Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-13
ny DONALD A. CRAIG.


An international congress of repub-
Hes of the world In the National Cap
ital in 1882 is one of the principal pro-
posals made by the George washington
Bicentennial Commission of New York
State. which has been organized to CO.
operate with the National Bicentennial
Commission, whose headquarters are In
this city.
The New York commission is In the
group of the first IA local commissions,
which includes that Of the District of
Columbia, that were organized, follow
ing the lead of the Federal Government
when 1t created the National George
Washington Bicentennial Commission
late in 1924.
The commission of the Empire State
has been very active. The Federal d.
rectors of the great bicentennial here
in WaShington-Lieut. Col. U. S. Grant,
Sd, and Representative Sol Bloom OF
New York-point to its activity as an
insurance of the success of the year.
long celebration to be held throughout
the Nation two years hence and an ex-
ample to the other States.
In proposing an international con-
greSs of the republics of the world" the
New York commission says that the b1-
centennial of George Washington could
be very properly" celebrated In that
manner.
Founder Of Modern Republics.
Elm q very real sense washington was
the founder of all modern republics,
says the commission in its 1880 report.
While 1t Is too early to announce
for certain what sort of plan will be
adopted by the national commission
g. - IF countries
in the celebration of George Washing
toms 2UOth birthday anniversary, the
national directors are proceeding upon
the theory that they will certainly be
asked to take large part in the 1882
programs. It might well be, In the
opinion of some OF those close to the
national organization, that the New
York plan for q special participation
of the republics Of the world, would
be adopted.
Mr.. Bloom is going abroad this Sum-
nder to consult officials OF several
foreign governments regarding their
mart I'm the bicentenfiial. Doubtless
some general plan, with special az
rangements for various nations. OF
Srotips of nations, win be formulated
then or soon thereafter.
But New York State has gone further
than merely to suggest q world con-
ference Of republics at washington:
The state commission has mapped out
a definite plan for a local celebration
4, the Empire State of the Washing
ton Bicentennial. This includes, for
instance. the arousing of all the State
historical societies to cooperate In the
states 1882 celebration, and the
erection of d permanent memorial In
the state TO George washington.
Several Memorials Suggested.
Among the suggestions that have
beeY, made for this memorial are q
great tower or temple" either on the
Palisades or on the heights OF the
uuner end of Manhattan Island, Q
F1enorsai and museum at Albany ana
the erection OF an impressive memorial
10 washington at the entrance TO new
York harbor.
representative Bloom points out that,
II each Of the other states ana the
territories Of the United States VIII 90
its part In the same proportion as that
which the New York commission mas
r,lanIled for the Empire State, the
bicefsennial will have beyond DOUBT
the Nationwide character that Ii
being striven for.
Further new York State participation
IA the program Ii planned, including an
educational foundation to "perpetuate
democratic government; endowments
for washington professorships in coli
Ieaes and universities Of the State In the
fields of government, history, constitu-
honal law and engineering; establish
merit of Washington medal 10 De
awarded at stated periods to citizens
who best typify the ideals and accom-
plishments with which George WASH.
ineton's name Is associated; creation OF
. motion picture to interpret Washing.
ton as q force In our national life" and
the purchase eff this picture by the
state, so that It may be shown on suit
able occasions in the future in all the
New York schools.
Plan National Participation.
The New York commission is also
planning for adequate participation by
The State In the national program OF
events at the City of washington, in CO.
operation with the national commission
and associate directors Of the bicenten-
Tt Is also proposed that the awards
xfven to the winners in the Olympic
Games that will be held in New York
State in 1882 shall carry q likeness OF
George washington.
At the head Of the New York Bicer1-
SAnr,ial Commission, which was created
~ an act of the State Legislature IN
fS2s. Is Charles j. Tobin. chairman The
legislature has appropriated money TO
Array the expenses Of the State com.
mission In carrying forward its work OF
organization. 40.
- AZ heretofore pointed out in this
series Of articles, more than two-thirds
of the States and Territories have not
vet appointed local commissions. In re.
sponse to the invitation Of the Federal
Commission. Since the publication OF
these articles began, however, there mas
been A marked activity in many quar-
tefs
Mr.. Bloom and Col. Grant, associate
directors of the bicentennial on behalf
Of the Federal Government, have put
new life into the movement and are
already taking steps to stir the other
States and Territories into action.
Indications that have already reached
them here are SUFFICIENT to point TO q
successful year-long bicentennial cele.
hrAtion, not only on the national and
international scale that is planned. but
also In every State, city and village OF
the land, in accordance with the par
ttcular desire Of the national commits
sion.