The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-02
Local matters.


pursuit of sports and occupations far from profit
able or innocent; and yet, II their days labor has
been performed, those who should be their guar
dams are satisfied, and give themselves no trouble
respecting them. The consequences of this culpa-
BILE neglect are apparent enough to all who have
given any attention to the subject but to none more
strikngy than TO our vigilant officers Of police
men whom some enormously suppose TO become,
by familiarity with the scenes OF vice and misery
callous to the feelings of benevolent sympathy.
"Look said one of these officers to few ghts
since; "here is a group of young men who, winter
and summer pass half their nights at this engine
house. During the present season of the year they
often remain till past midnight about ito doors; and
in the winter, fire within serves 10 detain them
till even later hour. Their parents and employ
| ers give themselves no trouble about them until
they fall into hands, and then they think all the
world but themselves should be blamed because
trouble has overtaken their boys. tell you" he
continued, 't is better to prevent wckedness than
| to punish it,"
| Many persons very sagely and charitably cry
out against the young men, and denounce them as
idle and vicious-and perhaps truly; but let us
ask, who is not idle and vicious in the absence Of
the incentive and opportunity to acquire other
tastes and sentiments. The larger portion of our
.
themselves from the restraints of chidhood's home
| and to form at random associations amid the
scenes of their daily toll; and here other provi
sion is made for them than the work they to do
and the small compensation they to receive
during the period of their minority. Their educa-
tion-inteectua, moral, and social-is to be absorb
ed from the associates around them, whatever these
| may be. No affection, no respect, no prudent con-
| Germ, marks the conduct OF any one TO whom they
may look for counsel and guidance. Oftentimes
they are desired as inmates of the houses in which
| they dwell, only during the brief moments Of
past, the hours required by nature for repose.
Yet, when the slightest outbreak occurs, when the
| peace of the city is disturbed in the hour of
night, or the Sabbath is wickedy violated, those
who are themselves grossly culpable in respect to
| the things of which We have spoken amongst
the first to cry out and accuse the offenders, and
denounce the companions by whom they have been
| led into error.
The means of correcting all this are of several
kinds. In the first place, no man should take an
apprentice into his service if he is not willing to
treat him with familiar and considerate respect,
only restricted by the disparity Of years and the
relation of pupil and instructor; secondly, obed-
at all hours whether of labor, rest, or recrea
ton, should constitute an essential item in the OBJ
legations Of an apprentice; and, thirdly every ward
| in our city should have large, well-lighted. we'll
ventilated reading room, supplied with appro-
| pirate library, and here youths should be always
welcomed, and kindly and respectfully treated by
! the librarian, upon the single condition that no
word should be spoken, save by such lecturers as
might from time to time be permitted invited to
address them.
This, to be sure, would cost some money; but lchat
| ofN Let il cost whole resources, rather than
sacrifice the thousands of our youth to the vices,
temptations, and dangers into which false econo-
my would permit them to be ensnared
SMITHSONIAN ISsTITUTE.-The subject TO which
Professor Henry d. Rogers will this evening invite
the attention of the large and intelligent auditory,
by whom we are sure he will be greeted, is at
once afiording high qualification to the inquiring
mind, and valuable practical information to per-
sons in all the pursuits of life. The privilege of at
tending his able and instructive lectures is one
which should not be permitted to pass unheeded.
There is large number of families devoting
themselves assduously to the subjects presented
from time 10 time in the hall Of the institute, and
many who permit the golden opportunity to pass
will at some day regret their culpable apathy.
ADAPT youR DREss TO THE SEAsoS.-Ths is the
true philosophy of dress. Health is promoted by
il, comfort is greatly enhanced, good taste is re-
spected, and economy insured. The adaptation Of
dressao the season should be carefully observed
throughout the whole costume, from top TO toe.
Many gentlemen, however, have not leisure to
study this subject for themselves, and should,
therefore, procure the counsel Of those who -
better skilled; and Of this class Of persons know
no one more capable than Mr.. STEVENS, near
Browns hotel. Connected with his beautiful hat
manufacturing establishment il the most delightful
assortment Of gentlemen's fxings in general that
| one could desire TO look upon. His store can be
easily recognised by the good taste expressed in its
every arrangement, with its awning Of stripes, its
window-panes, each the size Of window, and each
window the size of an ordinary house side together
with the rich display to be through these great
transparencies.
| MAN NIssISo.-A young man, named Daniel
Garner, about twenty three years Of age left this
city on the 2sth Of March last, for short trip to
Rockville, Md He reached Rockville that night
and lodged at Kidwels Hotel, which he left in the
morning, and tidings can be learned OF his
whereabouts since, though inquiries have been
made in every quarter. As Farmer left all his
clothes and other property here, and was to have
returned in day or two, serious fears enter.
tanned by his friends lest the money which he bad
in his possession should have made him the victim
fsome reckless villains. Should any one know or
hear Of bis whereabouts his many friends would be
| glad TO learn thereof; and a note containing such
information, addressed to Mr.. William Flsheriy,
| + street, will be thankfully received.
THr MILITARY enjoyed fine time Of Il yester>
day; and we learn the target-shooting very
fine. The beautiful silver cup, presented to the
sharpshooters bya gentleman Of this city, was won
by Mr. Charles Bell. who made the best two shots;
and the silver medal presented to the Washington
Light Infantry by the officers of that company,
was won by Mr. Finch.
| THERE Is no joke in tins representations made
about Mr.. Hsles, the giant, the mysterious lady,
and the dwarf Major Mole They are the most
remarkable people in the whole world. We we're
awed the other day by the very presence Of the
great giant; but yesterday, when the mysterious
lady exhibited the workings orhcr art, We thought
\ there was n sulphurous yapor rising around us