The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-13

are exceedingly neat and well arranged. The
tubs are Of lead, but have a species of porcelain
surface interiorly. The arrangements for the
supply Of cold and hot water also very conve-
nient; and the fixture for administering shower
bath IL most admirable.
The skill and regard for neatness and economy
in this hotel exceed every thing of the kind we
have elsewhere In the building we
observed u steam engine not larger than some
cooking stoves we have met with in time. On
inquiring into its use, found that all the water
required for the whole edifce was, by means Of
this engine, pumped from deep we'll on the
premises, and forced through pipes into all the
stories; that tube, communicating to the kitchen,
performed all the boiling required in the culinary
department; that another tube communicated with
the wash house, heating the water and boiling all
the clothes requiring that mode of treatment and
thus saving the washerwomen the labor of bring.
ing water, and the exposure to fire oppressive in
wash houses generally, and that the escape steam
ample for the purpose of keeping reservoir OF
hot water always ready for the of the bathing
rooms
Nor 10 this ALI very little shed still farther back
affords space enough for laboratory Of great
utility. In this, by the labor Of one man, the grease
and the ashes produced are converted into soap!
Al present only ordinary brown soap is made, bu,
in short time the purer and better kinds will also
| be manufactured, and in quantities far beyond the
requirements of the house The amount of saving
effected by this we do not know; but we have been
assured that in some of our extensive hotels from
| fifty to one hundred dollars worth per month is
| consumed!
| The skill and attention to details evidenced in
these afiairs sufficient guarantee for the judi
cious government of every thing that can conduce
l 10 E1rt IL. oT, "a;
hotel. We remember reading in late valuable
work the opinion of the author to what single
isolated fact affords the most unerring indication
ofthe degree of advancement of any nation or peo-
pie in civilization. This criterion consists, says
the writer, in the relative quantity of soap con-
sumcd! Looking this fact for the evidence of its
effects, looking to the effects as they pre-
sented to the eye of every inmate of Wizards no.
tel, the most favorable conclusion will be attained
| respecting the refined tastes of it's conductors
CALIFORNIA Presents TO GEN. RILEy.-We
| were yesterday shown at Browns Hotel the beau
| tfu medal of California gold presented, according
| to the inscription side, by 1.-The City OF
Monterey, July, 1885," and according to that of
| the inverse, "to Brevet Brigadier General Riley,
Ex-Governor Of California, the man who came to
do his duty, and accomplished his purpose" The
medal is made of pure California gold, and is
| nearly three inches in diameter, with chain OF
the same metal attached TO it. We also treat
ed to sight of the massive gold snuf-box pre-
scented to General Riley, the most rich and bcauti
| full affair have ever beheld. On the inside OF
the lid is inscribed, 'The People of California to
Governor b. Riley, Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. A. Dec.
Is, lS49." On the lid the letter r. is set in pearl
These beautiful presents just tribute to the
gallant hero who has received them, and reflect
honor the city and State by which they have
| been bestowed.
MILITARY PARApE.-Tbe Washington Light In
fantry, with their band, yesterday visited Mount
Vernon in the Thomas Coliyer, and profess them
selves delighted with the excursion.
| The Walker Sharpshooters, with their band, and
the Washington Greys and Georgetown Greys.
made handsome display in the streets of our city.
The anniversary o. the battle of North Point
was thus honored by our military.
The ceremony Of laying the corner stone of an
edihce for the Of the Methodist Episcopal
church, South, at Alexandria, was yesterday per
formed with public solemnitics. The Masonic fra
ternity and many others from this city attended in
large numbers. Mr.. Reside, of the l. MON line
with Characteristic courtesy and liberahy, volun
teered the use of of his omnibuses TO convey
| the members of the above named society TO the
steamboat wharf. The concourse of people at AL
cxandria, from various directions, inform.
ed, was very large
|