Daily American organ., 1856-04-17

DISTRACTIONS TO THE STREETS AND SIDxwALKs.-
The sidewalks of the city and the roads were layed
out and constructed for the benefit OF travellers on
them is a selfevident fact. But would one think
that such was the case in passing the Patent Cfce,
the Post Office Department on f. 7th and 9Th
streets, the Treasury Department. next the reser-
vation, or the west end of the Capitol grounds
We are glad 70 see that the contractors have
the humanity as well the foresight to erect sheds
to shelter their stone-cutters from the weather,
near the Capitol, and Treasury, and Patent Office
but could not those sheds be erected in position
Co encroach less upon the public highway, where
we have as much right to erect printing Office as
they have stone-cutting establishment
1t is time that some step should be taken to pre-
vent such extensive encroachments upon our COM
fort. The builders should be somewhat more
modest in their occupation of the Streets so that
foot passengers can manage to pass among their
material. II is time that they should be reminded
that the original intention OF the government in
laying out these streets to be used as roads has
not been changed
Private buildings are going up all over the city
this spring, many of them Of such fine architectu-
raj proportions that they bid fair to be an orna-
ment to Washington. While they are in process
of construction it is evident that the streets in
spite of the laws the subject, will be obstructed
by the material; and in view of the ultimate adj
vantage to be derived from the buildings, little
abusing good nature. In this Instance, the leRi-
ency with which such distractions have been
treated by the city, seems to have been made the
excuse for useless encroachments on the highways.
For example, there several buildings in pro-
gress within call of this Office, where each cartoad
of brick is spread out, like hay to dry, each load
of sand deposited by ITSELF and the lumber scatter
ed about in such a manner as though the builder
was taking up all the room possible.
This aa a panaraI thing ia more tho raauIt of
thoughtlessness on the part of the carriers than
the builders. But in either case, it should be cor
rected Our streets, especially at this time of
year, when 30 many buildings are going up, are
positively dangerous, and in many cases are rem
dered impossible in the night from Instructions,
as they are 30 poorly lighted. A little care win
remedy this evil, and at the same time give sufi-
cient room for all the material necessary to be on
the spot at once, if that material is piled up prop
erly. word to the wise is sufficient.
But what shall we say of the practice of leaving
piles of coal or wood in front of the hotels and pri
vate houses during the nights It is generally
found that, 80 left, they go farther than when
housed; sometimes they go half mile.
What shall we say Of those merchants whoiob-
struct the walks with goods boxes? But we trust
that an eye to their own interests will cause our
merchants to set better example in that respect
in the future.
Holland at the State Department. 1t was struck
by order of his Majesty the King of the Neither
lands, in honor of Lieut. Maury. On its face is the
image and superscrption of the King, William III
on the reverse, an inscription in the Dutch lam
guage, of which the following is a translation:
"To M. +. MAURY,
The Investigator of Nature the Guide of the Ocean,
and the Benefactor of Seamen.
The King.-lS55n
The OPERA.-The Pyne and Harrison Troupe
won upon the feelings Of their large audience
more last night than in any previous appearance
they have made here. Miss Pyne as Mariana,
appeared to realize the idea we entertain of that
character in reading the beautiful libretto. She
appears artess and unassuming as the Gipsey
girl, ana yet as the Countess, with all the dignity
of conscious innocence and purity in repelng the
advance of her king. The musical gems, strung
upon the story, do not, as she gave them, appear
to be forced into place, but che sings them as if
the story called them up, not they the story
Among the most exquisite of her songs we're
"The Harp in the Air" and Scenes that are
brightest;" but the closing duet seemed equally
pleasing.
The character of the poor yet proud, boasting,
yet brave, gay and generous Don Caesar" was.
sustained by Mr.. Harrison with more than his usu-
al effect. His acting is superior to that of any
vocalist we have ever seen on the stage and his
singing of last night exces that of any we have
heard on these boards. The martial song, g He
like soldier FELL seemed to excite the audience
to enthusiasm he repeated it In inswer to the call
made and would have been forced to sing it for
the third time, If he had answered the repeated
calls
Horncastle and Stretton performed their parts
well Mrs. Chapman won credit by her perform
ance of "Lazerillo." The choruses were better
sung last night than heretofore and the orchestra
seemed better acquainted with their duties The
opera of !" Mariana" ]" last night, may be styled
success"
PARoD1's LAST CONCERT T-Parodi's last concert
in Washington will be given this evening. The
programme contains many of the finest compost
tions of the great Italian masters, and several ex
qnisite English and Scottish ballads Strakosch
will perform three original compositions for the
piano forte, in his own inimtable and unrivalled
style.
The Star-Spangled Banner will be sung by Paro-
d and Madame Strakosch, in manner that can
not he conceived by those who have not heard
them. We are assured by an amateur of the first
character that their singing of this great American
anthem Is decidedly the most glorious musical per-
formance that he ever heard, either in Europe or
America.
large number Of seats have already been Sc
cured, and tonight we anticipate another brilliant
and crowded audience.
ComsITTED.-Chas. Hanson was brought before
Justice Holingshead yesterday, for threatening the
lives of his family. IL seems that be has been
under the influence of liquor for some time past,
until he has become infuriated. His family made
complaint against him; on which he was sent to
Jail. The offence justified his commitment, but il
was made for the purpose of putting him out Of the
reach of liquor as much as any other reason.
VIM. Patterson, colored, was brought before the
same Justice on the charges of larceny and as
saut both of which charges were sustained. He
was sent 70 jail.