Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-24
Focal anS 9ersonaI.

agreeable. Strong, piercing, razor-liks cutting
blasts Of wind from the northwest, following the
rain OF the morning, caused the pedestrian TO but
ton his overcoat, or wrap his cloak around him,
with considerably more care than usual, and TO fix
his hat a little more closely to his head. Everyone
passing along the streets seemed TO be great hur
ry as iftrotting for wager and hack and omnibus
horses travelled with accelerated pace. The wind
made the LATEST people, who happened to be out
doors, industrious. Awnings were blown up and
down, in several cases TO the ground tin swinging
signboards and metallic roofs jingled and rumbled;
shutters slammed and banged, and were wrenched
from their fastenings; in fact there was an extra
ordinary orchestral performance ofvarious domes-
tic instruments, with the grand base Of the boreal
organ.
Il was some little relief 10 look towards the
heayens--to the Ozark, calm sky, the stars shining
sereneIy, as if so many eyes on the occurrences
below.
As there was cause Of complaining without,
there was comfort within, doors-at the domestic
hearth, in the circle of friends-in the midst OF
loved ones-the quiet Of home rendered such a
night particularly dear. But, doubtless, many
were not so favorably circumstanced, and in their
humble abodes suffered from the want of the ne
cessares of life, and felt their poverty more pierre
ingly than they did the winters wind
The General Appropriation Bill, recently
reported to the House Of Representatives from
the Committee of Ways and Means, contains the
following clauses relating 10 the District OF Co
lumba.
For the support, clothing. and medical treatment
Of insane paupers of the District of Columbia, at
such places as the Secretary of the Interior may,
in his discretion, deem proper, $4,000
For compensation of the Auxiliary Guard, fuel,
and oil for lamps, the station house not yet being
provided with the luxury Of gas) $16400.
For the support, care, and medical treatment Of
eighteen transient paupers, medical and surgical
patients, in Washington Infrmary, $4,000.
For completing the Improvement of Maryland
avenue, from Seventh street to the Potomac river,
$500.
For continuing the repairs of the two bridges
across the Eastern branch Of the Potomac, 81 ,OoO
For completing the west wing of the Patent
Office building, 100000.
For enlarging the cuverts, and openings into
the same, across Pennsylvania avenue, TO prevent
the overflow Of the avenue, $1,000; and
For the public reservation number two and La
fayette square. $4,000.
Domestic Birds.--Several days ago we wit
messed sale, by Green & Scott, auctioneers, Of
upwards Of one hundred and fifty Shanghai fowls.
The prices ranged from three dollars to five dollars
and fifty cents a cage, containing cock and two
hens They were young birds, perhaps not more
than two-thirds grown, and were !. raised" within
three or four miles Of Washington. The neighbor-
ing farmers are every day becoming more and
more partial to the stock, and already we see
Shan ghais associatng and feeding in common with
Americans in our streets. But, in appearance, the
game cock ofour own country is beautiful in COM
parison with the feathered foreigner fthe same SEX
Dressed in brilliant and variegated coat and Grim
son chapeau, he struts proudly, if conscious of
his superiority, by the side of the onglegged, boy
like Shanghai in roundabout. As to fighting, it
is said that the former is always triumphant IN
contest over his naturalized rival
Claim Agcnts.-By rule of the House OF
Representatives no persons engaged in the pros
ecution OF claims before Congress can be admitted
to the floor. Ex-members, however, still retain
that privilege, for so many years courteously ac-
corded 10 them But, as some of them are now
claim agents, others in that business, who do not
enjoy the same position as TO former Legislative
service complain Of the superior advantages they
ENJOY in the practice of their profession. Hence
the object of the resolution adopted, Thursday,
offered by Mr.. Wentworth, Of Illinois, was to give
mo one claim agent advantages over another"
The committee on the rules have this subject nm
der consideration.
Important Decision.-H appears from letter
of J. w. McKim, esq, to the mayor Of Washing
ton, that in the case of Holroyd Us. Humphrey,
there was decision which affects the validity OF
all tax sales of real property which have been as
sessed on the corporation books TO the heirs OF
any proprietor, and then re-assessed In the name
of the same proprietor, emitting the word "helrs
the court being of opinion that the corporation
has no right to assess property in the name Of a
dead man.
Holyday Gifts.-C. S. Whiitlesey, on 7ih street,
has a variety of articles suitable for Christmas
presents. Among the many that attracted our
eve, were some beautifully decorated cups, with
suitable notices; also magnificent vases, and
splendid candelabras. visit 10 his store will well
repay for the time spent in doing 50.
Fine Groceries, Brandies, and Wines.-The
festive season is nigh at hand, and as all people.
more or less, will parake of the creature comforts,
on this occasion, il is essential to know where
best they can be obtained. We cannot do better
than refer them TO Shekel & Bailey, opposite CEN
ire market, who has the choicest articles in their
line.
Holyday Presents.--We refer our readers to
the advertising columns of the Sentinel for lists OF
many fancy and useful articles suitable for holyday
presents The custom of gifts is in full vigor, and
has become one Of our permanent social institu-
tons. 4s
Il -