Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-06-25

ST.. JOINS DAr.-According to notice, the
Masons yesterday celebrated the anniversary
OF the nativity of st. John the Baptist. The
procession Of the Craft, with regalia, banners,
DC, was imposing, though from the heat of
the weather 1t was not so large as had been
anticipated. The exercises at the Smithsonian
Institute were opened with prayer by the
dIsnd Chaplain, which was followed by an
address by Rev Byron Sunderland. The
orator, in sketching the rise and progress of
Masonry, spoke of other secret institutions,
which, founded on wrong basis, had per-
ished, while Masonry, by force of inherent
truth, had maintained its vitality in full vigor
A vivid picture Of the process of initiating
the neophyte into the Rosicrucian mysteries
as detailed in Bulwer's "Zanoni' was given.
The grand aims of Masonry were mentioned,
and It was urged that such a system cannot
be dangerous to the three other great sys-
tems-the family, the state, and the church
but is auxiliary to them.
In enumerating the long list of the great
and the good whs have been comes ted with
this institution, it was stated that Washington
was Mason; the Generals Of the Revolution
we're Masons four ffths of the signers of the
Jefferson, Franklin, Lafayette, jackson, and
Clay were Nelson's.
The speaker then took up, seriatin, tie va
rious objections to Masonry that it is monas-
tic, latitudinarian, exclusive, dangerous, Sc
cret, &c, and disposed of them most happily
and conclusively
The address was throughout a beautiful
effort, and on its conclusion the orator was
warmly congratulated by the veteran Senator
from Michigan, Gen. Cass
An impressive prayer by Rev. Mr.. Hol-
mean, of Gree Church, concluded the exer-
cises at the Institute; after which the process
sion was reformed and marched to. the Odd
Fellows Hall, where they partook Of ban
quet.
AN OBSTINATE CUSTOMER Yesterday, Mr.
Burch of the Auxiliary Guard arrested col.
Ored man named w. j. Payne and with the
assistance of Officer Plowman and others took
him before Justice Smith Payne was charged
with two cases of assault and battery and
also disturbing the family of Mr.. Dyer. His
head had been cut In the first attack which
he made on his wife, she having struck him
| with fat iron in the scuff1e. The Justice
committed him to Jail. Getting him to Jail
was the hardest work He resisted, and was
thrown on his back; the witches were placed
on his wrists, but without effect; the officers
dragged him till they were tired he wouldn't
get up. One officer, finding that the strength
of the others was failing, seized q cane, and
two or three smart raps on the shins Of the
| prisoner had more effect than all their per-
| suasion and previous efforts. The prisoner
| agreed to walk the remaining distance, not
caring to try another application of the cane
| He was a very powerful man, and his obsti-
nate resistance of the officers attracted large
| crowd around them.
| APPOINTMENTS The Mayor has appointed
For Commissioner Of the Eastern Section of
| the Canal-Joseph Gross.
Sealer of Weights and Measures-Hiram
| Richey.
Inspector of Fire Apparatus-JohnW W. Mar
| tin.
For Measures of Grain, Bran, &c First
district-John Wilson. Second district-Jos
7. Williams
Commissioners of the West Burial Ground
Joseph BOrrows, VIM. Wilson, John T. Hark-
ness
Superintendents of Sweeps-First Ward
| Thomas ] Jones. Fourth W ard-Frederick
| KlOtz. Fifth Ward-John T. Neal. Sixth
Ward-James K. Wood. Seventh Ward-Ed-
| ward Hammersley.
| PANORAMA OF CHINA AND JAPAS.-This Sc
ries of gorgeous tableaux now at Iron Hall,
| one Of which illustrates the manners, customs,
| architecture, scenery, &C., of the curious
| Chinese, and the other the incidents and
scenes connected with the treaty Of amity so
recently and peacefully negotiated by Com.
NJ @ Perry, are said by Hon Caleb Cushing,
4 NOui' OtucTS, 10 DC
| truthful representation, and by artists and
connoisseurs as artistic paintings. We re.
commend to those who desire a rich treat to
see these truly artistic, entertaining and in
structive pictures before they leave the city
China is exhibited tonight The afternoon
| exhibitions for schools are Thursday and Sat-
| urday and we cannot recommend them toe
forcibly to teachers and parents, as an oppor-
tunity for their pupils and children to gain
| information for mere trihe.
The ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT OF COLUM-
BIsN COLLEGE, ID. C, was held to-day in the
E street Baptist church. Degrees were con.
| ferred as follows
Degree of Bachelor of Philosophy-Thomas
| N. Scott Va.
Degree Of Bachelor of Arts-Jss. q. Board
Va MahlOn A. Hensley, Va; j. Boulware
Kidd, Va, Charles Ii. Utermehle, ID. c.
Degree of Master Of Arts-George +. Bagby
Va; William E. Duncan, Va Edward L
Force, D. c.; Luther X. Gwaltney, Va;
| William j. Houston, N. G Jesse j. Mass
Miss; William d. Rice, S. C; Henry Ii
Wyer, Va.
A large audience was in attendance, and
much satisfaction was EXPIRE at the high