The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-03
Local Matters.

WAsHINaTos. There is probably no city of
equal size population that exhibits greater re-
gard for order and decorum than does this goodly
city OF Washington. Some persons have thought
and said otherwise; but they have been without
correct information on the subject. Strangers have
come hither at certain seasons and seen vice and
immortality practised by other strangers-who
we're free from the restraints of home, and con.
fiding in the reports which they had heard be-
lieved they were in place of dissipation and infa-
my-and they have gone from amongst us and re.
ported ours as the abode Of vice and crime but
they have not truly reported The utmost vigi-
lance is practised by our police, yet there very
few arrests for the violation of morals or good or
der. Our city has its daily and nightly scenes of
attraction of various kinds, yet disorder is seldom
exhibited at any of them. Our people have some
times before them the example of very great men
in the Dissertation Of the Sabbath, yet the Sabbath
is comparatively we'll observed in Washington
Stateliness and grandeur are ever before the eyes
OF our laboring population, yet amongst no other
people can be found more straightforward industry
or unpretending merit
A great error exists in regarding the Avenue
the city of Washington. 1t is the great thorough
fare and promenade of our people; but at the sea
sons in which it is usually inspected by observers
from abroad, il affords better indication of the
number and character Of the public men of the
nation and visiters than of the citizens of Wash
ington. To do justice TO u.s. our people should be
viewed in the retired streets, al their quiet
homes and places of business in their religious
or other congregations, and at the market
places. Their true characteristics might be here
learned. II would soon be found that industry,
prudence, and economy are manifested to a degree
that is not known in many cities whose claims have
haat. aharolr od I 10 &,
intelligence and propriety of demeanor, we do not
need to learn of those whose descriptions have in
times past been as unjust they have been dis
paraging. And TO those who will takea stil closer
view Of the state of affairs amongst US, another
gratifying fact will be apparent. II is, that the
standard of worth and respectability is less iniu-
| enced by wealth and aristocratic pretension than
in any other community to which they can refer
US. Intelligence, talent, industry, and probity are
the elements of responsibility and success. There
are few men of any prominence in Washington
who have not attained to this position by Of
the manifestation of these qualities. Wealth and
family connexion, of course, form barrier sue
cess, but they constitute of its essential ele
ments. Were it proper and decorous to do 30, we
might supply many instances in illustration Of the
assertions here made, but they are obvious to the
mind of every familiar with our people
THE NATIosAL GREys.-We regret that we
yesterday omitted all mention of this beautiful
company OF volunteers. Their appearance on
Wednesday was very fine. The silver cup, pre-
scented by Captain Bacon and the other officers,
was won by Mr. Thomas Dryer
EXPERIMENT IN PHysroLoey.-The inhalation of
an unpleasant odor produces a singular contortion
Of the muscles of the face, and deforms the most
beautiful combination Of features and expression.
The curious in such matters can be satisfied
Of the truth Of this remark by posting themselves
near some Of the gullies and common sewers in
this city-say, for instance, the vicinity Of the
Avenue and l4th street. We trust the Board Of
Health will not suppose desire TO direct its
ton to the subject We would not become an in
former on any account.
The GIANT, the Dwarf, and the Mysterious
Lady, at the odcon, had many visiters yesterday,
and some merry colloques. The little Major is
gentleman Of gallsntry and fame, az we have rea.
son to know. Our ladies should not fail to honor
him with visit: but hope none Of them will
smuggle him off in a reticule
TIE PANoRAnA-LAsr NIoHT BUr oNr.--To-
night closes this exhibition in our city. Il
lie praised by all who have seen IL, and one
should deny himself this privilege. As il s soon
10 be removed, there will doubtless be large con-
course Of visiters; and gentlemen taking ladies
with them should, therefore, go carly that they
may secure favorable seats This afternoon At four
o'clock the Lo,ca River will be shown, and TO-
night the Upper.
Bees DE PLUMEs.-After searching throughout
the whole universe in Washington for some Of
has L., an
between 1lth and 18th streets, on the Avenue All
who cannot write freely with metallic pens, and do
not like the trouble Of scrapng and nibbng quilts,
should procure some Of them; and il might be that
Mr.. Bailey could furnish other articles in the eta
tonery line.
TBk SECOND CoNcERT at st. Paul's English Lu-
thcran Church well attended on Wednesday
night The audience comprised large number Of
the most refined and intelligent people Of our city.
We have heard from thesc but one opinion Of the
performances, and that is Of enthusiastic approba
ton. The selections Of music, the singing, and
tho singers, admired by all; and we have heard
theopnion expressed by some Of the auditors that
another repetition might be safely attempted. We
are sure, however, that with a selection Of
pieces the same performers may with confidence
present themselves TO the public at any future time.
Loan DuaHAM, young English nobleman, whose
annual income is reported to amount to Ss5O,OO0,
arrived in our city yesterday and took lodgings at
the National Hotel
ODD- FELLows.--Mr Philip NIasss yesterday
buried, with the ceremonies Of the order, by Cen
trail Lodge No I.
The alarm Of FIRE at 8 O'Clock last night was coca
stoned by the burning Of Of the chimncys Of the
orphsns' Asylum, in H street, Ninth.