Washington sentinel., 1854-04-05
9otal anb 9srsonaI.
The HIppodrome.-The preparations lor ,he

a day or two The hippodrome is not circus
nor anything like circus, though horses are used
in both, but is intended as a revival of the games
ofthe ancient Greeks and Romans, with "French
improvements" II forms a variety OF entertain
ments new in this country, and was first introduced
into the United States by Mons. Franconi last
spring.
The entire establishment which attracted such
enormous crowds TO Madison Square, New York,
with some additions to the troupe) is to be trans
ported to this city, and Mons Franconi himself
will superintend and take part in the perform
ances. Circus entertainments are given in ring
forty feet in diameter.
The fests Of the hippodrome given on a
broad track, nearly one thousand feet in circum-
ference, while in pageants, like the tournament,
both the course and stadium, comprising area
Of nearly two acres, are completely filed with
horses and people.
The entertainments include chariot and other
races, grand pageants, and illustrations Of the
! national sports Of different countries, such as
the stag hunt of the English, the ostrich hunt of
the Arab, the liberty race" of the Italian, &C.,
together with extraordinary feats of athletic skill,
the performances Of dancing horses, and other
features equally attractive.
The novel character Of the establishment the
magnificent scale upon which it is conducted,
and the great reputation of Franconi as caterer
for the amusement Of the public will all serve to
stimulate curiosity, and in this city fprors may
be anticipated scarcely second to that created by
the opening ofthe Hippodrome in New York last
spring.
The Message of the Mayor, synopsis of
which we published in our columns yesterday,
exhibits gratifying picture ofhe citys prosperity
The amount of the assessment of real and per-
sonal property, as returned by the assessors for
the year ending on the 3Oth of June last is stated
in the message to be $l4, ,555 $50; but, since that
time there has been new general assessment,
by which ground is now valued upwards Of one
hundred per cent, on average, higher than in
the past five years and the owners thereof will,
of course have TO pay taxes accordingly, or at the
rate of seventy-fve cents in the hundred dollars
that being the maximum allowed by the corpora
ton charter, unless the councils shall see proper
TO reduce the present amount of taxation II is
ntimated that movement with this object in
view, will probably be made.
All the government property is exempt from
taxation.
The total funded debt Of the corporation is
SITS, ,S6O- a small amount when we consider the
means for paying it. Every year portion of the
debt is liquidated, together with the interest. The
corporation stock is at premium Of four per
cent. and money appropriated TO its purchase is
alway considered safe investment, as il bears an
interest of six per cent and can at any time be
turned into cash.
The executive branch of the government has
been exceedingly well conducted by our worthy
mayor, considering his mutifarious duties and the
many interests which require his constant aten-
ton and impartial care. 1t is always a pleasure
thus to speak of public officer, of whatever party
or station though, perhaps not so agreeable to him
to be in this manner so directly designated
Black Laws.-The city councils have from
time to time legislated on the subject of free ne
groes and mulattoes, with the view of preventing
the immigration of such persons hither from the
neighboring States but their efforts have been
abortive. Under the law passed in December
1850, every new conner is required TO pay fifty
dollars; but, during the entire year after the pas
sage of the act, only two persons (women) COM
piled with its provisions! The law is defective in
this wise: A negro is arrested and taken before
magistrate, who, on proper proof, renders Judg-
ment against him. A police officer has then 10 go
TO the mayor, and obtain the necessary prescript
for the offender TO be either thrust of the city
or taken 10 the work-house, in case he fails 10
comply with the law. While he is absent, the me-
gro makes his escape there being no power on
~ he Go fba
officer has TO go in search of the negro who keeps
out of sight thirty days, until the bond becomes
void. And in this way the law is imperative. If
the councils are really in earnest, the magistrate
should have power to execute the bond at once,
Instead of allowing the to be in the nature of
game OF "hde and seek"
The aldermen, aware Of the ineficiency of this
law, on Monday night passed bill supplementary
to the act Of 1850, the effect of which is to reduce
the price of permission Of residence from fifty
ten dollars. To enforce law of this kind, the
city will have TO be enclosed, and police sentl-
mel stationed at every gate; for free negroes will
come and go they choose, unless Washington
shall be enclosed even before the city is finished.
Fashionist.--Several weeks ago our atten-
tton was dlrecteu 10 Inc peculiar make oil the
pantaloons of gentleman, who was evidently a
stranger in the city. They of grayish color,
fitting tightly at the hips, the extremities falling
loosely over his instep. The 'front.' two-thrds up
towards the knee, on each leg, presented surface
of black cloth, terminating in point, above which
there was fancifully arranged braiding, with an
imitation tassel, at distance presenting the ap-
pearance of boots. He seemed to be proud Of this
attire and stood at the corners 10 show the new
style We have been waiting ever since TO see
ahe fashion adopted, by some Of our " fast young
men, but in vain.
Reform.-Our Georgetown neighbors much
Interested at the present time, in corporation re-
form. The subject has been discussed publicly
at Foreectekall, and tonight some ofther speakers
will essay to shed additional light upon the topic.
!. We trust that the movement will have substan-
tial result.
Miss RObertsOn. nj the National Theatre. ia