Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-07-26
PORTSMOUTH c0RREsPoNDENcE.

PORTSMOUTH, Va, July Is, 1854.
As the Ecsning Star is much sought after
hereabouts, an occasional line from this place
may not prove uninteresting to your many
readers; therefore, with your permission,
Msssrs Editors, as opportunity presents, shall
drop line
The Gas Company are busily engaged in
having the mains laid throughout the princi-
pal streets of our town and the fixtures intro.
duced into the stores and dwellings From
the activity displayed in this matter, 50 far,
We are satisfied that tho company will in q
short period have our dark and dreary streets
lighted up, that our citizens may 20 on their
way rejoicing
In the Navy Yard, all is activity. The ,..
pairing of the Constellation is progressing
rapidly to completion. This vessel has been
repaired, as thoy term it here; when, in fact,
we learn on inquiry, that there are but few
pieces OF timber from the old frigate Constella-
ton which have been allowed to remain in
her. The reason is obvious; tho honorable
Members OF Congress make no provision for
the building Of new vessels, but pass an ap-
preparation for the repair of some of the old
hulks In the Navy, whom, to make the money
serViceable to this arm Of our national defence
TINS plan has to be resorted to. When will
the people representatives. become Convinced
OF the necessity Of increasing the number of
ships IN our Navy, that favorable compari-
son may be made with that of less favored ma
lions, 40
Pay off tomorrow can be heard at anv
ume-the usual payday (the 2Oth) having
passed by without the needful being forked
Of this Is said to be the scarcity of money in
consequence Of the hardness of Congress to
act upon the appropriation bills. If their
nonors could hear the courses, loud and deep.n
they would not be slow in making the necas.
sary provision for the payment of the Govern.
ments liabilities falling due on the 5th and
zotn OF each month. The laboror is WORTHY
No preparation has, as vet, been mads in
the Yard for the construction Of the two steam
ingates which the Secretary Of the NAVY has
directed to be built here other than the exten
sion OF shiphouse B, which proved too short.
when the necessary documents are received
here, and the Naval Constructor ordered to
proceed, there will be an addition 10 the Iaroe
force now employed. The keel of ono of tbase
steam vessels is to be laid in the ship house
mentioned above; the other, on the vacant
space next to the dry dock, where the work.
men will be exposed to all kinds of weather
what pity 1t is that something is not done
With the old vessel now on the stocks in shin
house A, which has ibeen suffered to remain
there Tor 30 many years, to rot and waste awav
and occupy such valuable room! If she q
not to be completed, let the old frame be taken
70 pieces, that this house may serve some more
9sefui service than shedding for the dilapi.
dated unfinished vessel which has for 80 many
years been Wondering away
:. IL rumored land all unite in the wish that
cellency the President of the United Stats
Will visit Portsmouth, Norfolk, the Nav
Yard, DO, sometime during the month of An.
gust after the trials and perplexities attend.
ant upon long session of Congress are ended
He viii receive good Old Virginia Welcome.
ana Dc SHOWN by the gentlemanly officers Of
city Of Norfolk and this town, that 1bstevsr
may be entrusted to the mechanics and arti.
LADS Of this yard will rank A No. vhen
compared with the workmanship of those Who
are often IN the newspapers as the most skill
ful Of their line 'AAA
a day or two since, We paid a visit to the
High street, and were much pleased with the
specimens Of art exhibited. Having recently
perfected some new and important arrange.
ments Tor obtaining shades Of light, he gives a
picture differing in no essential particular from
nature daguerreotype of a group of four
orotners-Who, after a separation of many
years had again met around the family alta.
and who designed this as q present TO their
parents as memento-attracted much attain
ton, the execution Of which reflects great credit
upon MI. Holiday, and stamps him as an artist
Of the FIRST rank.
=. In consequence Of the increased travel on
the Seabosrd and Roanoke railroad from Wei
don, N. G., to this place, the company have
On several occasions been compelled to borrow
cars for the transportation of passengers.
Inc destination Of many of them is Old Point.
notwithstanding the heat Of the weather.
'aefe Is but little sickness among Us.
Yours, &C., RYLAsp.