The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-03-22
Local Matters.


IMPROVEMENTS PENNsyLvANIA AVENUE
The Messrs. Brown, between Seventh and Sixth
Streets have determined to raze their present hotel
buildings and to erect in their stead othcrs, on
magnificent scale, and better suited to the accom-
mediation Of their patrons, having regard to the
latest improvements in such establishments. Mr..
John Haviland, architect, of Philadelphia, is now
in this city, engaged in making the drawings and
plans preliminary to the commencement of the
work.
Between Sixth and Four and a half streets, west
Of the " Atheneum." the Messrs. Duvnll intend
erecting two three story houses the first floors to be
occupied us stores, and the upper Offices.
Mr.. Entwisc is the carpenter, and II. N. Henning
the bricklaycr. The ground, we learn, pur-
chashed more than year ago. at the rate of two
dollars and seventy five cents the square foot.
Between Four halfand Third streets, east Of
and adjoining the United States Hotel, Mr. Fitz-
gerald has commenced the erection of four. story
edifce.
And still further towards the Capitol, several
doors west Of the railroad depot, adjoining the
splendid ironfront express office Of Adams s. Co.,
Mr.. J. p. Pepper has made arrangements for the
immediate erection of two three story houses, de-
signed for stores. The ground was purchased at
one dollar the square foot. MIR. Wiett is the car
All these will be great improvements, and add
materially to the beauty of Pennsylvania avenue,
which is well known throughout the country as the
principal promenade and the most active business
part of the city.
CRIMINAL CouRT.-Charles Weidig, about TWEEN
ty three years of age, was yesterday found guilty
of perjury. For the purpose of procuring a land
warrant, he caused ignorant woman, named
Ann Jane Ratz, to swear to declaration that she
was the widow of Charles John Hergott, who was
killed in of the battles in Mexico. Miss Rntz,
not understanding the Anglo-American language,
had to rely on Weidigs explanations, in German,
before the magistrate; and sho unwittingly swore
to statement, necessary in such cascs, under
Misrepresentation of the facts. Weidig made oath
that he not only knew Miss Ratz TO be married to
Hergott, but that he present at the wedding,
which took place in Bremen in 1912; and that Her
gott was his uncle. And, according to Miss RATES
statement, Weidig promised her marriage if she
would make oath for him. The jury did not be-
lieve that Weidig had sworn to the truth, and rem
dcred their verdict of guilty of perjury, accord
ingly.
Alexander F. Marley, indicted for an assault
and battery T. Bastanello, submitted his case to
the court, and was sentenced to pay fine of fivs
dollars.
John Keller, John Conner, Michael Connell,
Thomas Conner. and John Herichy, jr., indicted
for riot, submitted their cases to the court, and
were each fined one dollar
Patrick Moran, tried for assault and battery
on John Howcs, was acquitted.
Townly Johnson, negro. was found guilty of an
assault and battery on William True; sentenced to
pay fine of three dollars; and prayed in commit
ment, by the United States district attorney until
the fine and costs shall be paid-n all about thirty
three dollars.
Catharinc Mitchell, tried for assault and bat
terry on Elizabeth Wise, was acquitted.
Frederick Barnes, or Bear, charged with an
sault and battery on Alfred Rosenfelder was ac-
quilted.
MusKnAr ExcITEMENT.-A few days since,
near the Eastern branch bridge, object was per-
ccived quietly and harmlessly swimming in the
channel, at fret supposed to be duck. On close
inspection, however, by old sportsman, the
traveller was declared to be muskrat, (which
family has numerous members in that locality.)
The man with the gun Immediately fred, and, at
distance of fifty yards, made impression on
the animal which caused it suddenly to sink be.
low the surface Of the water After the lapse of
several minutes, it again made its appearance, and
by this time (the report of the rifle serving the
purpose of buglc horny the bridge was lined with
inquisitive spectators, most Of them with large
stones in their hands, ready to commit an "assault
and battery on the unoffending muskrat, SO soon
as it approached sufficiently to them for that
purpose. The sportsman again tried his skill, and
with some success; and down went the animal, il
was supposed never again to rise. The shouts Of
the bystandcrs evidenced that they miscon-
ceived Instead, however, of the entire head being
exposed. the nose only perceptible. A
dog was despatched to the solitary swimmer. and
boat was manned, or boyed, to convey the captive
in prospective to the Shore But the animal still
had wit enough to clude arrest and anon showed
its head above water in the direction least expect
ed. Tho excitement on the part OF the witnesses
was intense during these proceedings, and no one
"without guilt had cast the first stone" At last
the rat was seen of the piers, feeling up
wards as If desiring support in tho trying hour.
Its head was bloody, and its eyes had forever closed
on the beautiful scenery around and the clear sky
| above. rude human hand was extended, the
muskrat was seized by the neck and thrown up on
the bridge. Stretching its limbs, with sudden
convusion, il died The sport was now over. at
was glorious victory"
| COMPETENCY OF WITNEss-During the trial
of assault and battery in the criminal court
yesterday boy. thirteen years Of age, was called
to the stand The judge asked him whether he
| understood the nature of an oath, and what would
| become of him if he should swear falsely. The
| boy hcsitatcd for timc and then replied. with
a look Of innocence: elf don't tell the truth I'll
60 TO tho devil" The Judge said that it was a
very good answer; and the youth proceeded to
give his testimony, with little apparent embarrass-
mont.