The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-18
Local Matters.

SMITHSONIAN INsTITUTK.-There was n magnif-
cent turnout last evening 10 hear the lecture Of
Professor Beck. We doubt that any other place in
our city, on any occasion, bring together so
fine array Of the beautiful and intelligent Of our
people; and surely no lecturer could desire more
attentive or delighted auditory. The subject Of
the Chemistry Of Nature continued the
arrangement of plants upon the face Of the earth
formed the topic Of the evening The style Of Pro-
lessor b. is emnently familiar and practical, and
we thought he placed his subject before his audi
tors in very clear, agreeable and lucid manner.
His next and concluding lecture is appointed for
Friday evening, when all who love the works OF
nature. and the sciences by which we are enabled
rightly to appreciate them, should attend.
FIRr.-Last night, between eight and nine
O'Clock, the carpenter-shop Of Mr.. Thomas Burch.
on the east side Of lIth street between Z and the
avenue, was destroyed by fire, together with all ts
tools and some unfinished work. The frame dwell
ing adjoining, belonging to Mr.. M. Grips, and oc-
cupied by Mr.. Baily, shoemaker was also seriously
damaged. The furniture Of Mr. b. was saved.
There we're two other alarms in the course Of the
evening one before and after this fire; but both
were occasioned by burning ehimneys.
YEsrrRDAy was another cool, dusty, 'querious''
sort Of day. There was very little that was invt
ing out Of doors, and yet the folks walked be-
cause it W. spring. We upon the avenue
some spring bonnets and winter hat Of fur and
there we're throngs Of beautiful faces there TO re-
mind one Of tulips lilies, and What is there
TO invite flowers and blossoms FORTH And yet, as
the season has come, they will daily peep out, alas!
10 be as often nippcd by the frosts Of night We Of
course do not complain. All is right-rght because
1t is so; and yet would like 10 turn this portion
Of the great ball little towards the totrid zone
just far enough 10 bring out the blossoms and
leaves and cause lettuce and asparagus TO come
forth in abundance.
An Incident IN DAYS JOURNEY. 49, A horse
took fright, in the neighborhood Of Gadsbys hotel,
the other day, and in defiance Of the tight rein Of
good driver, bounded of with his little carriage
at full speed; nor could waving hats and canes,
and the cry Of "woi wo,' from hundred voices,
soothe him into genteness, or retsrd his fearful
progress. At length the saving bride bit brought
him too near the curbstone and, as the driver nim
bly, lcapt to the ground the vehicle turned over
It's side, and the animal stopped. Instantly, like
flies around boneycomb, the crowd assembled;
but, ere one could cry "Jack Robinson the vehi-
Gle was righted, the driver in his seat, the horse,
obcdicnt to the crack Of the whip, moving oil at
moderate speed, and the wondering crowd, with
mouths and eyes dilated, looking with amsrement
upon the scene. 81 say," said one young gentle
man. "that covey could jump out Of tho way Of a
'splosive ingine." Eyes" said another, "and his
fix is like Dutch WALL it's all the better for being
laid on its side" But the horse and driver have
not since been heard of, we suppose they continue
TO travel fright side up, with care"
SIDEwALKs.--Our city IL too widespread for
such perfectly paved streets as arc enjoyed by
many OF her sister cities; yet IL s in our power TO
keep in good repair such possess, and VIC
would invite attention 70 the subject. We will not
at present make any special illusions, but viii
simply remark that in many frequented thorough
fares the sidewalks permitted to get out Of re-
pair, though the cost Of preserving them in good
condition would be very uncomfortable. This lie
not as II should be. and, IL the individuals directly
concerned will not attend 10 il, shall feel IL TO
be our duty TO refer the public officers to the To-
calitics where such abuses exist