Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-16
Fulfilling Washington's W|ish.

mlndlng them constantly of the wonderful
treasure We have in his example"
An active worker in the association, to whom
tribute is due for much that has been accom-
plished, Is Mrs. Joseph B. Foraker, Ohio vice
president, at whose suggestion the plan of life
memberships in the association was adopted
In 1913 Congress granted the site on the
Mall, the land worth more than million dol
lars, and authorized the erection of the build
ing, naming as administrators the board of
regents OF the Smithsonian Institution, COM
posed Of the President of the United States the
Vice President and Chief Justice and three
Senator'S three Representatives and six disttn-
guished citizens Of the country.
The following year competition for plans
for the building was held by the leading archi-
tects from the different States committee
was formed to pass upon the plans and their
decision went before the Commission of Fine
Arts. The present scheme of Tracy and Swart-
out was adopted as best Incorporating the re-
qu1rements OF beauty and utility. Then the war
interviewed and further progress was inter-
rupted.
Two years after the armistice was signed
actual construction was under way and on No
vember IA. 1921, the corner stone Of Vermont
marble was laid by President Harding with
hitting ceremonies, which included addresses by
the President and other high officials of the
United States in praise of the lofty ideals which
are embodied in the purpose for which the
monumental structure IS being erected.
Copies Of the win Of George washington the
Declaration Of Independence and the Constitu-
ton of the United States, records Of the George
Washington Memorial Association, and an OIL
cial program OF the exercises on Armistice day.
1921, at Arlington National Cemetery for the
burial Of the Unknown Soldier and copies of
The washington Star for November 10, IL, IL
and Is, 1921, containing complete accounts OF
the tribute paid by America to her unknown
dead and Of the assembling Of the historic Con-
ference on Limitations Of ArmamentS and Far
Eastern questions, were among the documents
OF historic interest placed in the corner stone
Pointing out the practical and sentimental
objects Of the building President Harding said
in his address: There begins here today the
fuifllment Of the striking contemplations in the
last will OF the father of his country It is an
impressive fact worthy Of our especial thought,
that In the century and half since Washing
ton became the leader, the heart and soul of its
struggle for independence and unity, the Ma
ton has so many times found occasion to record
devotion to the precepts which he laid down for
It's guidance. So today, after more than a
tcenturys delay We are come to pay tribute to
the foresight which first encouraged and en-
dowed the institution here established i" i"
Patriotic women and men have made possible
the institution Of which we are now to lay the
corner Very properly they have conceived
Washington's impelling thought to have been a
gathering place for Americans, where American
minds could meet In fruitful exchanges"
NE Secretary Of War, John W. Weeks, pre-
sided over the exercises and the other
speakers were Gen. John j. Pershing, COM
mander OF the American Expeditionary Forces
In the World War, and Admiral Robert T..
Coontz, chief Of naval operations Of the United
States Navy.
When after the completion Of the founda-
lions OF the front and rear approaches to the
building it was decided to delay further prog
ress, fence was built around the entire tract
OF land. On this vast foundation, covering a
whole city block and resembling an uncom-
pleted stadium, work Is now soon to be resumed
after years Of waiting. Within short time con-
struction crews and machinery will spring I'M
On the site, steel crane-masts will tower above
the fence-dne, concrete mixing apparatus win
De hauled IN place, the signal bells OF hosting
engines viii rescund and the scene will be.
transformed into one Of busy activity.