Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-23
Smithsonian Institution.--The comple,io

Smithsonian InstitutiOn.--The completion OF
the interior of the main building of the Smithso-
MAN Institution is now actively progressing. The
original plan having been changed by the board
of regents, all the woodwork and framing has
been removed, and its place is being supplied by
fre-proof materials. The first story is to be
fitted up for the library and museum of natural
history, and the second story as lecture room.
capable of accommodating two thousand per-
| sons These arrangements, il is thought, will
be completed within six months at the farthest,
when the western wing of the building at pres
ent occupied by the library, will be converted into
gallery of art.
The Smithsonian lectures which have been so
attractive to citizens and sojourners in Washing
ton IN former seasons, promise to be equally in
teresting and instructive the coming winter. The
services of the following distinguished gentlemen
have already been secured:
! Benjamin Halowel, esq, of Alexandra, Va,
who will deliver a course of popular lectures on
astronomy
| Virginia, course of twelve or more lectures on
chemistry
| Oliver Wendell Holmes, who will repeat his
course OF lectures on poetry.
| Professor Charles w. Hackley who will give a
history Of learned institutions throughout the
world.
The following gentlemen have also been in
vited to lecture before the institution
VIM. G. Dix, of Cambridge, Mass; Henry
| Barnard L. L. d., superintendent OF common
schools, Connecticut; Geo. Hillard, esq. the pop
ula Of NJ, Wy
Simms the author of Charleston, S. c.; Profess
sor McGufie, the University of Virginia.
We understand that the lectures before the
Young Mems Christian Association of this city,
are also to be delivered in the lecture room of the
Smithsonian building, and that that association
have selected the following lecturers, most of
whom have sgnifed their acceptance:
Rev. G.. W. Heakok, Of N Y; Rev. Allen
Steele, Of N. Y. Prof ]. d. b. DeBow, of La !;
Bishop Potter, of Pennsylvania; C. G. Adams, D.
D., of N. y; w. Gilmore Simms, of s. C.
1t is proposed to have three lectures week at
the institution, Mr.. Hallowe commencing Mon
day evening, December 5.
Fall Races over the Columbia Course, In
Alexandria County, Virginia.--The races over
the Columbia Course" commenced yesterday
with match race for $500, one mile and repeat
between two of the finest booded colts in the
country-John Graham, entered by Mr.. Suit, and
Santa Anna, entered by Mr.. F. II. Hall. Santa
Anna took the track and kept il to the quarter
pole, when John Graham passed him, and retained
his position about three lengths ahead, until within
few rods of the home stretch, when Santa Anna
closed upon him, and was within half length
when by some accident, he threw his rider,
small colored boy. The heat and race was there
fore won by John Graham, in one minute and fifty
eight seconds. This. with the exception of some
few amateur trials, closed the sportsof the day.
Tomorrow four fine horses, we understand, are
entered for the purse of $780, one mile and repeat
and from the character of the horses, CLAUDE Mel
Note among them, an exciting race is anticipated
Valuable Property.-This afternoon, at two
o'clock Mcclure, auctioncer, will sell, on the
premises, the improved and unmproved property,
known as the sold railroad depot" Situated in
the heart of the city, within few hundred yards
Of the capitol grounds new railroad depot, and
near the principal hotels, there are great induce.
ments for profitable investments.
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