About The sunny South. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1875-1907 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 12, 1887)
Dr. Robert C. Mvles. Shaking Across the Bloody Chasm. RICHMOND ON THE JAMES. Laying the Corner-Stone of the R. E. Lee Monument. Richmond, Va., Oct. 28 —The laying of the corner-stone of the R. E. Lee monument was attended by imposing ceremonias. In the pro cession Gov Fitz Lee and Gen. Wale Hamp ton rode side by side, and behind them marched the Confederate veterans. Among the ex-Confederates present, who were fre quently greeted with cheers as they were re cognized by the crowd, were: Gen. W. H. F. and Oapt. Lee, sons of the dead chieftain; Gon. Wade Hampton, Joseph E. Johnson, •lubal A. Early, Daniel Ruggles, J. D. Imbo- den, Bradley T. Johnson, ffm. McComb, R. L. Page, George H. Stewart, L. L. Lomax, Robert Ransom, Mat. Ransom, Epps Ilun- ton, C. M. Wilcox, W. D Taliiaferro, ex-Gov. Win. Cameron, United States Senator John W. Daniel, also Col. Charles S. Venable, Walter H. Taylor and Charles Marshall, of Gen. R. E. Lee’s staff. Capt. W. G. McCabe, of Petersburg, read the memorial poem written by Capt. J. Bar ron Hope, which concludes as fellows: When the effigy of Washington la Its broi z was reared high ’ r«*x mine, wl h otners, now long gone, Beneath a stormy s«y, j'o otter to ihe multitude His name that cann„t die. And here to-day, my countrymen, 1 tell you 1,-e snail rlue wi n that treat “rebel” down the years— Twin “rebels’’ side by >ide! auu cuulrouilng suou a vision. All our grief gives place to pride. These two shall ride Immortal And shall ride abreast of Time; Shall H*ht no stately history And blazs In Epic rhvme— Both pu.i.oia. ooth Virginians true, Both "rebels,” bdtb sub.lme. Our past Is full of glory. It is a shut In sea, The Pdlars over!, ofclng It Are Washington and Lee :— And a future spreads before ns, Not unworthy of the free. And here and now, my country men, r Upon this snrreS sod, f - Let us feel it was “Our Father” Who above ns held the rod, And from bill to sea, Like Robert Lee. Bow rtverentiy to God. Gen. F.ajly introduced Col. Charles Mar shall, military secretary of Gen. R. E. Lee, who delivered the oration of the day. At the conclusion of Col. Marshall’s oration Gen. Wade Hampton was called upon, and re plied in a few appropriate remarks, in the course of which be sa'd he regarded Lee even a greater man (ban Washington, and spoke of the great veneration which the people of South Carolina had for tbe dead Confederate chief tain. Gen. Early closed the proceedings with ap propriate remarks. Western Waterway Convention. That was a very important convention which met in Memphis a few days ago, and the members—including some of the most practical and influential citizens of the terri tory interested—were well aware of it. After a laborious session of several days, during which they discussed what was wanted and the desired plan for obtaining it, they ad journed. They passed resolutions—all they could do—declaring that the convention had assembled because of— The urgent necessity that immediate action be taken by Congress for prompt relief—for averting, if possible, the disaster threatening the great interests of the people of the Mississ ippi valley and the Northwest, and Resolved, The interests for which the con vention was authorized to speak are entitled Mississippians and Americans generally arfe indulging in a reasonable share of pride over the celebrity achieved by a young American physician, Dr. Robert C. Myles, of Myles Sta tion, Miss., whose recent operation upon the throat of the Crown Prince of Germany has given him an international reputation. A brief sketch of his career may be interesting. He was born in Copiah county, Mississippi, and prosecuted his medical studies in the medical department of the University of Louisiana at New Orleans, an institution made famous by tbe renown of the late Dr. Warren Stone, for many 5 ears the leader of the faculty, and one of the most eminent surgeons of his time. After graduating with the highest honors he returned to his heme in'Claiborne county, Mis sissippi, and engaged in the practice of his pro fession. But his consuming ambition yearned for a broader arena, and he soon moved to New York, where he attended lectures for a year. Even then his thirst for knowledge was unsatisfied, and the next step in his career was a trip to London. There he attracted the at tention of Dr. Morell MacKenzie, the famous English surgeon, who became impressed with his skill in the treatment of throat diseases, and entrusted to him some of his most impor tant cases. In all of them big success was so remarkable that when the Crown Prince of Germany came to London, and placed himself in Dr. MacKenzie’s hands for treatment, young Myles was called into consultation, and ulti mately entrusted with the management of the case. An operation was decided upon. In order to accomplish it successfully, an appar atus became necessary to cauterize the throat by means electricity. The invention and con struction of the instrument was left entirely to the young American physican, and he succeed ed so admirably that his invention was adopted without hesitation, and need in the operation with most gratifying results. Dr. MacKenzie profuse in his compliments to the young phy sician and presented him to the Prince with the remark: “Here is a great expert, he invent ed the instruments used on your throat'” The Prince was warm in his acknowledge ments, and grasping the young man’s hand, said: “Splendid! excellent!” and was joined by his German physicians in emphatic expres sions of approval. He writes to a friend after the operation: “I had the pleasure of meeting him again this evening aDd he seemed gay and much better. Of course I am highly pleased with all my good luck here, and don’t know when I shall go to Vienna. I have a splendid hospital appointment. I have telegraphed an account of the operation to the New York Medical llecord and the Philadelphia News ” The Natchez Democrat, with commendable pride, thus refers to the young physician’s achievements: The Crown Prince of Germany, It was thought, was affected somewhat similarly to Gen Grant, and had called about him the first physicians in the world to treat his malady. The honor conferred upon young Dr. Myles of Claiborne county, who was called upon by the very eminent surgeon, Dr. MacKenzie, not only to treat, but to invent the instrument for the treatment of the Crown Prince, and the succees of his efforts will, therefore, be all the more thoroughly appreciated. Dr. Myles is one of the most promising young physicians in the world and a credit to his native State of Missis sippi. Young and energetic, studious and thor oughly in love with his noble nrofeesion, he niii, we pjetuct'msKe H’J/auie ahd rfepucKlion for himself that will make bim the peer of the most renowned medical men ot both the conti nents. We are proud of his achievements, be cause we can almost claim him as a Natchez man. Dr. Myles has a brother in this city engaged in mercantile pursuits, who promises to be as prominent in commerce as his younger brother is in medicine.—Memphis Scimetar. Texas Surplus. The state of Texas has been fortunate this year in its tax collections, and has more money in its treasury than it knows what to do with. The comptroller in his final report estimates the revenue from all sources at $1,050,000, but it seems that it reached $300,000, or $325,000 over the estimate. This is principally' due to the promptness of tax collectors and tbe collec tion of back taxes. The farmers of Texas are in aprosporous condition this year, and are able to pay all their old debts to the state. Much of the improvements are attributed to tbe excellent legislation of the legislature, both in the matter of appropriations and in the pro vision made for forciDg promp’, accountability from the tax collectors aud its land measures. Texas is now disscusing what it will do with this surplus. Its sinking fund is ail provided for; the legislature will not meet for two years yet, and cannot, therefore, appropriate this money. It is calculated that on the present working of the sew law that the staie revenue during the next two years will amount to $4,750,000, and the expenses to $3 050 000, leaving a balance on hand of §800,000. There is no manner in which this money can be used, no purpose to which it may be devoted or in vestment for it. It will have to be laid up in to the highest degree of consideration from | jh e treasury, and will require all the vault the national legisla ure. That they reaffirm the action of former river improvement conventions; that it is the mani fest and imperative duty of the government to make the permanent improvements de manded— Tnat the failure of the appropriations to continue the improvement of Western water ways is recalled with regret— That this convention invokes Congress to regard the interests of the people of the great Mississippi Valley and the Njithwest— That the convention recognized with satis faction the benefits which have already re sulted to the navigation of the Mississippi and its tributaries by wbat already had been done— That the action of the executive committee of the improvement of Western waterways ■was approved— That the convention indorse the Mississippi and Missouri river commission, aud recom mend their continuance— That it is the duty of Congress to provide by legislation for tbe removal ol obstructions to the navigation of our public waterways erected by railway corporation— That the convention approves the improve ment of the connection between Lake Michi gan at Chicago, and the Mississippi river— Of the opening of the Bayou Plaquemiue in Louisiana by means of locks— Of the improvement of the system of wa terways which is formed by the Alabama river and its great tributaries— That the convention approves the method adopted by Congie .s, of embodying in the river and harbor bill all appropriations for the improvement of the rivers of the country— That the convention favorably regards the movement for the construction of the Hene- pin canal to connect the upper Mississippi and the IUiuois rivers. That the convention regards it as the duty of the general government, by special appro priations, to maintain and protect the harbors of the principal cities and towns on the large waterways. The Chairman was authorized to call a con vention for the Western waterways for the year 18SS at such time and place as he may designate. Mrs. Mark Hopkins, who is said to be worth About $40,000,000, is noted for her charily. i?he has given to Great Barrington, Mass., a church which cost $150,000, besides paying tbe minister’s saiary. Many a youug girl has to thank Mrs. Hopkins for her start in life. room of the new apartments in the capital. There are not many states that can beast of a superfluity of revenues. The chief explana tion l.es in the possession by the state of Texas in its magnificence of public domain, and its excellent legislation in the matter of tax collections.—New Orleans Times-Democrat. THE ST. LOUIS EXPLOSION. Sensational. Views of the Fire Chief- Experts Believe In the Cas Theory. St. Louts, Nov. 2.—John Lindsay, chief of the lire department, says, regarding the explosion in Fourteenth street yesterday morn ing, by which eight persons were killed : “In my opinion the explosion was not caused by either gas or gasoline. Neither of these could haTe demolished the budding in which it ex ploded, and all the surrounding buildings, the way you see at Fourteenth street. I never saw such a complete wreck in my life as the one yesterday morning. I was ou the scene in four minutes after the alarm was struck, and the place was then as you find it to-day. Either dynamite, gun-cotton or giant powder was what exploded, and no one can make me be lieve otherwise.” The opinions of a number of experts find ample proof of gas, or gasoline. A “CRACKER” MILL IN THE BACKWOODS OF FLORIDA. * ABA MARTZ.” ’ Brorazs- S-:wc-. -I -^predated, srzvfr- much, the production by Am Hartz to Com missioner Onld, furnished by yonr correspond ent, W. R. L., in a recent issue of the Sunny South. Thinking that your poetry-loving readers will be interested in other poems by same author, I enclose several which I con sider “real cute." As regards the first piece, “And No One Writes to Me,” I copy the fol lowing from my scrap book: “Tbe sequel to the publication of this piece was very remarkable. Letters came by the hundreds—some containing money, some sym pathy, some abuse, some humor, some satire, and many with notices of provisions and cloth ing on the outside for Asa Hartz.” Yours trulv, A. B. Tardy. Vaiden, Miss., Oct., 1887. “AND NO ONE WRITE3 TO ME.” Its Location, Advantages and General Growth. Gigantic Ship-Construction Enter prises—Washington’s Pew in Christ Church, Where He Worshipped. The list Is called, and one by one The anxious crowd now melts away; I linger silll and wonder wby No letter comes tor me to-day. Are all my friends In Dixie dead? Or would they all forgotten be? Wnat bave I done, wbat have I said, That no one writes a line to me? It’s mighty queer! I watcb tbe malls each weary day. With anxious eye the list o’errun, And every him whose name Is called— But love him more who gets not one; For I can sympathize with bim Aud feel how Keen bis grief must be, Biuee I’m an exile from my home And no one writes a line to me. I do declare I Within a quiet, happy home, Far. far Iu Dixie’s sunny clime. There oweils a quiet, happy maid Who wrote to me In by-gone time. Now others from their dear ones hear In tender letters, loving, free— Yet here I’ve been this half a year. And wby does 9be not write to me? Wt ’re not estranged. Will no one write me Just a line To say that I’m rememb red yet? You canDOt guess how much delight I’d feel could I a letter get— Cjuld I but near from some dear friend Whose face I ne’er agatn may see. Will some one now my anguish end? If some one doesn’t write to me I’ll get exchanged. SHE WOULDN’T BE KISSED. JENNY LIND DEAD. The Incomparable Songtress of Form er Davs Passes Away. London, November 2.—Jenny Lind (Madame Goldschmidt) the celebrated Swedish singer, is dead. She was sixty-six years old and had been seriously ill for some weeks. She retired from the stage after marriage in America in 1852. but reappeared at various concerts in aid of charities. She had not ap peared in public since 186(5. At Fort Donelson and Philadelphia. When Gen. Buckner, now Governor of Ken tucky, made his last sortie from Fort Donelson, he was met aud repulsed by Col. Thayer, com manding the First Nebraska Regiment. The two commanding officers never met again until they grasped each other’s hands at the Phila delphia Centennial, Gen. Buckner as Governor of Kentucky, and Gen. Thayer as Governor of Nebraska Miss Winnie Davis win Have no Such Tricks Piayed, Even by a Colonel. At Spar; a the scene was one of lively inter est, and furnished au incident which will no doubt belong remembered by all who witness ed it. A wedding had occurred in the town at three o’clock in the evening, and the fact be ing generally known that the daughters of l’res dent Davis would pass through on the af ternoon train, the crowd, which numbered 200 or more, left the church after the ceremony and repaired to the depot. When the train arrived a rush was made for the rear of the car containing the President’s daughters and party. After some delay Miss Winnie ap peared upon the platform and was introduced to the assembly by T. M. Hunt, in response to which came a storm of applause. At this juncture Colonel J. T. Jordon stepped upon the platform, and with a neat little speech, presented Miss Davis with a beautiful wreath of fiowtrs. The Colonel, however, who is no ted for his gallantry, seem to feel that he had failed to express the full warmth of Hancock’s admiration for the “Daughter of the Confeder acy,” and straightening his tall form to its ful led height, he asked il he might not be per mitted to kiss her. There was a merry twin kle in the eyes of the Colonel, and he advanc ed, as though to perform the coveted pleasure, hut, to the amusement of everybody present, the young lady threw her bands to her face and rushed into the car, laughingly exclaim ing: “No, indeed, Colonel, you cannot play off such a trick on me.”—Cor. Augusta Chron icle- _ That Historical Bide. The old family bible that belonged to “Mary the mother of Washington,” is still in exis tence, and is kept in a branch of the Washing ton family in Virginia. It conta ns the family register, recording tbe birth of George Wash ington, Feb, 22, 1732. The binding has a cover of cloth woven by the hands of his mother. Editor Sunny South: Alexandria, a port of entry and the capital of Alexandria county, Virginia, is delightfully situated on the right bank of the Potomac, seven miles below Washington. The county was originally a part of Fairfax, and was duly ceded to the Federal Government as a portion of the District of Columbia jointly with the territory granted by Maryland. It was thus held until 1844, when it was retroceded to Virginia, and organized into a county. Tbe area is small, being only ten miles long by five miles wide, comprising 18,421 acres, assessed at $790,578. The soil is fertile, and has been brought to a high state of cultivation. The population, including that of the city, is esti mated to be upwards of 19,000. Tbe city at an early date became a commercial centre of importance, and long before the city of Wash ington was thought of, shipping sought the harbor of Alexandria, the river here being one mile in width, and with a depth sufficient for the requirements of the largest ships—there beiDg thirty-five feet of water at the wharves. The Potomac was early utilized & the Colonial days, and Alexandria steadily increased ia im portance as a flourishing centre of trade, hav ing export and import relations with the West Indies, the East, and Europe, direct. Tbe record of its citizens during the War of the Revolution was one of the highest honor and credit, and it wss a favorite city of resort and residence for President Washington, whose own magnificent estate was but a short dis tance off. The wealth and prosperity of the planters of Virginia and Maryland reflected it self in the mercantile activity of Alexandria, and, with her natural advantages, she would undoubtedly have become the great metropolis of the Middle Atlantic Seaboard but for the advent of the “iron horse” and the tapping of vast regions by direct lines of railroad to other centres. As it was, Alexandria was a most important commercial centre, with most favor able prospects when the dark cloud of civil war suddenly arose above the political horizon. Alexandria was much affected by the vicissi tudes of the war, her trade was largely cut off, and she became a centre for a vast armed camp of the Federal forces. In May, 1861, occurred here the first tragic event that was a forerunner of the bloody campaigns conducted in Northern Virginia. The Washington gov ernment early foresaw the importance of Alex andria as a strategic point, and the man-of-war “Pawnee” was stationed off the town. Her boat’s crew had been tired on by Confederates, who subsequently left the town, as it was be ing occupied bv Federal troops. The forces comprised the First Michigan Regiment, which advanced by land, and the New York Fire Zouaves, under Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, who were conveyed in two schooners. Ells worth advanced to the centre of the city and took possession in the name of the govern ment, while Colonel Wilcox marched to the station ot the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, seizing it and a large quantity of rolling stock. While many Confederates had left town, num bers stayed behind, among them Hr. Jackson, proprietor of the Marshall House, and who had had the Confederate Hag flying over his premises for several days. The flag was plain ly seen from the White House in Washington. Ellsworth went into the hotel, proceeded to the roof, and hauied it down. While descend ing the upper staircase he was shot by Jack- son with a double barrelled gun. Ellsworth fell dead, and Jackson was in turn shot through the head and pierced with a sabre bayonet by Francis E. Brownell, of Troy, N. Y., who, with six others, bad accompanied Ellsworth to the roof. Immediately after Jackson was killed a woman came rushing out of a room, x threw herself on Canal, oonneci Was bis wife. The j\Ohio, I! ,’iiiCir:.,- V:... j only here but all ovar the land. It was a chaf- I acteristic forerunner of the awful oonflict. Ellsworth’s body was removed to Washington, and the funeral services were performed in the East Room of the White House, President Lincoln being the chief mourner. Duriug sub sequent months Arlington Heights were forti fied, and Alexandria occupied by the Federal army. Sherman’s battery was stationed here, while the Ztuaves held the hill above the town; the Massachusetts 5th was located along the canal, while the 12th New York held Roach’s Mills. It was during this period that McDow ell’s army, massed between Alexandria and tbe Chain bridge, made its advance to the bloody battle-field of Bull Run. These are a few historical points of interest that I could not refrain from mentioning. But it is the present wonderful growth of Alexandria that I wish to tell to the readers of the Sunny South Growth is the order of the day. Improve ments of the most substantial character are observable everywhere. An average of one hundred or more new houses are springing up yearly. From Mr. J. R. Caton, the wide awake real estate man, we learn that there was never before in Alexandria such a demand for land and houses. Mr. Caton is a gentle man full of enterprise, and much of the pres ent boom the city is now enjoying is due to his efforts. The opening of Mt. Vernon Avenue first originated in the mind of Col. M. B. Har low—the idea being to have an opening from Washington to Mt Vernon as a drive, sub stantially paved and beautified with fine shade trees and flowers. This is just what Washing- i channel for tne enormous annual shipment of this splendid article of fuel via schooners to New York and the New England States, etc. Four different lines of steamers ply to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk, thus rendering transportation cheap and expe ditious. Fine and spacious warehouses are to had here at very low rates for manufacturing or commercial purposes, many of them having wharf privileges and direct railroad connec tions. George R. Hill & Co., are the steam manu facturers of crackers, cakes and fancy breads. A walk through this model establishment discloses to one’s eyes the secret of the won derful success of the firm. System every where, energy all-pervading. Among the most progressive business houses is the drug store of Mr. J. B. N. Lunt. This establishment is a model of neatness and ac curacy. The banking house of Burke & Herbert is one of the oldest in the city. Noticeable among the best we had tbe pleas ure of meeting were, Capt. Herbert Bryant, Col. J. Broders, J. R. Chapman, A. A. War- field, R. C. Acton, N. Strauss, Maj. George Duffey, J. Eichburg, John Donnally & Son, and R T. Lucas. Dr. D. N. Rust has a first class dental depot. Mr. M. B. Perry and Mr. S. L. Munroe, were among the gallant young men of Alexandria. Mr. C. C. Carlin is the coming newspaper man of the city. He is bright and full of am bition, and his letters to the Washington Re publican deserve special mention. George Wise represents the Insurance busi- ton needs, as there is no drive now except to ness of Alexandria. L. Bril Jr., is the propriq- the Soldiers’ Home. Col. Harlow deserves to succeed in his undertaking. It will live as a monument to his public spirit and persever- ecce. Alexandria has many marked advantages; among them, and one of the most prominent, being its nearness to Washington. There is communication each half hour, daily, by boat or rail. The municipal administration is pro gressive and able. Hon. J. S. Beach is Clerk tor of the cafe. One feels that they have not done justice to Alexandria without mentioning the many ele gant churches there; notably, on account of i s historic associations, the venerable Christ Church inseparably identified with the memory oE the immortal Washington. It is, and al ways will be, an object of interest. It is con structed of English brick, the first ever broueht to the United States. Here Washington wor- Beauties and Celebrities. American Life Under Eigh teen Presidents. Prominent Statesmen and Brilliant Belles—Fashionable Styles, Enter tainments, Anecdotes, Etc. A Picture of Henry Clay. An artist from New York—Mr. Linen painted an excellent cabinet portrait of Henry Clay, which was shown in Washington. While Mr. Clay was ’•lining with the Presi dent at one of his regular Cabinet dinners given in rotation every Saturday to the mem bers of both Houses, a servant whispered to Mr. VanBuren—“the house is on tire.” Van- Buren rose very coolly, apologized to the gen tleman next him, and left the room for a few minutes. The whole kitchen department was in flames; but a few l-ails of water quenched the (ire. which had made little progress. When tne President returned to hig company, and explained the cause of bis absence, Mr. Clay turned to him, and, with a placid look, said: “Mr. President, I am doing all I can to get you out of this house; but believe me,” here he put his hand on his breast, “I do not want to bum you out." The expression the artist threw into his portrait was that with which Mr. Clay said these few words. The eyes lighted up, the lips slightly apart, the big, broad mouth ap parent, a half smile spread over his face, the whole countenance beaming with lofty intel lect, and blending wit, dignity and good hu mor - Some Admired Belles. One of the most admired belles in Wasn- ton during Gen. Jackson’s administration, was Miss Cora Livingston. She married Thomas Barton, who went aR Secretary of Legation with Mr. Edward Livingston on the Missions to France; was left as Charge des Affaires when Livingston returned, and came to the United States in 1838, bringing water for the tire between President Jackson aud Louis Phil- ippe. Tue beautiful Mrs. Ashley—afterwards Mrs. Crittenden, was also the star of the most brilliant circles, and Miss Octavia Walton from the South, was a celebrity for her gifts and accomplishments. (Mrs. Madison In Washington. It was during Van Buren’s administration. The widow of tbe great president, James Mad ison was there. Mr. Clay’s meeting with her at a party given by the French Minister was noticed; the lady rose at his approach, extend ed her hand, and gave him one of those smiles which no doubt helped to make the dominant party adhesive in the days of her presidency. Her movements were all grace, ease, and elas ticity of youth. On one occasion a gentleman weui up to her aDd said: “You do not remember me, Mrs. Madison’” “Yes, I recollect you very well, Mr.—.” She had not seen him for twenty six years. It was this intellectual power combined with all the graces and elegances of her sex, that made her onto almost the center and source of nower in tne overnment Adams atjthe Theater * A theater, prbbaVtj'T is aboatuie‘S»t place • one would have expected to find John Quincy Adams. But on the occasion, once, ot flaok- etts appearance in Washington, Mr. Adams was observed in the theater seated in the cen ter of the pit. During the whole evening he looked neither to the right nor the left. Ha was surrounded by large numbers of the mem bers of both houses, wno cams to enjoy the character of Falstaff. The ex-President be came interested—absorbed—and occasionally laughed until his eyes filled with tears. He is said to have had an enthusiasm for the old En glish drama, and its effects on him were as strong aud natural as the first play would have on the nerves of an innocent country girl. His appearance then and there with his fine bald head and few silvery locks, bad a pictur esque and pleasing effect* of the Court. A. W. Armstrong, Leonard shipped for many years, and the good people Marbury and G. A. Musbach are among the | were accustomed loiter around the door, each leading lawyers. 1 Sunday, until his equipage appeared. When The streets are paved, well graded and lit by I he and his elegant wife entered the church, the gas. The mam bttsiness thoroughfares pre- I modest farmer stood abashed with uncovered sent a scene of business activity, and are lined head, whiie the greatest man in the country— with large general stores carrying as complete and, all things considered, one of the few real- and extensive stocks of goods as can be found in Washington or Baltimore. The city has an abundant supply of the finest and purest water, so pure that the reagents which blacken ordi nary hydrant water elsewhere do not affect its transparency. Its fire department is unex celled in the country for its efficiency. The city is quiet and orderly, and its morality is decided!y above the average. Its health is ex cellent. One of the schools, with fifty board ers, has had but two deaths (those of a teacher and a pupil) in more than half a century, and advertised one year that its physiciaus’bills averaged but twenty-five cents to each student, at fnll rates. The educational facilities of Alexandria are excelleat. The public schools are justly cele brated and ably conducted—a staff of twenty- six teachers instructing an average of 1,700 pu pils, separated into eight grades. There are also more private schools, for the population, than in almost any city in the Union. St. John’s Academy is a military school liberally patronized by the public, and whose pupils in 1887 hailed from fourteen different States and Territories. The Potomac Academy has also a large attendance. Other educational institu tions are St. Mary’s Academy, ihe Arlington Institute, Mount Vernon Institute and tte Alexandria Female Seminary, besides Catholic and Lutheran parish schools and many private schools. The Masonic and Odd Fellow frater nities are here represented by powerful lodges. Everywhere are new enterprises estab lished, ample capital invested; and these conditions, coupled with the city’s per fected railway and water transportation facilities, place her in the front rank of Southern cities—attractive both to the mer chant, manufacturer and real estate investor. Her railway system comprises the Alexan dria & Fredericksburg, the Washington & Al exandria (operated by the Pennsylvania Rail road); the Virginia Midland & Washington, Ohio & Western (operated by the Richmond & Danville). The Baltimore & Ohio connects here with the Virginia Midland via ferry across the Potomac to Shepherd’s. The Alexandria ly great men the world has produced—was greeted by the nobility of the district. The family pew is still in a fine state of preservation. Ithasahigh back, with three seats. Your correspondent sat in them all, to make sure of it. It is said that Washington occup’ed the third seat—and sat “bolt up right,” with his face to the congregation in stead of the pastor. It was in this same church that Thanksgivings were offered upon the securing of the Independence, while where Washington City now stands was a wilder ness. Later, the gallant R. E. Lee wsrshipped here; and the tall old spires of this church looks down on the graves, in the surrounding church-yard, of many courtly and courageous Virginians, whose loyalty and devotion to the cause of liberty perpetuates their names in history with that of Washington. This old bnilding certainly is replete with inspiring memories. I should do gross injustice to Alexandria if I failed to mention the Arrow Steam-Ship com pany of New York, who are now preparing ground at their yard in Alexandria for the construction of 540 feet trans-Atlantic passen ger steamship Pocahontas. Work on it is to begin very soon, and when completed she will be the largest vessel ever built iu America. There is also located here one of the finest Marine Railway and Ship-yards accessible on this coast. The company is now engaged in constructing a new type of steam-ships whose speed will open a new era to ocean navigation. Further it can be said of Alex mdr.a that it is a typical Southern city, which while only six miles from Washington, the capital of this great and grand republic, it offers unsur passed advantages as a location in the “New South” for business enterprises, residences and manufacturing industries. Marie Wright. Natural gas is usea tor uouseuoid purposes almost exclusively in Portland, Indiana. 1.200 stoves are fed by it and the number is increasing. ‘‘Mrs Florida Whit©’’ and Her Cousin. Mr. Cass had given a splendid party at his residence to close the year—1834—attended by all the fashionables. The New Year levee at the President’s was densely crowded; all the foreign embassadors, consuls and charges be ing mere in their brilliant costumes, army and navy officers in full uniform, members, citizens, etc. The President, flanked on eith er side by Webster and Van Buren, looked the picture of happiness. Amos Kendall was present, but none of the clerks of hig depart ment. The levee closed at two, to the regret of many, who knew this was the last levee of the season, and that to the private parties which are to henceforth be the order of the day, they caunot be admitted. “Mrs."White, of Florida, is here,” says a letter-writer, “and report says she intends in troducing a new style of everything. Sue has but lately returned from France, and there is no doubt that she will bear the palm from all party givers.” The lady usually called “Mrs. Florida White,” (because her husband, Colonel White, represented Florida,) was celebrated for her magnificent beauty and intellectual accom plishments, throughout the Gulf States. She was Ellen Adair, the daughter of Governor Adair, of Kentucky. Her sister, Mrs. Benja min F. Pleasants, was also greatly admired in Washington society. These were two of the seven daughters of Governor Adair, all of whom were women of mirk for beauty and talents. Mrs. White’s cousin, Mrs. Fitzhugb, was a courted belle in Washington in 1815. She was tall and Bplend idly proportioned, posstssing a commanding dignity of mien, with faultless grace in every movement. She was fair, with Olue eyes, and her dark brown hair fell in heavy waves almost to her feet. Refined in telligence illumined her beautiful face; her elo quence iu conversation was fascinating, and the elegance of high br ;eding harmonized in her with feminine gtnteness. She was the daughter of Dr. Rude, of Kentucky. Her sec ond husband was Mr. C. M. Huntington, Commissioner of the general land office in Washington. President Tyler offered him the position of Judge of the United States Court in Indiana. 4 Hard Honest Work Wins. If every boy in the country who has his way to make wonld sit down with the fact, long enough to master it, that nothing but hard, houest work will bring anything worth having in this world, there would be fewer young men lookiog for some kind of work where they could keep their hands clean, aud in doing which they could lie in bed till eight o’clock in the morning. There would be fewer looking for such jobs, and more who were anxious to work at trades, where the prospects of amount ing to something is much greater.—American Machinist. A Veteran of the Sea. The Europa is the name of a barque which recently loaded at Newcastle, N. S. She was built at Krageroe, Norway, in 1801, and has only once before, in 1830, crossed tne Atlantic. She was used as a transport during the Crim ean war and took part in several naval skir mishes in the war between England and France. She has the reputation of never hav ing touched ground since she was launched. Though of the old tub pattern she traveled from Bordeaux to Newcastle in twenty-six days.—Toronto Globe.
