miles this shrine Of American history step
sp and pay their quarters for the opportunity to pay
trbuts % the memory Of its first president,
is infested with guides of every descrip
ton otors from of the city i pestered by them
at every tuEn They dress II nunifOrm with police
cars wear badges and will stop motorists on the crowded
streets to ask they desire guide They hang about
tie public buildings and ii the corridors ot ne
White House.
Ths editor IL il error Il 10 paid guides being n the cCr
ors of lie White House. but his statements 10 the Csp
tol and III. Vernon correct.
There are many historic spots il the Capitol which visitors
passing through would know about unless acccm
panied BY guides. 81 -
There can be complaint the guides themhelvel
the system BY which Americans visiting the Capitol must
pay and hear abort their own building Men cannot
Sc expected 10 work for nothing and the small charge +
nsioncant compared to the interesting results obtained
CONGRESS- should furnish these guides and pay them salts
factory salaries All visitors should be plOed through The
great structure without charge.
The suaon at M Vernon i due ~ the lack Of patriotis
and indifference o Congress IN past years Congress took
no steps to preserve the home Of Washington Patriotic
compelled e raise funds purchase the estate and
provide It's restoration and upkeep They have other
way o preserving this national shrine to Americans than by
charging entrance fees They deserve the thanks Of all
patriots for what they have done and are doing
Congress- could il II fiji reach arrangement with The
owners of Nj Vernon b. which al visitors would enter free
Of charge.