Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-08-29
BACKGROUND OF EVENTS
BY PAUL Y. COLLINS.

For sale: An old house Of colonia
architecture, together with an inter
esting tower. Located at 1900 Pennsyi-
varia avenue northwest.
This estate is one OF the most
coveted in America, suitable for an all
vear-round home. Although somewhat
damaged by fire in 1912. 1t has beer
thoroughly repaired and repainted
white. The tower Is 625 feet high and
might be utilized for a silo, If rented
to the Farm Board.
For terms, inquire Of the present
occupant of the mansion, at his once
No publicity gste-crashers considered
the terms of sale require immediate
donation thereof to the United States
Government"
While considering this ancient castle
as q rare antique, 1t is noteworthy thai
some collectors favor more movable
relics-such as Admiral Dewey's nag
shin. the Olympia, with which he an
INITIATED Spain's fleet in Manila Bay
in half q day, although he had pre-
dicted that it might be an all-day job
It seems to justify the reputation
sometimes given to Americans tina,
they imagine anything can be bougn'
with money, when q sincere offer comes
to the Secretary of the Navy from q
New York financier, proposing to pur-
chase the flagship Of Admiral Dewey
and donate it to the Government
only that thereafter the ship must be
Kept on exhibition in the Tidal Basin
Of the National Capital.
The Secretary of the Navy has polite
" declined the responsibility OF accept
inc the offer, either to sell or receive a
Gift. since the disposition of Govern
ment property lies in the power OF Con-
eress, rather than in that of a caoine'
official, but Secretary Adams suggests
to the newspapers that Congress may
decide to preserve the historic vessei ny
A naval of7icer finds possibilities OF
complications even in such an act, Tor
then. perhaps. this little community
would be faced with increased taxes 10
maintain it-increased taxation without
renresentatiori. He points to the vain
struggle that has been made to keep up
the Revolutionary ship, the Constitution
through popular subscription. However
in the course of conversation, he re-
called that the equally famous snip
oregon, relic of the same Spanish.
American War, is now the property OF
the American Legion Of the State OF
oregon and is anchored, permanently,
at Portland, where the American Legion
maintains it. by charging visitors 70
cents admission. It requires full time
If a dozen men to keep such o ship
clean and painted.
4 X y +
"You NAV fire when ready, Gridlcy.'
The American Legion of the District OF
Columbia hereby accepts the Olympia,
II given title thereto by the Government.
and agrees to anchor it in the Tidal
Pasin and keep 1t ship-shape forever, or
until Chicago discovers Noah's Ark on
Mount Ararat, as the Windy City Is pro-
The Legion will charge the same ad-
mission here as is charged in Portland
to see the oregon.
The writer has not consulted the
District officers nor the executive com.
mittee of the Legion. but If they shoulo
be disinelined to take over the project
then the George washington Post. NO
/, will do so, the commander Thereon al
ready being committed to the enter
prise. Among the members OF this post
are Gen. Pershing and more major gen.
erals. brigadier generals, naval officers
and corporals than can be counted. The
OLYMPIA could be made the headquar-
ters of ell military and naval organiza-
lions of the Capital, and q museum for
housing the flags and other relics OF the
days before the pacifists had totally
abolished navies and armies Of national
defense. Our descendants will find It as
interesting as we do the relics or pre-
historic ages In our National Museum,
for are not all present defenses to be
abolished?
4 4 4 +
It must not be assumed that this is a
frivolous suggestion, for there Is SEN
tinaant about such rallies Of national his