Mt. Vernon Association

The Vice Regent of Michigan's Report oí the Animal Council of the Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association, held atMt. Vernon, May 14th, 1891 : The Charles Macalister was promptly at the wharf at five o'clock on the afternoon of Wednesday the 13th of May, to convey the Regent, Mrs. Lily L. Macalister Laughtou, and the Vice Regents, representing the different States, down the Potomac, to Mount Vernon. Tliere they remain for a week, holding their council in the old "Banquet Hall" - and being in the quaint old rooms of the "Mansion." Each morning, the session is opened by offering the Lord's Prayer, and reading froin the Bible. Then the order of business calis first for the report of the Regent. This is always an interesting resume of the year's work ; uf special incidente ; and of special gifts to the Assoeiation. The past year has been fruitful in gifts. Mr. George W. Childs of Philadelphia, presented the Association with the proof copy of the newspaper containing Washington's "Farewell Address," corrected in his own handwriting. This was handsomely framed, and mounted on a revolving stand. Mrs. Laughton purehased for Mount Vernon at a sale of Washington relies, in Philadelphia, a fine old French mirror which now hangs where it origionally hung, over the mantel in the "Banquet Hall." Mrs. Townsend, the Vice Regent for New York, obtained at the same sale, a punch bowl, and Mrs. Woodward, Vice Regent for Kentucky, a elock, both of which are restored to the "Banquet Hall" where they formerly belonged. After the Regents report, canie the reporta of the Vice Regents, and of the different committees. The Superintendent's report followed. This is always a clear, f uil statement of the condition of the estáte, in all departments, of the restorations and repairs made during the year, and also eontains recommendations for (repairs) and (building) needed the coming year. An additional Sereen House was built the past year- and a commodious shelter house at the wharf, for the protection of visitors was also erected. These buildiigs were contributed by the Vice Regents of M nnesota and California - Mrs. Mitchell, and Mrs. ilurst. The Superintendent, Mr. Harrison M. Dodge, recommended in his report the building of the water tower - botli to secure a good system of sewerage, and to minimize the risk from fire, anu as me -rvssociauon appreciave me necessity of taking every precaution ugainst fire - when the subject was brought up for discussion the recommendation was adopted. The Treasurer's report was Batisfactory. Mr. E. Francis Riggs, the Treasurer of the Association, dianotas usual, present his report in person, beiug prevented by business at the Bank, but he was well represented, and his report showed a steady increase in the income - derived from the Boat, and an increase on theendowment fund - from special contribution. The Vice Regent of Michigan, reported to council, the inauguration of the "Detroit Mount Vernon Society," whose object is the awakening and stimulating of interest in Mount Vernon ; and also in American History and Traditious, and also the securing of an animal contribution to the Mount Vernon Fund. The contribution made by the Society this year was .:)4.40. The officers of this Society are Miss Pitkin, President ; Miss Baldwin, Vice -President ; Mrs. Edwaid Butler, Treasurer ; Miss Bagley, Secretary. Miss R. L. E., of Grand Rapids made a personal contribution of $10.00. The suni of $73.30 was collected for the endnwment ef Pohick, the Parish churcli of Mount Vernon, by the ViceRegent of Michigan. The special objects which the Council voted to work for, the coming year, were the " Kndowment Fund"; the endowment ; and the restoration of the interior of Pohick church; and the collection of funds lor the purchase of Washington relies. During the sessión, Council was waited upon by delegates from the Virginia Legislature, wno come annually to inspect and report upon the marnier in which Mount Vernon, is taken care of by the Associatiou. They expressed tliemselves as perfectly satisfied with all the details of the management - and made only one suggestion - that no fuel but anthrarite coal should be used on the premises. As this suggestion was made with the view of reducing still further the danger from fire, the Council voted favorably upon it, and adopted a resolution to that effect. Regent for MICHIGAN of tuk Mount Verxox Association.