The republic., 1851-08-15
Local Matters.

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND MEcHA MICS
FAIR.-In accordance with resolutions heretofore
adopted at meeting of citizens upon this sub
Ject, the committee appointed by the Mayor of
Washington assembled yesterday evening in the
City Hall. There was a free interchange of
opinion, and much said to encourage the enter
prise. DR.. Lee. in the agricultural department
OF the Patent Office, and who for a number of
years has been connected with the agricultural
press, made many interesting statements, dwell
ing upon the feasibility and the value Of a fair
OF the character proposed In the course OF con-
versation we understood him to remark that, dur
ing the last year, there had been distributed
throughout the country, under his direction, up
wards OF one hundred thousand packages of diff
ferent kinds OF seeds. Some ofthem, however, had
lost their vitality; and hence the Importance of mo-
del farm, TO test seeds before they are sent abread
and he was of the opinion that there will shortly be
model farm in our neighborhood for this pur-
pose. In all other countries but our own there are
societies for the importation of foreign fruits and
yet we have wider range of climate than any
one of them, and agriculture is our greatest inter
est. He believes that coffee and tea may be sue
cessfully cultivated in our southern climate There
are now upwards of three hundred agricultural So
cieties in the Union, and these it is probable, will
all combine to make demonstration here, at the
scat of tho General Government, come time during
the next year.
The committee separated with the understand
ing, we believe, that gentlemen in the District of
Columbia concerned in horticulture shall be invited
to assemble in the City Hall on Monday afternoon,
four O'Clock, with vie to take into consideration
the propriey of having an exhibition of fruits and
flowers during the ensuing month
This, however, is not TO interfere with the gene
raj arrangements for a national fair, but as COM
menccment of the good work on the part of our
own citizens, and as foretaste of the rich enter
tainment hereafter to be provided.
CHARGE OF KIDNAPPINo.-Y Yesterday afternoon
mulatto man, named George Stewart was brought
before Justice Morsell, on the complaint of white
woman, Mary Philippi, who charged that the de-
endant, on the fifth of July last, assisted in abduct
ing or kidnapping her son, aged about six years,
and delivering him TO man who had employed
and paid Stewart for this service. The plaintiff
has for some time been separated from her hus
band, and it is supposed that into his hands the
child was placed. The accused gave bail for
his appearance at the next term of the criminal
court to answer to the charge. The mother was
much affected while the examination was in pro-
gress, and found relief in tears
FIRE.-Bctween eleven and twelve o'clock, on
Wednesday night. fire discovered in the rear
of small frame house near the northeast corner of
c and Sixth streets, occupied by Mr. ]. M Young
as saddle and harness store. The flames extended
to the roof of the adjoining tenement, one part of
which was occupied by Justice Joseph W. Beck
and the other by Messrs Entwistle and McElfresh,
painters The contents were removed, much DAM
aged by the water which was thrown upon the
burning timber. The houses-one story in height
were owned by Mr.. Young, on which there was an
insurance OF fifty dollars, about halfenough to cover
his loss The fire no doubt the work of an in
cendiary.
CHAPTER OF MIsFoRTuNKs.-On Friday after
noon some evil hearted person set fire TO Mr. John
M. Young's wheat, in the field, thus causing loss
OF fifty dollars, In the evening, on Capitol Hill,
the lightning struck the lamp post to which his
horse was fastened, and smashed the glass in the
lamp. The animal jerked loose and ran off, but
was soon recovered. A short time afterwards the
fluid penetrated his dwelling. house; leaping down
the chimney, and, daring into the second story,
shattered the mantelpiece and clock, and tore away
the woodwork of a closet in it's escape. On Satur-
day night, while saving property from the deluge
at the canal bug stung him severely on the hand,
and, IN consequence, he is obliged 10 carry it in
sling; and on Wednesday night an incendiary ap-
piled the match to his small frame house in the
rear Of the National Hotel Truly, ''misfortunes
never come as single spies, but always in batta-
lions!"
SCHOOL -HoUsEs.-At the meeting Of the Board Of
Public School Trustees, on "Wednesday afternoon,
committee, consisting of Messrs. Abbott, Donoho,
Walsh, and Pearson, was appointed to prepare the
annual report. The came gentlemen, with the
Mayor of Washington, were desired to confer witA
the President of the United States and request that
certain public lots, which the several sub boards
may indicate most suitable for school sites shall
be reserved from sale.
We are glad that this subject has been agitatcd,
for at present the accommodations for the public
schools, with few exceptions only, arc not credta
BILE to the city, conducive to the great purposes Of
education. Notwithstanding existing evils, the sys
tenn of public school instruction in Washington has
to an extent beyond the early anticipa
hons of many of its most sanguine friends. We
trust that the day is not far distant when capacous
rooms, free circulation of the air of heaven, and
ample play grounds, will be among the blessings
provided for the rising generations.