Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-11
goeaI anA 9srsonal.
MILITARY AsyIum.-The buildings for the of

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Military Asylum.-The buildings for the Off
GERS quarters have recently been completed and
are now occupied. The main structure will soon
be ready for roofing, and the inside work prose-
cuted during the winter.
| This institution is handsomely located about
three miles from the city. The American flag
there floating can be plainly seen from the north
ern terrace of the Capitol.
| There are now at the asylum upwards of fifty
wounded and otherwise disabled soldiers, who
are well cared for by the government Six Of
them are between sixty and seventy years of age,
and one, German by birth, named Jacob Zim-
norman, has seen eighty-fve winters. He was
| in Napoleon Bonaparte's campaigns and in the
| Florida and Mexican wars; and il may, there
fore, be reasonably concluded that he has seen
3service" and done good share of fighting. The
old fellow.is remarkably active, and enjoys him
self finely among his companions at the asylum.
He relates long and interesting stories about the
wars TO those who are inclined 10 listen to them;
in other words, he fights his battles DER again"
Such of the soldiers as can work in the garden,
or otherwise for the asylum, receive twenty cents
| are permitted TO follow the pursuits which they
may fancy, or to which they may have served APP
premiership, provided they possess the facilities
for SO doing on the premises. Two Of the inmates
manufacture candies, and supply some of our re-
tail stores. with them another repairs clocks,
while fourth, who has the misfortune to be blind,
makes whips. 4a stsr
No sprituous, liquor is. .allowed among the sol
diers, but there is not far from the asylum un-
licensed shop at which the thirsty obtain their
| small supplies
Black Faces vs.. White Faces.-We cannot
say that are particularly partial to black faces,
stained with natures indelible ink; much less do
we admire the frontispiece of the white man
smeared with burnt cork intermixed with some
oleaginous substance. From the early days Of
" Jim Crow" to the present time, period of the
fourth Of century, bands of singers and bones
and fiddle players have been amusing the mil
lions" Of the country with their stale Jokes, and
occasional fresh witicisms thrown out during the
intervals of the vocal and instrumental perform
ances. Many of those professional characters
are highly gifted, unsteady, and delight, al rea-
sonable charge, the innumerabe listeners. But,
it seemsto us that, occasionally, at least, troupe
might favor the public with a view Of their faces
without the burnt-cork covering, if for no other
reason, to satisfy every one who may doubt upon
the subject that such disguise is not actually
necessary to elicit in their perfectness, the powers
Of song!
An Incentive.-We learn from the Richmond
papers that the exhibition Of the Mechanics In
sttute ofthat city has been successful beyond all
anticipation. VIM. H. mcfarland, Esq, deliv-
cred an address, which met with great favor. He
made suggestions which good for any region,
namely: that mechanics should do their duty 10
themselves by supporting their institute, now ex-
hibtng such trumphs of art, and by cultivating
the mental and moral faculties with which they
are so richly endowed The mechanics OF Wash
ington, we doubt not, will be prepared TO show,
in February next that they appreciate their posi-
ton as men and citizens, and will emulate their
brethren Of Richmond in their desire.,t 70 elevate
and improve the useful arts Of -IitsHtgeneer.
| Criminal Driving.-Within the last three
weeks as many drivers have exhibited an extreme
recklessness of human life. First, little boy was
injured near the corner of ID and Seventh streets
by team passing over him next youth lad
his arm dreadfully bruised if not broken, by
heartess hackman; and last, the lad Harrod was
run over, owing 10 the heedlessness of the hack
man, Adams. Such scoundrels should receive
from the court lesson they will never forget,
and which at the same time viii deter others from
the commission Of similar crimes.
FIre.-Yesterday morning, at an early hour,
the Potomac House, on Pennsylvania avenue,
near Four-and-a-half street, came near being de-
stroyed by FIRE. BY some means, which we could
not ascertain, large hole burnt in the floor
Of one ofthe chambers; but the timely application
of water arrested the threatened danger.
Gratulatory.-For the last three nights the
Auxiliary Guard have had no occasion TO make
any arrests for Disturbances Of the peace or other
violations Of the law. This is one OF the evil
dences OF the general quiet of our city. Unfortu-
nate wanderers, however still continue TO apply
for lodgings, and are cheerfully accommodated
The Julien Burlesque Opera Troupe will
give the last Of their series Of entertainments in
this city, for the present, tonight at Odd Fellows
Hail. They have had large audtories, and az
forded much delight with their laughable and
unique performances.
On Monday night, the Parrow Opera Troupe
will open at the same place, with their budget Of
| comicalitiesand vocal and instrumental harmony
Edinburgh Review. = We have received
from Messrs. Taylor and Maury, Pennsylvania
avenue, near Ninth street, a copy OF the American
edition of this periodical for the month Of octo-
Der. The contents are, as usual, interesting.
The Little Boy, Lewis Csss Harrod, who was
90 dreadfuIy injured on Thursday morning, by the
criminal conduct ofthe hackman, Edward Adams,
is still lying in critical condition, with but little
probability that he will recover.