Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-25
Eotal ann YsrsOal.


& u(al AN 1fASual.
The Court Pen-makcr.-We often look into
the courtroom, and but seldom fail 10 see the
crier Of the court making pens. This has been
the case for many years past. Perched within
the bar, and higher than the outer railing there
he sits. His white locks combed back, with
speciaces on his venerable nose, he is prominent
10 all spectators. He holds in his lett hand al
once, sometimes, dozen quilts; each, in success
sion, being subjected 10 the action OF his well
sharpened knife. He first cuts off the ends, then
splits, and trims ; and all in remarkably syste-
matte manner. Il may be supposed that, having
been engaged in this business so long, he is per-
feet in il, and works with expedition. The won
der IS what becomes Of all the pens; but it must
be recollecied that there is good deal of writing
executed on the City Hall premises.
Our friend, directly after he complies with the
direction Of the Judge 10 "o-pen the court" pro-
ceeds with his usual work Lawyers may be
splitting hairs" in the course oftheir legal argu-
ments, but he is content 10 split his pens. They
may in the warmth OF their zeal, cut one another
TO the quick, while he but innocently cuts his
quilts, making more "points" than the counsel
themselves, and never failing TO get at the pith
The cold gray GOOSE is still favorite at court,
as in olden time. There seems 10 be no innova-
ton of gold and steel for writing purposes, judy
ing by the occupation of the crier. The modern
invention Of the metallic instruments was TO ac'
commodate those who, unlike the court pen-maker,
could not prepare the quill for their own use.'
Not probably will the metallic substitutes be
adopted by the court, until Sin the course Of hui
man events" our venerable friend shall have de-
parted from the scenes of life. But, for his own
sake, may that time be far distant. 49,
Panorama Of New York City.-This work
viii be exhibited, for the first time in this city, at
Odd Fellows Hall, next Tuesday evening The
Baltimore papers state that twenty thousand per-
sons have visited il during the six weeks that It
has there been on exhibition. The Clipper re-
marks:
ave are free 10 say, that better knowledge of
z New York cannot be obtained by visiting the city,
and walking the streets for several days. tnan can
by witnessing this Panorama. The artistic merit
Of the painting is of q most superior order. NO
one but great genius could have producedn lis
perfect correctness, the nice taste which is DIS
PLAYED both in regard 10 proportion, and gnt, ana
shade the life-like appearances OF the persons ia
the streets all show master mind. NO one can
look upon il without being at once struck with
the vastness of the design, and the perectlon OF
the finish. II almost transports us back 70 the
ages when the great painters OF the world nour.
ished and induces to believe that a Michael
Angelo had touched il with his pencil. But we
are prouder of it than if a Michael Angelo had
touched IT, II is the work of an American, and
that renders il doubiy valuable to u.s."
Thanksgiving-Hors Racing. - Notwth-
standing the Mayor Of Washington, and of George
town, and Alexandria, issued their respective
procamations for thanksgiving and praise to the
giver of all Good, many persons, thousands from
those three cities assembled at the Columbia
course, on Thurday, to witness horce-racng, and,
while there, were treated to an extensive fight,
abe contemplated occurrence Of which was not
announced in the advertisement.
The spectators either did not read those procla-
nations, disapproved Of the object Tor which
tie day was especially set apart However, It can
not be expected that all people should think alike
->- +
Stewart Holland.-Several weeks ago il was
suggested that monument be erected 10 the late
stewart Holland, whose heroic conduct on board
the ill-fated steamer Arctic has elected so much
admiration throughout the country, while II Is
generally regretted that one so young and noble
should have found waiery grave, amid such APP
palling circumstances We learn that about eight
hundred dollars have already been subscribed In
,his civ towards the proposed monument; and IL
i. worthy of note that the male pupils in the school
which he last attended in Washington have iber-
ly,contribuied for this purpose.
The spanish Bfinister.--we copied into our
paper, on Thursday, a paragraph from the Ameri-
can Organ, stating that Mr.. De Cueto, the Span
ish Minister was, on "Wednesday, thrown out Of
his carriage, the horses attached 10 which came
90 dashing by that Office with the most terrific
speed" DIR. Buscy, who happened TO be pres
ent, rendered him every necessary attention. An
examination showed that his injuries were slight,
and in a few moments he was able 10 enter
hack and proceed 10 his residence"
Notwithstanding an examination on Wednes-
dav showed that his injuries were slight" the Or
ran Of Yesterday reports, his skull was fractured
very severely by coming in contact with the flag
stones upon which he was thrown."
The UigbIanders AT a recent military ball
there appeared two gentlemen in the dress Of the
Hirhlanders, volunteer corps not long since
organized in this city. One is lieutenant, and
the other the quartcrmnstcfs
The Scotch costume created quite sensation
owing to its novelty on that occasion, and It's
marked contrast with other uniforms
The first street parade Of the new corps viii
take place during the next month"; and the High
Ianders will wind up the day with ball; the
company dancing 10 the music of the bagpipes
A performer on that instrument has already beer
engaged for that purpose. Exciting times are
anticipated; and fine opportunity viii be afforded
for the display Of the citizen Highlanders' limbs
with which the aings and reels are to be executed
Inquest.--On Thursday an inquest was held
in the county jail, over the body Of a black man
named John Thomas, alias Bill Thomas, who die
\; that place rather suddenly. The jnry, in thei
verdict, expressed the opinion that he came to b
de.,b =, consequence Of disease contracted by