Washington sentinel., 1853-10-16

The Dancing Season has fairly commenced !;
the volunteer military aeading of in the series of
balls already announced. That others will follow
we have no more doubt than that winter will sue
ceed the present season of autumn the style of
such entertainments being regulated by the cir
cumstances Of the respective subscribers, as well
as the tastes Of the participants in that description
Of amusement. Verify, we have dancing as well
as music for the million" from the assemblies to
the hotel hops, and down TO the grape vine and
rattesnake jgs, in addition to what are usually de-
nominated balls.
Our republican ancestors knew little on this sub
Ject besides the cotilion and the country reel but
was reserved for their posterity to introduce the
polka and other popular styles, as better adapted
to the advanced age of enlightenment. This GER
tainly is progress but whether or not il is inn
provement we are incapable, from our limited
experience, to venture an opinion.
We have not the remotest idea of what the pat
tern OF the ballroom female dress will be during
the coming dancing-times--the leapings and step
pings, the friskings and gyrations--but the writer
hereof may be pardoncd in the expression Of the
hope that high necks" will not be altogether repu-
dated. A regard TO health, if no other considera-
ton, would seem to render such precaution me-
cessary. This is a delicate subject, to be sure,
and one with which, perhaps, we have no business
TO interfere.
In primitive days dances were generally express
sive Of religious JOY and gratitude, and sometimes
they were practsed in honor of a conqueror, and
on occasions Of domestic JOY. They were, on the
other hand, known from very early period as a
mere worldly amusement, and are thus commonly
regarded among civilized nations in this 'our day
and generation"
Accident.--We learn that yesterday evening,
while little boy, aged about twelve years, was
crossing Pennsylvania avenue, near Seventh
street, mot seeing private carriage approaching
towards him. he was Knocked down by the horses,
which, together with the vehicle, passed over him,
breaking arm and leg The lad endeavored
10 rise, but was unable. Kind friends Immediately
conveyed him 10 tavern near by, whence he
was carried TO his widowed mother, Mrs. Lacy,
who resides on the Island. As the driver is
there will be full investigation Of the particulars
attending this sad event.
A few days since we expressed the hope that
the decision OF western court, namely: that the
pedestrian is entitled to the precedence of the
street. and that the driver must hold up" will be
asserted in this city, where there is somuch Grim
inal reckessness on the part of drivers. The case
to which we have just referred, and others which
we might mention, afford strong argument for
action in the premises.
Landis and Sharpley's Minstrels, will per-
form for the last time at Odd Fellows Hail. to-
morrow night and on Tuesday will delight the
citizens Of Alexandra with their musical and
other entertainments.
Coal.--During the past week forty-six boats
from Cumberland arrived at Georgetown, bring
ing four thousand six hundred tons Of coal.
The City Post Office will be open for the de.
livery Of letters on Sunday evenings, from six to