The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-10-29
LOCAL MATTERS.

STREET MINsTRELs.-Our streets are now filled
with the usual fall visitation Of organ grinders,
hurdy CUR dies bird imitators, &c, and they TO
be heard in all quarters daily discoursing emusic
for the Million" Some remarks this subject in
the New York Day Book, of a late date, by its
facetious editor, express views SO entirely,
that we subjoin them for the perusal of our
readers
" We don't think much Of any body that don't
like music; and in this respect we are very essen
TALLY OF the opinion OF one VIII SHAKESPEARE, who
said, a certain occasion, that a man who had
mo music in his soul, hit for treasons, strata
gems, and spois.'
"But music there is no mistake about our liking
that. From the dulcet drone OF the Jewsharp, to
the magnificent harmonies OF Dodworths band
from the soft breathings of an Eolian harp to the
crash OF Maretzek's orchestra in Lombardi-we
revel in it. There is not hand-organ within
block that does not find US attentive listener,
and modest contributor The bands of evening
minstrcls who dclectate coffee house oungers with
the gems OF Norma, find sixpence ever ready to
drop from our fingers.
''And after calm and impartial survey of the
whole field of music the unprecedented listener is
forced to the conclusion that IT Is by no means the
worst music which is heard in our streets, aud
which bubbles up like spring OF melody under
our chamber windows. The organs are often fine
toned and powerful instruments. There is one in
our street every other day that plays one of the
finest pieces of church harmony ever composed.
The pianos, too, very brilliant in tone, and the
execution shames many OF our celebrated per-
formers.
IF these instruments arc only in tune-and we
must do them the justice to that they general
ly are in much better tune than those in our par
lors--there can be doubt about their perform
ance They give us the choice airs of the greatest
masters. Whatever has received the stamp of pop
uar admiration is Immediately transferred to the
barrel-Organ and mechanical piano forte. The
gems OF the operas, and the most popular songs
given with mathematical precision and fine eff
feet. There is mistake about it; and those who
affect to turn up their noses at street music only
expose their ignorance and want of taste.
"Then how the children enjoy it! No man who
has particle Of philoprogenitveness will say
word against those benefactors of the rising gene
ration-the street musicians. They are the music
teachers of the million; instructing children,
our servants, our whole population, in uncouth
and vulgar ditties, but in the most refined and
beautiful works Of art.
''The very principle upon which these itinerant
mnstrels gain their livelihood is honorable to hui
man nature. They come and do you service with
no security for payment, but relying safely upon
MES to pay for what has pleased him. The senti-
nlent Of justice is thus cultivated and encouraged
sit is very fine for subscribers, or even dead
heads at operas and concerts, to condemn the
lists OF the pavement; but there are thousands to
whom the hand-organ is the only opera. Were it
bad, they must have that none; but good as it
generally is, it is much better that they should
have that than none. The rich never act more UNI
graciousy, and never much deserve to have their
wealth stripped from them, when they try to di-
mnsh the cheap pleasures of the poor. The fathers
OF our city know better trust, than to engage in
any persecution OF the street musicians, but if they
should insist upon all street instruments being kept
in tune 1t would be great blessing to all
people,"
GUNNING.-Our amateur sportslnen have within
the last week had fine opportunity Of enjoy
in ifu hxyr> aho
on the mall. and upon the low grounds near the
Eastern branch, of which they have awaited them
selves pretty freely, and with much success, as
well filled game-bags their return fully testify
We have heard of some remarkable luck on the
part of a few gunners, and the abundance Of game
in market shows that the professionals are bust
ly engaged in this exhiarating sport Quere:
Does not the law prohibit cunning On the mall
ARRIvAL.-The Hon. ID. L. Yuce, u s. Senator
from Florida, arrived in the city on Thursday
evening last, and is stopping at the Irving Hotel,
(Thomas's.)
New HoUsEs.-The scarcity of unoccupicd houses
OF a moderate size (rcntng from y 100 to $500 per
annum) at the present time, which has been pre-
viously noted, has induced the commencement re-
Gently of a number of this description throughout
the city, most of which are rented in advance of
their completion. There has been known in
the city such demand for houses, which is graft
flying mark of the citys prosperity and advance
ment.
CoRPoRATIoS CASE "A warrant was issued ON
Saturday by Police Justice Dom, against the
Washington City Gas Company, for opening 9th
street for their pipes without the permission of the
Mayor, and for non-coniorning to the 9th section
of the corporation law of April 49, Is45, which pro-
I'D 60 81 l,sxl,t l.
vatons, for the protection and safety of the citizens
The case will be tried during the present week
CIRCUIT CoURT.-The circuit court will COM
mence the trials. by jury this morning, and those
citizens who have been summoned on the panel
are expected TO be in attendance.
Ia he al inf, oF