The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-02
Local Matters.

YEsrERDAY.-The great event of the day was
the Public School Celebration; and this realized the
sanguine predictions that had been made of it.
Amazement seemed to be expressed upon every
coun tenance at the fine array presented by the long
procession. The banners, the uniform, the badges,
the music, all fine, and all Washington ap-
pcared TO have turned out with the schools.
Passing along the avenue to the beautiful grounds
east Of the Capitol position was taken by the schools
before an appropriate stage that had been erected.
Here the following order of exercises observed:
Music by the band.
Prayer, by the Rev. Mr.. Gurley.
Remarks by the Mayor Of Washington, introduc-
ing the Hon. j. r. Chandler, whose address was
eloquent and appropriate.
Music by the band
Music by the pupils of the First District School.
Distribution of medals TO the several districts, in
the order Of the schools, by the President of the
United States.
Music by the band.
Presentation Of a silver cup to the most meritoi.
rious female pupil OF the Second District presented
by citizen of that district, and awarded by the
sub board Of Trustees to Laura Pettbone.
II was designed TO have all the premiums pre-
scented by the President, bnt the omnous appear
ance Of the clouds rendered abridgment Of the
exercises necessary; and the premiums were con-
signed to the teachers 10 b. by them presented TO
the children Of their schools respectively; but we
hope this duty will yet be performed with more
eclat than this arrangement contemplates.
The singing by the schools was also omitted
The kind and affcctonate manner in which the
President presented TO each pupil the medal award.
cd, won the hearts ofsll.
After the ceremonies were over and perhaps ten
minutes after the ground had been cleared, pretty
violent storm arose attended with a heavy fall Of
rain; and the vast crowds flew in every direction
for temporary shelter. In less than a half hour
more, all clear again and delightfully."- cool
and pleasant
In the course Of the day several alarms were
given by the breaking Of benches, and reports ran
around Of dire calamitics. II gives us pleasure
however, TO say that they were unfoupded, and
that no serious mishap occurred, except that 10
little Mise Ager, whose foot was severely pressed
beneath board, and from which she tainted It
proved that no permanent injury was done, and
she enabled to walk soon after
In the midst Of such a vast throng, and with so
many little children exposed to danger, we think
should all feel that have been exceedingly for
tunatc. Taking it all in all, VIC have never seen
pageant Of the kind more successfully conducted.
"
formation, and VIC learn that already about thirty
gentlemen have enrolled their naIncs upon tho list
A meeting will be held this evening at JefIerso,
Hall, where those disposed to unite in the project
will DO well 10 attend.
TnE CALCIUM HsHT.-The exhibitions made by
Professor Grant at tho Capitol, several recent
occasions, proved very satisfactory. His is. GER
tanly a light Of great power. Some said il
was another humbug; to which Bibber added that
be thought il the most transparent Of all humbugs
We think that by il we could see clear through the
great cloud Of disunion, said to be lowering upon
our devoted country. II il, erudite editors arc
wont to say, great dosideratum; for IL will throw
light away into the future, and develop all the OBJ
jects to be jumped over in days years travel.
Il is great Lights the Professors.
THE old Theatre. near the Union office, ia pic
turcsque- looking object enough, but some parts Of
II do not awaken thoughts Of strength and dura
bility. We would be gratifcd to sec a more use
fu and more modern cdiicc in ts stead. But If the