Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-23
EUROPE STIRRED
BY PLANS FOR 1892
WASHINGTON FETE
Bloom Tells of Speaking and
Organizing Committees in
Principal Nations.
SOUVENIRS BROUGHT
TO ENLARGE RECORDS
England Particularly Responsive,
Says Representative After
Trip for Cause.

Important work in furthering the
bicentennial celebration in 1882 Of
George Washington's birth, by interest,"
ing England, France, Germany, Poland.
italy and other nations in the organi-
cations of committees SO that the event
might be commemorated on both hemi-
spheres is reported by Representative
Sol Bloom Of New York, associate direc-
tor with Lieut.. Col. U. s. Grant, Sd.
who returned yesterday to the bicen-
tennial headquarters here after six
weeks In Europe where he was dele
gate from the United States to the
Interparliamentary Union In London.
Representative Bloom brought back
with him many old books, copies OF
pictures from the great galleries abroad
and other interesting souvenirs con-
nected with the life of Washington and
his associates, which he believes will
be valuable to the Bicentennial Com
mission in giving all the States and the
world accurate information regarding
Washington verified by extensive and
careful research.
Enthusiasm IL Stirred.
when arrived in London" said Mr..
Bloom, IT found that few Americans re-
siding in that city had heard of this
great American project. I talked be-
fore leading American clubs, Chambers
Of Commerce and associations, as well
as with many individual fellow country
men residing in England and doing bus
mess there, about the George Washing
ton Bicentennial Celebration, and kept
at 1t until much enthusiasm was aroused
and an organization effected that will,
! feel sure, cement the Americans liv-
ing in England into patriotic body, to
pirate celebrations in 1892.
1T may seem odd" continued Mr..
Bloom, that any one should have the
temerity to suggest the honoring OF
George Washington in England. but ]
found only the friendliest and most
sympathetic attitude among the Eng
lish people toward this project"
Remember that George washington
was born an Englishman and his FAM
ily for many generations had been
loyal subjects Of the British crown.
Many Englishmen feel that the war
OF the Revolution was not a revolt
against the British people or Great
Britain itself, but against a stupid and
misguided king and an equally stupid
ministry. Therefore the memory of
George Washington among intelligent
Britons is shorn of bitterness or re-
sentiment. He Is recognized as one of
the worlds greatest men and his name
in history Is becoming more illustrious
with the passing years. We all know
that George Washington's military ca
reer was only an incident, perhaps we
might say minor incident, in q life
that has impressed itself wildly upon
the moral, political, social and industrial
progress OF people Of all nations.
French Attitude Similar.
"In paris found similar attitude both
among Americans residing there and
among the French people, although, Of
course, there was more spontaneous
appreciation of Washington in France
than anywhere else. This, believe. has
always been the case since the days
Of Lafayette. I brought together in
Paris the leading Americans residing
there, and with their help a George
washington Bicentennial Celebration
Committee was named and steps have
been taken to organize similar commit
tees in Germany. Poland, Italy, as well
as in other important capitals OF
Europe.
"These various committees will CO.
operate, so that in 1882 expect every
American living within range Of these
capitals will have an opportunity to
participate In the greatest celebration
In honor OF single man that has ever
been sponsored by nation.
II was delighted with the results OBJ
tanned in furthering this great project
abroad and regret only that I did not
have time to do all the work 1 found
necessary to be done there in the way
of organization and planning. Incl
dentally. have picked up great many
interesting and valuable mementoes re-
lating to George Washington, Lafayette
and other outstanding men Of that
time. Where there was a temptation
to pursue this work In Europe, real
lied the demands on my attention in
the organization of the George Wash
ington Bicentennial Celebration in the
United States. This work is progressing
rapidly and has made conspicuous
strides under direction of Col. Grant,
who assumed double responsibility dur
ING nv ahgence abroad"