The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-06-13
LOCAL MATTERS.

PUBLIC IMPRovEMENTs.-Th very liberal appro-
priations made by the last Congress for the i'm
provement and repair of the Government buildings
and grounds are being expended upon the various
objects with spirit of energy and activity rejecting
much credit upon the skill and business habits of
the new Commissioner of Public Buildings and
the other officers charged with their disbursement
The painting of the exterior of the Capitol has been
Completed, and large number of workmen are now
busiy employed in doing the same service to the
whole of the interior of that building, under the
supervision of Mr. Cassel. Carpenters are busy
in the Hall of the House of Representatives and
Senate Chamber in re-arranging the seats in the
galleries for the better accommodation Of visitors,
to be succeeded by the uphosterers, &C., and every
thing will present new and improved appearance
to our national legislators in December. The
grounds also in fine order and the widening of
the streets and the planting of trees on the south
sides of both the Capitol and Presidents grounds
now nearly completed, will much improve their
appearance. The paving of Pennsylvania Avenue,
SO long in progress, is nearly completed and
this beautiful street, lighted with gas and free from
dust, Ia contamination most devouty to be wished,)
will afford glorious promenade to sojourners dur
ing the next session of Congress.
CRY HALL-The contractors for finishing the
exterior of the City Hall, (Messrs. Berry & Mohun,)
under an appropriation of $50, 600, made for that
purpose by the last Congress, provided that the
United States courts should be therein accommo-
dated, made a commencement on yesterday, by the
removal of the old steps at the main entrance, which
had so long been an eye-sore and reproach, and
determined to prosecute the work vigorously to
its completion.
The CANAL.-Great diversity of opinion and
much dissatisfaction exist among our citizens at
the prosecution Of the work of cleaning the WASH
ington Canal at this time, in view of the evil con-
sequences which may result therefrom at this season
of the year, especially when the cholera threatens
so closely at our DOORS We notice that PROPOSE
ton was submitted by Mr.. Wilson, in the Board of
Aldermen on Monday, suspending the work until
the 1st of November. The resolution was not then
acted on AT all events, if it is to go on, let the
contractors move rapidly In the matter and have 1t
done speedily, as 1t seems TO us much time has been
spent and very little done thus far in the business
The HEALTH OF OUR CITY at this time, we rejoice
to say, is very good. No case Of cholera, or any
thing approaching thereto, has yet occurred among
us; and the cleanliness OF most OF our streets, and
the sanitary measures adopted by the Board of
Health, trust, may prevent visit of this destruc-
tive pestilence. In the sudden changes Of weather
to which we have been lately subjected, too much
pains cannot be taken in regard to dress and per-
sonal comfort-else influenza, colds, &c, will GER
tainly trouble great many.
MUsIc.-The Marine Band will discourse sweet
sounds this evening at the Capitol, if the weather
be fair. Ii is suggested that the Commissioner of
Public Buildings would afford qualification to the
numerous visiters there, especially the ladies', by
the erection of a stand for the musicians in the
neighborhood of the Fountain similar to the In
the Presidents grounds where all and hear;
and not, now, locate them on the pavement,
where, crowded by boys, and at some distance from
the promenade, much Of their music is unheard.
WASHINGTON CoRPoRATroN.-Th members of
the Board of Aldermen and Common Council, of
this city, chosen at the annual election the first
Monday Of the present month, with the Aldermen
holding over from the last election, convened in
their respective chambers on Monday, the 18th
instant. The Board of Aldermen were organized
by the reelection of Walter Lenox, ESQ.,, Presi-
dent, and the other officers Of the past year. The
Common Council reelected Silas II. Hill, Esq,
President, and the remaining former officers. After
announcing the votes for Register, Collector, and
Surveyor Of the city, for the ensuing two years. and
the transaction Of some other business, the two
Boards adjourned to Monday evening, the 18th
instant, at p. M