Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-20
A Plea for the District
OF Washington's Desire

To the Editor Of The Star:
Most certainly, no man did more
than George Washington to make con-
ditions obtain where men might be
free, and where they might enjoy their
freedom with the fullest liberty; no
man made greater personal sacrifices
to accomplish his purposes; no man
studied the situation with more sin
cerity; no man endured more suffering,
in the depths of his consciousness, in
his sympathy for those surrounding
him on every side; man with such
strong emotions must have suffered
deeply, through the intensity of his
feelings, and now the Nation seeks TO
make an enduring memorial, as a mark
of esteem concentrating the worth of
Washington, and the events of his IL
lustrious achievements.
Next to the shaking of the yoke of
tyranny, the most burning desire In
the heart of Washington was to have
his native State of Virginia contribute
of her ample area a small part of her
vast territory, to provide site for the
home Of the Federal Government. He
made every effort to carry his plans
into effect, and succeeded in having
90 square miles of Virginia land COM
prise a part Of the District OF Column
bia. In 1846 this act was abrogated
and the wise, patriotic plans of George
Washington were frustrated and set
aside. Let us cover with the mantle Of
charity any attempt to inquire into
the feelings and purposes of those who
were instrumental in this iniquitous act.
viii proud, patriotic Virginians long
er endure the smart and sting of
shame and chagrin thus heaped upon
them, and upon the sacred memory of
the man who was so worthy, and so
much adored as to be almost worshiped
by his fellows, who so faithfully fol-
lowed him through the flood of blood
that flowed from those who fell on
the fields where they fought for free
dom?
1t is not too late to make amends.
Never compromise a right nor condone
a wrong! Let Virginians set about to
retrieve their reputation for right
eousness and justice, and hasten to
take the initiative in restoring the
status Of the District of Columbia, as
conceived and contemplated in the
plans and great projects that so alb
sorbed the mind Of the incompatible
Washington
Could we pay greater homage to
George washington. or greater honor
to- all other Virginians, than by Yield
ing obedience to his wish, full accord
to his will, and complete difference to
his way? Let us look up to the light
Of his glory, and let It shine full in
our faces, flushed with the memory Of
this shameful wrong! Ehdeavor to
wipe out the wrong, and allow the
great white light Of his glory to shine
for all.
Let us appeal to all the powers that
be for the restoration of Arlington
County to its original status as a part
Of the District of Columbia! Oh, make
1t the front door, as entrance to the
City Beautiful, for the citizens of the
South and West, who come on a visit
to the Capital City of their great and
beloved country! Make the approach
to the City Beautiful in keeping with
the beauty of the city itself, so at
tractive that the first impression is 50
indelibly deep that 1t viii last to the
end of their daysI
All loyal and proud Virginians are
Inundated and distressed at being the
big back yard of the City Beautiful.
used for dirty dump, At only to be
filled with filth and rusty, rotten
rubbish.
Remember, George Washington loved
the shores and soil of Virginia! It
was here he made his domestic home
OF love and happiness. Here were the
environments of his joys and peace,
the social conditions that made him
love his humble neighbors and friends.
We implore Virginia to restore the
original lines of the District of Colum-
bia. that the Capital City may expand
and occupy all this beautiful area of
20 miles of territory; that gave WASH
ington so much concern, thought and
| inspiration for the future grandeur of
| his ideal of the City Beautiful.
Clarendon, Va. j. w. NIGH.