The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-26
Ideal Matters.

BALLisrIc PENDJLUM.-This instrument is made
Of for measuring the force velocity of can
non and musket balls, and proving samples Of
| powder sent from manufacturers. A beautiful one
has just been finished at the Washington arsenal,
to be placed in the navy yard, and another has
| been commenced.
The framework of this instrument is ten feet
long by six feet wide at the base, from which rise
two iron castings to height of fifteen feet inclin
ing towards the centre. The pendulum hangs on
ga knife edge" and is 30 constructed as to pre-
sent the figure of triangle. At the lower corner
of this attached two stout iron bands, to clasp
the cannon, which answers the purpose of pendu
lum ball. Beneath the cannon is a vernier-s con-
trivance for measuring intervals between the d.
visions of graduated scales circular Instruments
The recoil Of the cannon moves the pendulum;
and by means Of the vernier, the velocity of balls
and the strength of powder accurately ascer-
tanned.
MOUNT vEnSoN.-On Friday upwards Of one
hundred and twenty ladies and gentlemen visited
Mount Vernon on board of the splendid steamer
Thomas ColIyer Among the passengers, we learn,
was Mrs. Hamilton, the aged widow of Alexander
Hamilton, name closely connected with the his
tory of the country and with that Of Washington.
This venerable lady was intimate with the Father
of his Country long before the present century
commenced; and now, more than half a century
since his DEATH she visits his tomb
TRoPHIEs.-In addition to the pieces Of cannon
captured from the British during the revolutionary
and the last with Great Britan--"ultima ratio
regufn," (the final reasoning of kings) land which
are to be seen at the Washington arsenal, there
have recently been deposited at that place two
brass twenty four FOUNDERS, each ten feet In
length, "surrendered to the American forces at
Vera Cruz on the goth of March, ls47." They
bear the coat of arms of Mcxico-an eagle strang-
ling serpent, and beneath his feet the cactus,
with the words "Republica Mexicana." These
cannon were manufactured by ]. and E. Hall,
Darford, England, in 1874.
"THE CELEBRATED AND ORIGINAL NEW ORLEANS
OPKRA TRoUps" commence this evening a series Of
their "unique and moral entertainments at Odd
Fellows Hall. The "praise and pence" which
they received in other cities may be adduced as
evidence Of their merits in this branch of amuse-
ments
COLUMBIA ENGINE HousE.-The laying Of brick
was commenced on Saturday by the contractor,
Mr.. z. Jones. The building is to be three stories
in height, and larger and more commodous than
the one destroyed by fire during the last winter.
the FoUR-AND-A-HALF STREET BRIpdE over the
canal is nearly completed. 1t is constructed of
iron, which was prepared at the foundry of Ryder
s. Co., in that vicinity. II has the appearance Of
durability, and is ornamental well as useful.
Cry IMPRovEMENTs.-We continue to sec, in
every section of the city, the commencement of
new buildings, while others are in the course of
completion. 1t is gratifying to notice these sub
stantial evidences Of prosperity.
The Music at the Presidents grounds on Sat
urday was, judging from appearances, very agree
able TO the many ladies, and gentlemen, and juve-
niles, there copgregated. The pleasant weather,
and the beautiful appearance of the grounds, con
tributcd to the enjoyment of the occasion.