Washington sentinel., 1853-12-22
4otal ann 4ersonal.

~N<"" ""~ Q~
House Of Refuge years ago, amayor
Of Washington recommended the erection OF a
house of refuge for the reformation OF juvenile
offenders, and the city councils appointed COM
mittees for the purpose of soliciting contributions
for that object. Several gentlemen promised 10
subscribe literally and there the matter ended.
II seems that those who heretofore expressed
their anxiety for the establishment of such in
stituton acted on the natural supposition that
juveniles will continue to offend against the laws
10 the end of time. and hence the benevolence TO
provide a refuge for generations yet unborn.
Now, appreciating the motives which have in
huenced gentlemen, think that il would be
equally as praiseworthy for citizens to devote
their energies, in all possible becoming ways for
The prevention Of the crimes for which youth are
in future to be punished in "refuge" as well as
reformed. Such an establishment is nothing but
house half way between the jail and the peni-
tentiary; but still il has effected good, we have
been informed, in other cities.
We are glad that, within few years only,
much has been done to win the male portion of
the rising generation from the ways of error. The
NetrOpOlltan MECHANICS Is oHC Vi TUG
beneficial and instructive agencies. II is yet in
its infancy, but bids fair to grow and increase,
fgurativey speaking TO vigorous manhood. Again,
there is fine library in the rooms of the Young
Mems Christian Association, where persons, for
the inconsderable sum of dollar year. may
obtain much valuable information from choice
books on every desirable subject. Beside, Mr..
Corcoran, whose generosity and zeal to do good
10 his fellow-creatures has become proverbial, is
constructing library rooms in the First ward
where our citizens may acquire knowledge. The
lectures Of the Smithsonian Institution, too, are
accessible to all. 1t is 10 be regretted, however,
that the accommodations for listeners not, as
yet sufficiently extensive.
There are other agencies at work having in
view the intellectual, and, ~ consequence, the
moral improvement of the people.
Parents have an important part to perform in
those movements. What it should be il is not for
us to indicate, further than say that their chill
dren should be encouraged to avail themselves
of the opportunities now presented for their
benefit 'a ...-. -. ..u
Energies directed in the proper channel all
classes of citizens uniting in the plans for the
general Improvement of~the population, may we
trust, in the course of time, supersede even the
idea of erecting prison-house, especially for
youth.
Corporation Representatives.-The Mayor of
the city, and Messrs Samuel Pupphrey, Charles
p Wannell, James Gull, and Samuel c. Busey,
of the Board of Common Council, and Messrs.
VIM b. Magruder, Sias H. Hill and John I.
Towers constitute the joint committee to repre-
sent and attend TO all matters and questions
brought before Congress touching or affecting the
interests ofthe city Of Washington, and especially
al the earliest moment, to ask the attention Of the
proper committee to the construction of sea-wall
on the east side of the Potomac river, from Elev-
enth street west to the United States Penentary,
for the preservation Of the channel OF said river;
and also TO ask Of Congress 10 cooperate with and
assist this corporation in draining James's creek
hy a canal for the renovation and preservation OF
the health of he United States Arsenal and Penn
lentiary and for the welfare and general good
of the whole city
improved Railroad Car-Connexion.-We
have recently seen the model of an invention by
Mr.. George French, of Virginia, for the connexion
danger in collision from running into
another Curves can be turned with safety and
ease in a manner as efectual as simple. We hail
with pleasure every invention or Improvement
calculated TO lessen the hazard of railroad travel
ling. and therefore are glad that Mr.. French has
brought his ingenuity TO bear on a subject of such
general Importance.
et.al N,Nt,1-
liish the following extract from one OF the laws OF
the corporation
q II shall not be lawful for any person or per-
sons TO set of any fre-crackers, squibs, or other
artificial fireworks, in any street or avenue within
one hundred yards of any dwelling.house, under
a penaltv not exceeding five dollars, nor less than
one dollar, for each and every such offence"
AS the request to publish the above came from
an officer of the corporation il is reasonable TO
presume that the fire-work law will be enforced
during the Christmas and new years holidays
Italian Opera.--Risey's Variete was densely
crowded last night with a fashionable audience
Donizctti's celebrated opera of ''Luca di Lam
mermoor,r being the great attraction The ladies
and gentlemen impersona,ing the several charac-
,ers were in good tune, and delighted with their
melodies those who were so fortunate TO secure
seats. ~.
On the nights the Italian Opera Company oc-
cupy the Variete Risey's theatrical corps perform
IN Georgetown, 10 crowded houses.
Juvenile PatriotiSm.-The pupils OF primary
No @ of the third district public school, recently
contributed five dollars towards the erection OF
she Washington National Monument good ex-
ample, a.t@s worthy of being followed by the rising
generation.
The Stonecuttefs cleared twenty-nne dollars
by their late ball. and generously gave this amount
10 the ST. vinccnts Orphan Asylum.
rAUTIER'S.-This Establishment Is now
NJ in successful operation, and the proprietor
fatters himself that his visitors will be pleased in
every particular. The elegant and spacious sa-
Loan mi the first floor Is desinned the rs of