Evening Star Newspaper, May 15, 1926, Page 9

GOV. BYRD PRAISES COOLIDGE TRAITS Virginia éxecutive Says Pres- ident Has People’s Approval. By & Sta#l Correspondent WILLIAMSBURG, Va., May 15. While extolling the courage a patriotism of those men of Virg who were responsible for the adoption of the resolution declaring for inde- pendence from British control. a tribute was paid to Calvin Coolidge by Harry Ilond Byrd, Governor of Vir- ginia, presiding ofticer of the cere- monies held in Williamsburg toda: Gov. Byrd declared that the Presi- dents of tho United States have rev- erenced God. lived good lives and dedi- cated their talents and their strength unreservedly to the service of their country. Turning to the President, who was sitting nearby on the plat- form, the speaker said that ‘“of this line of public service President Cool- tdge worthily is one “President Coolidge has the respect of all American citizens in his own right of high character and capacity.” Gov. Byrd added. “The people like his quiet efficiency, his dignity, his com.on sense and his accustomed voise. As Gaverhor of Virginia I welcome him to historic Williamsburg and assure him that we appreciate the honor of his presence and the compliment he has paid Virginia in coming here.” State’s History Recalled. The address made by the Virginia executive was devoted principally to a review of the colonial history of the State. of the acts leading up to the adoption of the independence res- olutions by the Virginia convention, praise for those men of the American Colonies who made freedom possible, and a welcome to the thousands of persons who had come to Williams- burg today to join in this celebration. Gov. Byrd reminded his large audi- ence that 150 vears ago today in this city 112 members of the colonial convention highly resolved that Vir- zinia renounced her allegiance to the Ruitish flag, and before sunset the familiar flag of the mother country was lowered and furled forever in this old capital of Virginia, and the resolutions penned by Edmond Pen- dleton, president of the convention. were sent on their long journey over narrow trails and rough roads to the Continental Congress, then meeting in Philadelphia. He then described how these reso. lutions were subsequently brought be fore the Continental Congress by Richard Henry Lee, one of Virginia's Representatives, and how they soon afterward resulted in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. He stated that the Virginia convention was the first colonial body in_this country actually to direct its delegates to the Continental Congress to propose that the United Colonles he declared free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to or dependence on the crown or Parliament of Great Britain. Exciting Events Described. He then described briefly the excit- ing incidents following V'irginia's ac. tion. The governor recalled that Brit ish troops had burned Norfoik five months before and George Washing- ton was straining the strength of his <pirit to make effective the Army of In dependence: the royal government had proclaimed these men rebels, and there were many among the patriots of the State who said the Virginia_resolu- tions bordered on treason, and specu- lated on what might be the result if the colonies failed in their attempt at liberty. He said that these men. while recognizing the seriousness of this step, were not men to take counsel of their fears The Virginia governor declared that Virginians today have reason to feel proud of what their State, as a colony, did in 1776. He said its boldness and courage displayed in these resolutions seryed as an inspiration to the other eager colonies. “In the meantime,” Gov. Byrd said, “the Virginia convention dealt with the second resolutions, proposing that & committee adopt the declaration of ights and a_plan of government for Virginia. George Mason's bill - of 1ights was adopted June 17—an adop- tlon that will be celebrated here on the 12th of next month. In recogni- tion of the influence of the Williams- burg resolutions in hastening Ameri- can_independence, the Virginia As- sembly provided for this celebration.” ‘Where Patrick Henry Spoke. Gov. Byrd then turned to the his- tory of Williamsburg and its en- virons, pointing out that the first settlement of English in America, at Jamestown, was only six miles dis tant, and recalled that it was there, 12 years later, that the first legi «tive assembly to be held on Amer- ican soil was assembled. He re- called that the capital was moved in 1689 from Jamestown to Williams- burg, and that while the Capitol hullding was in the course of con- struction Sir Christopher Wren Hall of William and Mary's College was the accustomed meeting place of the Virginia House of Burgesses: that it was in the old colonial Capitol building that Patrick Henry spoke in favor of his resolutions denying the right of Parliament to levy taxes This speech was known - esar-Brutus” speech. Gov. Ryrd told how Thomas Jefferson, then a voung law student, stood in the doorway of the building and heard Patrick Henry orate on this occasion, and it is the general be- llef that that speech confirmed Jef- ferson's determination to devote his ifé to Virginia and American lib- erty. WANTS 153 DEPORTED. Immigration Official to Ask Action on Confined Aliens. Special Dispatch to The Star. BALTIMORE, May 15.—Chief In- spector of Immigration Mudd will ask the Labor Department to issue war- rants for the deportation of 153 aliens confined in penal institutions and hos- pitals in the eighth immigration dis. trict, composed of Maryland, Virgi: and the District of Columbia. Sixi two of the aliens were listed as being fn the Maryland penitentiary and 41 in the house of correction. Others are in various jalls. He will Investigate the cases and recommend which of the aliens should be deport- ed, he announced. When the term of each expires he will be rearrested on a show-cause warrant. e COUNTY BANS TOLLGATES. Bupervisors Fix November as Final Time in Augusta, Virginia. Special Dispatch to The Star. LURAY, Va., May 15.—The death knell of toligates of Augusta County Ias been sounded in an order issued by the board of supervisors. The roads on which they have been col- Jecting toll for a hundred vears will have ull November 1 to make final settlement. Farmers residing on what are known as the “dirt roads” of that county are protesting against the abolition of the toligates, declaring the rev- enues keep up thelr roads THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, SATURDAY, MAY 15 1926. AT WILLIAMSBURG CELEBRATION ,’I‘EXT OF PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS r President Coolidge's address deliv- ered this morning at Williamsburg, at the College of William and Mary, follows in Jfull: “Fellow Americans: ‘No one who is interested in the early beginning of America or who is moved by love of our country could come into these historic and hallowed surroundings without being conscious of a deep sense of reverence. In a land which is rich in the interesting records of the past, that portion of Virginia lying between Washington and Norfolk stands out unrivaled in important events nd great names. Colonial importance, revolutionary fame, the statesmanship of the early republic, the great struggle for the supremacy of the Union—these epoch- making stories cannot be told with- it relating the history of this lo- ality and recounting the eminence of its illustrious so Very much of this narrative centers around the ven- erable town of Willlamsburg and the old college of William and Mary. “Within this locality are James- town, where the Lnglish settlements began, and Yorktown, where English dominion ended. From Petersburg to Arlington stretches a land marked by many battlefields where the shedding of fraternal blood rededicated the Constitution. Here began the first preparation within our country for establishment of a college. But the unfortunate interruption of hostile na- tives deferred the completion of the project, so that this institution ranks second in age with all our other uni- versities. Here are the three capitals of this sovereign Commonwealth. If the work which is represented by the great names which have been asso- ciated with the growth and strength of this region were struck from the annals of our countr the richest heritage of progress and fame that every glorified the actions of a people would sink to comparative povert What a wealth of distinguished fiz- ures from the time of John Smith down to the present .1 cannot relate them all, these statesmen and soldiers, these founders and benefac- tors, who here lived and wrought with so much enduring glory. They ar represented by such stalwart char: ters as Patrick Henry. George Mason, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Later came Monroe, Marshall, Madison, Randolph and Harrison, with & long list of asso- ciates almost equally eminent in the history of our coyntry. All Ameri- cans. Tt was into this region that Abraham Lincoln made his last jour- ney from Washington Tribute to Senators. “This richest of all our historical settings made so great an appeal to me when I was approached by your two distinguished Senators, Mr. an- son and Mr. Glass, whom I cherish as friends, honor for their devotion to their country, and esteem for the sup- port they have often given when we have been mutually striving for sound government, bearing the invitation of your General Assembly to participate in the observance of this day, which ‘was supported by Col. Henry W. An- derson, a lawyer who has contributed 8o much of his great learning and talents to the service of his country, and emphasized by my former secre- tary, Mr. Slemp, for many vears a prominent leader in Congress. a man whose loyalty and devotion has im- posed upon me so much obligation, that it seemed almost a patriotic duty to respond. “It s difficult to determine where or when the great movements in hu man progress had their original in ception. Our life is complex and in- terwoven with thousands of varyving motives and cross currents. leads to another. Yet certain actions stand out with so much prominence against the background of the past that we are justified in saving of them that at least there is an event, Which i3 one of the beginnings of a new epoch. In accordance with this stand- ard. we are altogether warranted in asserting that 150 vears ago, on the 16th of May, 1776, formal action was taken in this city by a patriotic band of loyal Virgiians, in her public ca- pacity as servants of the common cause of the American colonies, which had a most direct influence in leading to the Declaration of Independence. “It 1s not mecessary at this time to relate again the various events that preceded and caused the American revolution. The people of this com- monwealth had been constantly alert in the assertion and maintenance of their constitutional rights against British encroachment. Under the lead of Samuel Adams, the Boston town meeting in May, 1764, adopted resolutions against the proposed stamp tax, but the first formal defi- ance of that act after its passage came from Virginia, when in May, 1785, Pat- rick Henry introduced a series of res- olutions in the Assembly declaring that the only power of taxation lay in the people themselves or in their chosen representatives. Revolt of Virginia Leaders. in May, 1769, the House of Burgesses, numbering among its mem- bership Washington, Henry and Jef- ferson, condemned the laws of Parlia- ment taxing the colonies and request- ed the other colonies to join them in this protest. When the governor took the disciplinary measure of adjourning them, they met at the Raleigh Tav- ern, where Washington prepared & resolution pledging themselves to con- tinue the policy of non-importation, which was adopted. Also, in March, 1773, the Virginia Assembly unani- mously voted to establish a system of intercolonial committees of correspond- ence. As great an authority as John Fiske calls this ‘the most decided step toward revolution that had vet been taken by the Americans.’ This origi- nal suggestion appears to have come from the eminent divine, Jonathan Mayhew, who suggested to James Otis that the communion of churches fur- nished an excellent example for a com- munion of colonies. Again, late in 1772, a Boston town meeting had taken the lead in adopting & commit- tee for corresponce for the Colony of Massachusetts, and Samuel Adams wrote to Richard Henry Lee, who had already expressed the same idea, urg- ing a like action for Virginia. But, in March, 1778, this colony had already anticipated that course and enlarged upon it by making it an intercolonial committee. The convocation of such & body would result in the setting up of a congress which would represent the united authorities of the colonies. Events moved rapidly, and in the clos- ing days of 1775, incensed by his tyr- anny, a body of patriots,. including John Marshall, drove Lord Dunmore, the governor, out of Norfolk, a place of 9,000 inhabitants, and took posses- sion. In retaliation the governor set fire to the town by shells from the harbor on New Year's day, and it was consumed. “Confirming my statement that it is difficult to date and locate the exact beginning of any event, we find that on the 22d of April the people of Cum- berland County adopted a resolution prepared by Carter Henry Harrison instructing their delegates to the Vir- ginia convention. which was to meet in this town in May, ‘positively to de- clare for an independency’ and to ‘pro- mote in our convention an instruction to our delegates now sitting n Conti- nental Congress to do the same. A like setiment was being unofficially, though publicly, expressed in other counties. On the 20th of April Lee wrote from the Congress in Philadel- phia to Henry to propose in the com- ing convention a separation of the Colonies from Great Britain. Resolutions Finally Voted. “It was on the 6th of ;. 1776, that there assembled at Williamsburg A convention which.‘was “to ‘heconte historic. It was presided oved by Ed- “Again | One act | mund Pendleton, who had opposed the stamp act resolution of Patrick Henry, but 11 years and the wanton cruelty of the royal governor had made a great change in the public opinion of the Colony and he had become a loyal supporter of independence. He now joined with Patrick Henry and Meri- ‘wether Smith in drafting resolutions to be proposed by Thomas Nelson, which refer to our country as ‘Ame ica,” and after setting out the griev- ances that it had endured and ‘appeal- ing to the Searcher of Hearts for the sincerity of former declarations’ and a discussion in which Mason and Madi- son, to be known to future fame, took part, on the 15th of May, 1776, it was ‘Resolved unanimously, That the delegates appointed to represent this Colony in General Congress be in- structed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonles free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the crown or Parliament of Great Britain, and that they give the assent of this Colony to such declara- tion and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alli- ances, and a confederation of the Colo- nies at such time and in the manner as to them shall seem best: Provided, that the power of forming govern- ment for, and the regulation of the in- ternal concerns of each Colony, be left to respective colonial legislature: * ‘Resolved unanimously, Tha committee be appointed to prepare a declaration of rights, and such a plan of government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this Colony and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people.’ “The import of these resolutions was well understood in this locality. Th event was marked that evening by a celebration, the ringinz of bells and the firing of guns. The British flag went down at the Statehouse never to | rise again, and in its place was flown ! the crosses and stripes, the temporary | emblem of a new government. Virginia Sets Example. “These resolutions coming by the action of the duly constituted repre- sentatives of the largest of the Colo- nies were of an importance that can- not be described as anything less than decisive in the movement for inde- pendence. Other localities held the same opinions, but this action of the Old Dominion was needed to make such opinions effective. Richard Henry Lee now had the assurance of the support of his constituents. On the Tth of June he moved the Con- “That these United States are and {of right ought to be free and inde | pendent States; that they are absolved | from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dis- solved; that it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign alliances; that a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approba- tion.” “This motion was at once seconded by John Adams of Massachusetts. In this great crisis the Pilgrim and the Cavalier stood side by side united in the common cause of human liberty under constitutional law. “The excellence of the official docu- ments of the Revolutionary period has often been remarked. It was such as to draw praise from the foremost British statesmen. In that respect the Virginia resolution of May 15 left little to be desired. They are char- acterized by a most admirable re- raint, clear and logical in their pre- sentation of facts, and clothed in ap- propriate language. They have a dig- nity and strength-that are compelling and a courage and reserve that are convinefng. They were composed by no ordinary men. Such a document could only be produced by character and culture. The influences which had flowed from the 80-odd ¥ existence of William and Mar: lege can not be separated from the form and substance of these resolu- tions. Into their making went all that was best of some of her most dis- tinguished sons. Influeuce of Colleges. “What purpose had planted these institutions of learning in the Ameri- can wilderness? What raised up Harvard, that it might become the teacher of Otis and Hancock and the Adamses? What nourished William and Mary, that it might furnish in- spiration to- Bland, to Wythe, to Nelson and to Jefferson” These two seminaries had a_common benefactor in the famous Robert Boyle. And when the wanton ravages of war re. duced this once flourishing institution that had spoken so boldly in the cause of liberty to a state that left little but the vibrant tones of the college bell and the fervent prayers of a de. vout President, it a distinguished son of Harvard, Senator Hoar, who pleaded her just cause with such elo- quence in the Halls of Congress that a dilatory Government at last made restitution for a part of the damage done, that this seat of learning might be restored to take its active place again as a citadel of truth and liberty and righteousness. No one can con- template these events without a deep realization that those who participated in them were guided by an inspired vision. % “It has not been the experience of history that political ideals spring into full development all at once. They are the process of the discipline of a long and severe training and constant and continued study. The Virginia resolutions in the fewest possible words map out a course of action and lay down the fundamental principles by which America has since sought to guide and direct its political life. The members of the convention, how- ever, would not have argued that they were embarking upon a new theory of political relationship with so much assurance as they would have con- tended that they were adapting well- established theories of constitutional law to their own condition. ‘““They declared for complete inde- pendence. ~They abjured both the crown and the Parliament of Great Britain. Much emphasis has been placed on our political independence. It has become one of our most funda- mental traditions of government, and rightly so. In our domestic affairs our sovereignty rises to its most com plete state. We tolerate no- outside interference. But as the devout May- hew had seen the communion of colo- nies in the communion of churches, so these resolutions, even though un- consciously, recognized a communion of nations when they authorized the forming of foreign alliances. They could not escape the conclusion that as the individual derives his liberty from an observance of the law, so na- tions derive their independence and perpetuate their sovereignty from an observance of that comity by which they are all bound. As modern de- velopments- have brought the nations closer and closer together, this con- clusion has become more and more unfavorable. While the rights of the citizen have been in no wise dimin- ished, the rights of humanity have been very greatly increased. Our country holds to political and economic independence, but it holds to co-opera- tion and combination in the adminis- tration of justice." National Unity Emphasized. “The resolutions did not fail to recognize the principle of nationality. It was the ‘United Colonies’ that they proposed should be deciared inde- pendent, and it distinctly authorized ‘a Confederation of the Colonies.” This was an early and authoritative sunemem‘:’f !;loe !I:,eor,v lll:\nl this is all | one_coun! und up in a cumfl interest, destined to.the experience a common fortune. It was the expres: sion of a desire for a yet unformulated plan for a Federal Government. How great a part Virginia was to play in the final adoption of such a Govern- ment was by this action already indi- cated. When that great test came some years later it was the known wish of the great Washington, aided by the superb reasoning pawers of Marshall, notwithstanding the direct opposition of Henry, that caused Vir- ginia to ratify the Federal Constitu- tion at a time which was again de- cisive in the formation of the Union. For a second time the action of this great - Commonwealth was the de- termining factor in the destiny of America. “It is impossible to lay too much emphasis upon the necessity of mak- ing all our political action of the Fed- eral Government harmonize with the principle of national unity. For many cars now this course has been graat- iy impeded from the fact that those who substantially think alike have so oftentimes been unable to act alike. Our country ought to be done with ail sectional divisions and all actions based upon geographical lines. Wash- ington warned us against that danger in his Farewell Address. KExperience has time and again demonstrated the soundness of his advice and the breadth of his wisdom. It would be difficult to suggest anything more likely to enhance the progress of our country than united political action in all parts of the Nation in accord with the advice of Washington for the sup- port and maintenance of those princi- ples of sound economics and stable constitutional government in which they so substantially agree. All sec- tions have the same community of interests, both in theory and in fact, and they ought to have a community in political action. We cannot deny that we are all Americans. To at- tempt to proceed upon any other theory can only end in disaster. No polley can ever be a success which does not contemplate this as one country. Chance for Mingrity Rule. “The principle that those who think alike ought to be able to act alike wherever they happen to live should be supplemented by another rule for the continuation of the contentment and tranquillity of our republic. The general acceptance of our institutions proceeds on the theory that they have been adopted by the action of a ma- jority. It is obvious taat if those who hold to the same ideals of government fail to agree, the chances very strong- Iy favor a rule by a minority. But there is another element of recent de- velopment. Direct primaries and direct elections bring to bear upon the polit- ical fortunes of public officials the greatly disproportionate influence of organized minorities. Artificial propa- ganda. paid agitators, selfish interests, all impinge upon members of legis- lative bodies to force them to repre. sent special clements rather than the great hody of their constituency. When theyv are successful, minority rule is established, and the result is an extr Government which 18 ruinous to the people and a multiplicity of regula- tions and restrictions for the conduct of all _kinds of necessary business, which becomes little less than oppres- sive. Not only is this one country, but we must keep all its different parts in harmony by refusing to adopt legislation which is not for the general welfare. “The resolutions did not stop here. Had they done so, they would have been very far from comprehending and expressing the necessities of the American people. They went on to provide that ‘the regulation of the internal concerns of each Colony be left to respective colonial legisiaures.’ This was a plain declaration of the unaesailable fact that the States are the sheet anchors of our institutions. If the Federal Government should go out of existence, the common run of people would not detect the difference in the affairs of their daily life for a considerable length of time. But if the authority of the States were struck down, disorder approaching chaos would be upon us within 24 hours. No method of procedure has ever heen devised by which liberty could be divorced from local self-gov- ernment. No plan of centralization has ever been adopted which did not result in bureaucracy, tyranny, in- flexibility, reaction and decline. Of all forms of government, those admin- istered by bureaus are about the least satisfactory to an enlightened and progressive people. Being irresponsi ble they become autocratic, and being autocratic they resist all development. Unless bureaucracy is constantly re- sisted, it breaks down representative government and overwhelms democ- racy. It is the one element in our institutions that sets up the pretense of having authority over everybody and being responsible to nobody. Local Rights Stressed. “While we ought to glory in the Union and remember that it is the source from which the States derive their chief title to fame, we must also recognize that the national adminis- tration is not and cannot be adjusted to the needs of local government. It 18 too far away to be informed of local needs, too inaccessible to be responsive to local conditions. The States should not be induced by coercion or by fa- vor to surrender the management of their own affairs. The Federal Gov- ernment ought to resist the tendency to be loaded up with duties which the States should perform. It does not follow that because something ought to be done the National Gov- ernment ought to do it. But, on the other hand, when the great body of public opinion of the Nation requires action, the States ought to understand that unless they are responsive to such sentiment the national authority will be compelled to intervene. The doc- trine of State rights is not a privilege to continue in wrongdoing, but a priv- ilege to be free from interference in welldoing. _This Nation is bent on progress. It has determined on the policy of meting out justice between man and man. It has decided to ex- tend the blessings of an enlightened humanity. Unless the States meet these requirements, the National Gov- ernment reluctantly will be crowded into the position of.enlarging its own authority at their expense. I want to see the policy adopted by the States of discharging their public functions 80 faithfully that instead of an exten- sion on the part of the Federal Gov- ernment there can be a contraction. “These prinoiples of independence, of the integrity of the Union and of local self-government have not dimin- ished in their importance since they were 80 clearly recognized and faith- fully declared in the Virginia conven- tion of 150 years ago. We may wonder at their need of constant restatement, relteration and defense. But the fact is that the principles of government have the same need to be fortified, re- inforced and supported that character- ize the principles of religion. = After enumerating_many of the spiritual ideals, the Scriptures enjoin us to ‘think on these things.’ If we are to maintain the ideals of govérnment, it is likewise necessary that we ‘think on these things.’ It is for this purpose that educational institutions exist and important anniversariés are observed. “Each generation has its problems. The days of the Revolution had theirs and we have ours., ‘They were mak- ing an advance in thé art of govern- COOLIDGE PLEADS FOR STATES’ RIGHTS AT WILLIAMSBURG (Continued from First Page.) such sentiment the national authority will be compelled to intervene. This remark was interpreted by many of those who heard the President as re- ferring more especially to co-operation on the part of the States in the en- forcement of the laws of the land. At any rate the President added to this definition of States’ rights and duties by saying that the doctrine of States’ rights is not a privilege to continue in wrong-doing, but a privilege to be free from interference in well-doing. “This Nation,” the President con- tinued in this connection, *“is bent on progress. It has determined on the policy of meting_out justice between man and man. It has determined to extend the blessings of an enlightened humanity. Unless the States meet these requirements the National Gov- ernment reluctantly will be crowded into the position of enlarging its own authority at their expense. I want to see the policy adopted by the States of discharging their public functions so faithfully that instead of an extension on the part of the Federal Govern- ment there can be a contraction.” Need of Emphasis Seen. The President supplemented this significant utterance with the expres- sion that “these principles of inde- pendence, of the integrity of the Union and local self-government have not diminished in their importance since they were so clearly recognized and faithfully declared in the Virginia Con- vention of 150 years ago, and yet we may wonder at their need of constant restatement, reiteration and defense.” President Coolidge voiced his oppo. sition to minority and class rule and the setting up of bureaucracy during his discussion of what he described as an element of recent development. He referred to this as minority rule. "This, he stated, is brought about when those who hold the same ideals of government fail to agree. In his opin ion, when minority rule is established the result is extravagance on the part of , the Government, which, he de cldred, is ruinous to the people and brings a multiplicity of regulations and restrictions for the conduct of all kinds of necessary business, which he said becomes little less than oppres- — ment which, while it has been broad. ened in its application, has not changed and does not seem likely to change from the fundamental principles which they established. We are making our advance and our contribution to the betterment of the economic condition and the broader realization of the hu manities in the life of the world. They were mostly bent on seeing what they could put into the Government: we are mostly bent on seeing what we can get out of it. They broke the power of Parliument because its ac tions did not represent, were not bene- fiting the American public. They es tablished institutions guaranteed un der a reign of law where liberty and justice and the public welfare would be supreme. Amid all the contentions of the present day nothing is more fmportant to secure the continuation of what they wrought than a constant and vigilant resistance to the domina. tion of selfish and private interests in the affairs of government in that liberty and justice may still be cure and the public welfare may be supreme.” sive. To avoid this condition, the President urged national unity. A considerable portion of the Presl- dent’s address was based upon the Virginla resolutions and the influence this action on the part of those pa- tiiotic - Virginians who unanimously voted for them had nfon the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress and subse: quent . avents leading to the -actual freedom from British rule, In paying a tribute to those resolutions, he stated that they, in the fewest poe- sible words, map out a.course of ac- tion und lay down the fundamental prineiples by which America has since sought to guide and direct its polit: feal life. Mrs. Coolidge Present. Mrs. Coolidge, who had accompanied her husband to Willlamsburg, sat close at hand as the President made this impreesive address. In the com- pany, in addition to Gov. Byrd, were governors from others of the thir- teen original States and many promi- nent in the official and political Jife of the Nation, Virginia and other commonwealths. The President and Mrs. Coolidge had made the journey to Virginia aboard the yacht Mayflower. They left Washington yesterday afternoon and landed at Yorktown, where the deciding battle of the War of the Rev- olution was fought, and where Eng- lish dominion over the American col- onies ended. The 12 miles between this quaint old village and Williams- burg, the first capital of Virginia, was made in automobiles. In the Pre dent’s immediate party were Senator and Mrs. Swanson and Senator Glass of Virginia, Senator and Mrs. Bing- ham _of Connecticut, Representative and Mrs. Montague of Virginia, Col. Henry Anderson of Richmond, C. Bas- com Slemp, former secretary to ti President and for many vears a Rep- resentative fn Congress from Virginia, and Everett Sanders, secretary to the President. The party was met at Yorktown by a distinguished company of Virginia officlals, who escortd them to Willilamsburg and the galk scene of the celebration. The celebration itsell was colorful and impressive, and presented a spec- tacle that was genuinely imposing. To the minds of many who had made the pligrimage the thought came to mind that the spectacle was suggestive of the pageantry of colonial days and the pomp to which early Willlamsburg was so accustomed in its younger day; Street Gayly Decorated. On the way to William and Mary College. where he made his speech. the President and his party and escorts passed slowly along Duke of Gloucester street, conceded to be one of the most historic thoroughfares in America. This old highway today is adorned in great style to do honor to the occasion. F and banners are on display, flying in the breezes for the full mile extending from the col- lege grounds to the site of the House of Burgesss Not only are the street corners and business houses deco- rated. but all the residences are dis- playing flags. Some of these homes once displayed the British union jack. One of the most interesting features of the celebration was the ringing of the bell of old Bruton Church. It was rung just as it was 150 years ago, when it announced to coionial Wil- liamsburg that the Virginla conven- n had adopted the resolutions which order | s the first_definite step toward in- | dependence of the colonies from Brit- ish domination. | “There was a processional on the |broad shaded campus of the college, and it was in the rear of Sir Chris- | topher Wren Hall, the main hall of William and Mary, said to be the old- est college dormitory in America, that President Coolldge made his address. The exercises proper were concluded in the forenoon, but great numbers of the visitors had prepared to go in the afternoon to Jamestown and York- town, while many will remain in Wil liamsburg to witness the May day celebration at the college. GEN. RUFUS A. AYERS, NOTED VIRGINIAN, DEAD! Passing of State’s Former Attorney General Recalls Imprisonment in Debt Case. Special Dispatch to The Star RICHMOND, Va., May 15.—Gen. Rufus A. Ayers of Wise County, for- mer attorney general of Virginia, is dead at his home. He was about 80 years old. Gen. Ayers brought about a settle- ment of the Virginia debt. The State had outlawed coupons of bonds for the payment of taxes and other dues. and Judge Hugh L. Bond of the United States Court issued an Injunction to prevent action against those who tendered coupons for taxes, restraining the attorney general from instituting proceedings. Gen. Avers proceeded to bring suits fn a number of cases, defyving the! order of Judge Bond, and was sent to | jail. While in prison Gen. Ayers car- ried on the work of his office and hun dreds of friends interested themselves in getting an adjustment. The late Roscoe Conkling, Senator from New York, volunteered his services to the State in the litigation, the ultimate re- sult being the release of Gen. Ayers, sustaining the contention of Virginia. Ayers served as a member of the constitutional convention and later, amassed a fortune in coal mining. For several vears his health had not been good. He is survived by several children. OFFICER BACK FROM PERU. Comdr. Crow, U. S. N., Reorganized That Country’s Air Service. Comdr. Jasper Grow, U. S. N.. who has spent two yearsin Peruasa mem- ber of the American Naval Mission, arrived in Washington vesterday to confer with naval officials. Comdr. Grow completely reorganized the Pe. ruvian air service, modeling it after our naval service by establishing an air fleld and training school and equipping it with American-made planes. Comdr. Grow and his wife will remain in Washington for a month, then return to Peru. WOOL HOMESPUN DRESS MADE FOR MRS. COOLIDGE Boston Women Bringing Hand- ‘woven Sports FProck as Tribute From Italian Mothers. By the Associated Press. BOSTON, May 15.—A dress of Copps Hill homespun Is on its way to Washington as a gift to the First Lady of the Land from Itallan mothers here. The material for the dress was woven by hand by mem bers of the mothers' clubs of the North Bennett Street Industrial School. % A score of women, many of then: making their first journey from Bos- ton, left late vesterday en rou the Capital. to present to Mrs idge a specimen of thelr handiwori: on Monday afternoon. For two vears they have been saving their nickels and dimes to make the trip possible. The dress is of white wool, soft and light in texture. woven with stripes of black as a_border for the skirt and narrower stripes for collar and cuffs. It is designed for sports wear. The material is given i« name from the proximity of the school fo historic Copps Hill burying ground. YORK RETURNS GIFTS. Senders Not Personally Known Un- able to Honor Princess. LONDON, May 15 (#).—British rov- alty does not accept gifts from strangers. Presents for the Duke of York'¢ daughter, who will be named Eliza beth Alexandra Mary, have been pour ing in on the Bruton street home of the King's second son, but many of them werc returned to the senders It has lonz been a strict practice among members of the roval family that no gifts can be accepted from any one personally unknown. Princess Mary on this account re turned many presents sent her at the time of her wedding. PADEREWSKI WILL REST. W YORK, May 15 (#).—Owing to continued illness, Ignace Jan Paderewski, Polish pianist, has been ordered by his physiclans to cancel his remaininz engagements this s son, according to an announcement by George Engles, his manager. He ricken with a severe cold two Chorus Girls’ vCIub S:vut NEW YORK, May 15 (#).—Chorus girls must eat, and the Rehearsal Club, which. with the aid of society women, provides board and lodging for $12 a week, has been given court permission to continue operation in a district restricted to residences. SWAT THE FLY Take advantage of an early start by an aggres- sive war on the fly at the beginning of the season. The Star has for free distribution wire-handle fly swatters, Ask for one at the main | office of The Star, or at any of the Branch Age cies. W. & J.SLOANE 709-711-713 TWELFTH ST., N. W. “The House with the Green Shutters” America at the Loom Mechanical achievement of the highest order has always stood to America’s credit. And now comes artistry in the weaving of rugs, the produc- tion of beauty at modest prices. Every weave for which the old continents have held supremacy, are now reproduced with measurable success and shown in our present Spring Assortment. SEAMLESS VELVET 32w WORSTED WILTON ' $8 5’00». up (These prices are quoted on the 9 x 12 size) WASHINGTON, D. C. SEAMLESS AXMINSTER $45.00 up WOOL WILTON $ 6 5.00 up Charge Actio@ts Co”nvehientlw} Arranged STORE OPEN FROM 9.00 A. M. to 5.30 P. M. DAILY INCLUDING SATURDAY ~Sloane Endorsed Merchandise Carries An Assurance of Satisfaction FREIGHT PAID TO ALL SHIPPING POINTS IN THE UNITED STATES