The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-30
Local Matters.

The WASHINGTON ARsxNAL-We learned re-
Gently, while whit to this beautiful place, that
upwards of ten thousand muskets are shortly to be
conveyed hither from Harper's Ferry, to DO re-
tained in addition to those now on hand until they
shall be distributed among the States and Terrific
ries. in accordance with the existing law. The
present depository of arms being too small, much
larger one is in course Of preparation in the new
artillery warehouse.
In the lower story of this extensive building are
closely stored gun carriages Of various descrip-
tons, to suit tho hundreds of pieces of ordnance
displayed in rows in an enclosure exterior Pyra-
mids of cannon-balls are near by, the nuxiliaries
and messengers for life destroying purposes It is
in this building that saw the battery OF Captain
Duncan, prominent during the war between the
United States and Mexico.
In other buildings are harness, &C.. and the i'm
plements properly connected with the ordnance
department.
There are at this time but few mechanics en-
ployed at the arsenal, reduction in the force hav-
ing taken place during the last year.
All the recent improvements in machinery which
tighten and facilitate labor have been introduced;
and with these aids. together with competent su-
perintendents and skilful operatives the articles
here manufactured may challenge comparison with
The new machine for forming and charging per-
custom caps is now idle. 1t is capable Of making
fifty thousand in ten hours. Within one year up
wards Of two millions and half of them were
manufactured at this establishment.
An hour can be pleasantly spent in viewing the
operations in the workshops, the trophies captured
by American forces in important battles, and the
general arrangements of the arsenal, which is un-
der the command of Major Mordecai.
QUICK h Co.'s MENAGERIE will visit Washing
ton on Monday, and we may expect to see very
superior collection of wild animals--perhaps Of
the best in the United States. Their polar bear is
said to be great curiosity. We are informed that
for size and beauty he cannot be surpassed, and
that he is the only living specimen Of the species
in this country.
THE SrEAMER "RosELIA, of WARRINGTON" yes
terday afternoon made an experimental trip from
the canal at Fourteenth street to the Little Falls
distance of about six miles from Washington
We have heretofore spoken of this little steamer,
and stated that she built in this city for Messrs
Pcttibonc and Co., and intended tow boat on
the Rappahannock canal There was small
party of ladies and gentlemen board, by invita-
ton, and they expressed themselves to be much
gratified with the trip.
The question lie settled that steamer, &c
travel at the rate of five six miles hour, car
be constructed that will not wash the banks to a
greater extent than the ordinary canal boat, drawn
by horses. What little washing there is, is caused
not by the propeller, but by the bows of the boat
The "Roselia' is ffty-five feet in length. six
feet nine inches beam, Of ten.horse power, nnc
draws only eighteen inchcs Of water.
They who are acquainted with canal navigation
cannot fail to appreciate the numerous advantages
Of the boat for the purpose intended.
TIE CENrRr MAhKEr was yesterday abundant
ly supplied with, among other edibles, strawber'
rics, at Nom eight to sixteen cents quart; goose
berries, twelve and half cents quart; cherries
from six TO ten cents quart; and peas, on ar
average, at eighteen and three quarter cents peck