Washington sentinel., 1854-05-25

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sentatives, yesterday in Committee Of the Whole
the state of the Union, the deficiency bill being
under consideration, refused agree 10 the Senates
amendment appropriating $500, 900 for the continu-
ance ofthe works for supplying the cities of Wash
ing and Georgetown with water from the Great
Falls ofthe Potomac. The question, however, is
not definitely disposed OF, for the House will have
TO vote on concurrng in the action of the COM
mittee and, even should il be rejected by that
body, il will be subject of conference between
the two Houses.
As this matter is of great importance to our citi-
zens, il may be interesting TO learn that COM
pany, recently formed, are now engaged in making
surveys, plans, etc., for supplying water TO the
District of Columbia. They have marked out a
new route from the Little Falls, and propose max
ing use of newly invented hydraulic machinery Of
immense power, and likewise new kind of pipe,
Of superior quality and durability. They calculate
TO furnish water at as high an elevation, and in
great abundance, and as cheap, or cheaper, as in
any plan yet offered Congress will, we learn,
soon be made acquainted with the plan Of opera
water by your aoorks."
Locomotives.-We have heretofore repeatedly
noticed, from time to time the moving through
our streets, portable railway, OF sundry loco
motive engines and tenders, from the works of
Smith and Perkins, Of Alexandria, Virginia, on
their way TO the railroad station, thence to be
transported to Pennsylvania. Yesterday, we saw
large and beautifully constructed locomotive,
from the same establishment, one Of five ordered
for the coal trade on the Baltimore and Ohio rail
road.
1t is with pleasure that we refer to these evil
dences of the enterprise and skill of mechanics in
this section Of the country. The fact shows that
the south can, if they will, enter not only largely
but successfully upon manufacturing pursuits
which must be adequately compensated, and, as
consequence, appreciated in other sections of the
Union.
The Eclipse.-We learn that extensive prepa-
rations have been made by the survey Office,
extending from Maine 10 the western part of Texas,
and along the coast of California, to observe the
annular eclipse, Friday next, in all its phases
also at the Smithsonian Institution, the National
Observatory, and Georgetown College. map Of
the track ofthe eclipse has been published by the
Smithsonian Institution and directors of the Nau-
tcal Almanac. t5
The American Association for the Promotion Of
Science at its late session in this city, directed the
publication ofsuggestons relative TO the observa-
ton Of the eclipse.
So we will have the results Of science on this
interesting subject.
Gold Fish.--Every one who visits the Capitol
grounds, seems to regard the gold fish in the
several pools as not among the least attractive
objects that popular and refreshing resort. But
while those little beauties thrive around the naval
monument, they sicken in the eastern basin, and
"de in spring time when all is bright around" The
reason for this is supposed to be the poisoning of
the water by buds Of the linden, buckeye, and elm
trees in that vicinity Yesterday, number of the
fish, almost inanimate were transferred to the
western pool, where, in the course Of few hours,
they became as lively and vigorous, apparently
as their new companions. Not only gold fish, but
natives Of the Potomac cannot live in the eastern
basin except during the autumn and winter
months
Little Falls Bridge.--The House of Repre-
sentatives, yesterday, concurred in the Senate's
amendment to the deficiency BILL approprating
$4,000 for the completion of the bridge across the
Potomac river at Little Falls, and painting thereof
agreeaby to the plan adopted under the direction
OF the President of the United States, with a pro-
vso that the work shall be performed under the
direction of the Secretary Of the Interior, by COM
petent civil engineer according TO plan the cost
of which shall not exceed the sum now appro-
priaied
Female Generosity.-Ladies of the Island,
sympathzing with Mr.. George Elliot in the loss,
by theft, Of beautiful banner, on the occasion Of
his first effort to ascend with his balloon, have in
formed that gentleman Of their intention to pre-
sent him with national flag TO supply its place.
Mr.. Elliot, doubtless feels himself honored by this
manifestation of the kind regards of the ladies' Of
the garden spot ofthe metropolis.
ball0on AscenslOns-Fapersa are IN circulation
soliciting subscriptions 10 defray the expenses OF
Mr.. George Elliott in making another balloon as
cension in this city. The time fixed is the first
Tuesday in June the day after the municipal cleo
ton.
The Marine Band, owing to prior engage
ment, did not concertise on the Capitol grounds,
as usual, yesterday evening. Though there was
some little disappointment, the beauty Of the scene
soothed the feelings and hushed the upward ris-
ings of complaint
Bridge Examination.--T The several iron
bridges spanning the canal, yesterday underwent
examination by direction of the city authorities.
That over Twelfth street was at once strengthen
ed, we are informed, 10 guard against every possi
bility Of accident.
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