American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-29


PAPERS WANTED.-We want several copies
of the American Telegraph, No. 80, July 7th,
and will be much indebted to such persons as
shall favor US with their copies.
JUDGR HmAND HALL, Second Comptroller of
the Treasury, has been appointed Commission
or to settle Land Titles in California. He left
this city last evening for his home in New Jer-
sey, to make arrangements for his departure.
Random Thoughts about Washington.
At the close of short session our city sadly
misses the great body of Congress, and the null
titudes whom it attracts; but when, as at pre-
sent, so many Of our citizens are absent, in the
pursuit of health and pleasure we feel deserted
indeed The custom is increasing, and few are
willing to remain here all the summer who can
spare the time and the dimes to 20 abroad. II
this be admitted as the fashion, we suppose il
must be assented to, even without reason :
but we do not think it necessary or wise. We
think the true philosophy is to make home at.
tractive; and this may very easily be done
All around this city there are beautiful situa.
tons that may easily be improved and beauti-
ned; the Potomac river, with properly con-
structed and properly managed boats, may be
made very inviting; and pure air, pure water,
and every thing conducive to health will here
be found.
We do not believe there is in the United States
Q more healthy locality than this nor is there
country more inviting than little labor and
little art can render much of that surround
ing US.
The money that is expended abroad in one
summer by our citizens would 60 far towards
constructing an admirable park on the confines
Of the city, from which much pleasure would be
derived, and which, while it would contribute
to the enjoyments of our own people, would also
add to the attractions by which others are
brought hither. We do not propose this as
practicable measure, but suggest it as thing
desirable, and from which advantages would
how.
The completion of the public grounds as con-
templated by Congress will do much for us.
The growth of the trees that now adorn these
grounds, the completion of the Island Park,
which is to extend from the Capitol to the Pre-
sidents House, within which the Smithsonian
Institution will be uncovered, and above which
the National Monument will tower in majestic
beauty-these will constitute beautiful features
in the metropolis; but from the United States
Government we have hopes of still more be-
nign and beautiful bestowment, in the introduce
ton of vast supply of water from the broad
river that laves our shores.
This appears necessary to complete any system
Of adornment that may be carried out, and, Us
o definite plan has not yet been adopted, we
think the subject should be kept constantly be-
fore the public, that every profitable suggestion
may be made and treasured up.
It is often said that the character of the peo-
pie of our city will always be influenced by the
many who annually come amongst us; that
local characteristics peculiarities will not
arise, and that the thoughts and pursuits of our
people will receive force and direction from
these; that, in short our city win only think Of
an existence with reference to the National
Legislature and Executive Departments. But
this is all decided mistake. All the pursuits
of life will ere long prosper in this city and
vicinity. The mechanic arts connected with
architecture are now, and will for some years
continue to be, the chief pursuits of our citizens
proper; but these will foster precisely that de-
scription of population that will be ready for
the introduction of all other arts The Patent
Office, National Monument, annual exhibitions
Of mechanical and agricultural improvements,
the Smithsonian Institution, the public libraries,
the visits of learned and ingenious men from
the different portions of our own and foreign
countries, will all tend to accelerate the state
Of things we predict Authors viii soon find
that access to information, through our libra
ries and the aggregation of men of experience
and knowledge viii render this the most desi-
rable city in the Union in which to construct
and perfect their works; and the consequence
viii be that acithn the present century, Washing
ton win be the greatest American publishing
city.
But little reflection, it appears to US, is ne
cessary to convince any Washingtonian that his
own city is worthy all his forethought, love,
and energies; and that his capital, whether it
be in money or talents, cannot elsewhere be in
vested to greater advantage.
Let no one suppose, however, that this is
presented as an argument to prove that there
is any thing wrong in such means of rational
improvement and enjoyment Us travelling pre-
sents to such of our people as can afford to in
dulge in it. city should be governed by the
same policy that is adopted in a good family,
in which the strongest restraint upon those who
would wander off should be the attractions pre-
sented by their own home.
DEPARTMENTAL REFoRM.-We to-day quote
with much pleasure, from The United State,
Postal Guide, an article on the subject of
"Clerks in the Departments" and commend it
to the attentive perusal of all who have read
our several brief essays entitled I" The Depart
ments ut Washington"