Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-04-03
4otal ann Dersonal.

Fresco Decoration.--We have been delighted
with The view OF iresco painting, in The room OF
the southern wing OF the addition 10 the Capitol,
designed 10 be occupied by the Committee on
Agriculture. II fills semi-elliptcal space in the
wall, which is curved by groined arch. The pic
ture represents Ciucinnatus called from the
plough 10 be the dictator of the Roman Republic.
II consists OF many figures. The width is aboui
sixteen feet, and the height, apparently, seven.
The grouping, the brightness and dstinciness OF
the colorng, The expression which is given TO the
entire scene, the historical subject-al render il
not only an object of interest, but a work Of art
which none fail 10 admire, and for hours con-
tinue 10 admire. In fact, additional beauties are
presented as the eye fingers on this really artistic
production.
II truly fresco painting, not such as is usually
so designated. The colors earths and mine
rails, and not changed by contact with the
lime which, as every one is aware, is causic in
lis nature. No oil or vegetable or animal matter
is made use of Is vehicle. The color is lncor-
Torafed into the mortar Of lime and sand which
forms the last coat of plaster on the wall. This is
said to be the identical process which was en-
poyed by Michael Angelo in his Last Judgment,
Vatican
We presume that rooms other than that of the
Committee on Agriculture will be similarly
adorned. This work Of the artist 10 whom we
have alluded shows, beyond the shadow of
doubt, his eminent capacity for fresco embesh-
ment, which is procured at comparatively small
expense 10 the Government
pofsonfun rasa D,r;,r ,ha iaa, wal.
Pharnella Skinker and Della Hazel, accused OF
poisoning Mrs. Classy Williams and her family,
were arraigned for trial, which consumed two days.
The jury retired to their room to make up a YER
dict, but this they found 10 be remarkably diff
cult matter. Thus they stood during fory-two
hours, confined in an upper chamber Of the City
Hail. One ofihe jurors, VIM. Wise, tired Of the
business, under pretence of sickness left his bre-
thren unceremoniously, and escaped to his home
When the court met at ten o'clock on Saturday
morning, this fact was reported TO the Judge, who
severely commented on the juryman's conduct,
and ordered his name 10 be stricken fiom the
panel for the March term; remarking that the
fugitive was liable TO Indictment for his unjustifi-
able offence. As eleven men could not determine
the matter pending, there was no other alternative
but TO discharge them.
A jury had been sworn in the case of another
indictment against The same accused parties, for
the poisoning offence. They Saturday
tried and acquitted
Several other indictments pending; but be.
fore the court closed its term, Pharnella Skinker
and Della Hazel were released from custody
their own recognsances.
The prosecution has failed OF its object; and
those persons will, il may be safely stated escape
punishment.
The evidence altogether circumsiantial,
but Of such character 10 induce the belief
that the accused We're guilty of the offence Rea.
sonable doubts, however, are deemed to belong 10
the prisoners, and hence they were acquitted OF
ihe grave offence.