Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-30
yotal AMI Ysrsonal.


between four and five o'clock, there was an exhi-
btion, on the south side of the City Hall, of the
steam 6re-engine--Latla's pateni--from Cncin-
natl
The mere announcement that the machine
would be put into operation drew an immense
concourse of people, including officers OF the Cor.
poraton, and veteran fremen and juvenile anna
leurs.
A few minutes only were required to raise the
steam, when the streaming from two pipes of
one.inch nozzles, commenced. AT first the spray
reached only 10 the pedment of the City Hall, but
by degrees, the gushing water acquired greater
length and strength, until broke the roof and
ufterward leaped over the building much to the
delight and wonder of all spectators and amid the
shouts of the juveniles Steadily, firmly, earnestly,
the machine performed lis work; rafting its ma
chnery heavily and blowing of its dark breath in
dense volumes from the smoke-pipe.
While the water was ascending in northeast
direction, the beams Of the setting sun were
fected on the spray, thus forming magnificent
rainbow.
The exhibition was in the highest degree sue
cessful and interesting.
The main difficulty in our city would be TO pro-
water enough TO satisfy the thirst Of the iron
monster That il answers the purpose for which
Il is intended admits Of no doubt.
The cost Of machine of this description 10
probably ten or twelve thousand dollars. Apart
from economy, in the way of morals it would
prove a benefit to any city, superseding the nu-
merous FIRE companies, which are, in too many
instances, but the nurseries of crime.
Capitol Extension.-We learn from the re-
port OF Captain M. G. Meigs, that the whole of the
basement story Of the two wings is now com
peted, and the marble facing of portion of the
principal story s carried 10. the top OF the win
dow-jambs none ofthese jambs is yet completed.
They are now in hand and, as they ara elabo-
raely carved, two months work being applied TO
each one, il will be some time before they can be
all set. Upward Of thirty carvers are employed
upon them, and the force is being increased as
good workmen can be obtained. The carving of
the plaster capitals has likewise been COM
menced.
The interior walls have all been carved up 10
the spring of the roofing arches of the attic story
and portion OF the arches have been closed.
The walls of the Representative and Senate
halls are at their full height and the setting Of the
iron bed-plates for the roof has been commenced,
with the prospect of soon getting them rooted
over.
The number Of days work during the year has
been lOl.O7O. Tho number of bricks received
has been 9,037,60 costing $7O,246 80. Of these
there have been laid in the walls and arches of
the south wing 3,476,2l6 and Of the north wing
4,44l,4S3 There are now on hand l,ll9,900.
Captain Melgs anticipated that, during the pres
ent season he will be able TO complete the body Of
both wings, and TO commence the construction Of
the por,icoes. If the contractors for marble sup
ply the material as fast as they have engaged TO
do so, he sees no reason TO prevent the next Con-
gress from meeting within the walls of the new
chambers.
Already the sum Of 81, 35O.0 600 has been appro-'
priaied for the extension Of the United States
Capitol; OF which there has been expended ST.
267, 500 80, leaving available for the year ending
June 80, 1885, 81, 100 Ct. For the service of
the year 1856, there will be required the sum of
S325,000.
An Independent Team. On Sunday AFTER
noon was seen old man, acting the part of a
horse between shafts, dragging through the
etreets u smhH snhoDy wagon, CohluiniH6 Ms VIC
and a complete outfit Of camp equlpage. The
novel spectacle naturally excited much attention.
Boys, Of course, trotted along the sidewalks TO
have good look at the team. Three dogs fol-
lowed after it. They had acted as guards during
the night, and by day served in the commissariat
department, chasing and capturing small game tor
the aged couple.
According to the mans story, he was formerya
coachman Of the late John Quincy Adams. The
party left Indianapolis seven weeks ago, 10 see
the country, and visit their friends in Georgetown,
whittier they have gone.
Although they have had long and tiresome
journey, they can congratulate themselves that
they have arrived in safety; no steamboat blow
ups or railroad collisions endangerins their lives,
nor the mere idea Of such casualties causing them
TO quake with fear.
Ossian's Bards performed, last night, at Caru.
sis Saloon. They who were present had, indeed,
n rich treat Of vocal melody. The singers have