Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-07-22
For the Spectator.
ALRxANpRIA, Va. July IL. 1857.

For the Spectator.
ALEXANDRIA, Va, July II, 1857.
Aessrs. Eaitors:-Though not accustomed
writing public letters, feel that something fror
our sold town" may prove of interest to q. .fsD Q
the many readers of the spectator" will
therefore, give you-though in an ugly shape L
dictation- short account of what is transpi
ring in our city.
We are, to speak ironically, enjoying mos
distressing stagnation in business, at this time
!, Though we expect at this season of the yea
"dulI times" we much prefer more lively ant
animated spirit of trade. 1t is not only NOR
profitable to be always employed, but it is
strong preventative Of that insidious state of i
dleness which naturally takes possession of thos
who have nothing to do, and which is the caus
of so much vice. When our mills, foundrie
and factories cease operations-for the want, o
the ''wherewith," as well as the demand TO
their roductons-many, very many person
are thrown out of employment; whereas, having
nothing to do, they are brought in contact will
temptations which they-many of them-hav,
not the power to resist thereby they fall int
dissipations which prove their utter ruin.-
Hence how important it is that we should al
ways be employed.
The "Pioneer Steam Miln which has beer
undergoing repairs and thorough "cleanint
up," will soon resume her ''grinding"-turniDl
out between and roo bbls. of flour per day.
We may then look for more activity in the sohea
line.
The "Virginia Locomotive and Car Works,
conducted by Messrs. Smith & Perkins, which
have been for some time suspended, owing tc
the stringency of money matters, resumed Mon
day, having made an arrangement by which
they were enabled to continue. The interior
of the buildings have been greatly improved
and, with its facilities for turning outlocomotives
which are equal to any in the United States
we hope the enterprisng proprietors may be
handsomely remunerated. They give employ.
ment to large number of laborers, which is,
of course very beneficial to the business of our
city.
The alexandria Cotton Factory" though at
''stand still" now, will, hope, soon be in ''full
force and virtue", which, with many other man.
ufacturiDg establishments now in successful op-
GRAFTON. causes us to anticipate revival in the
prosperity of Alexandria.
We are highly blessed with many excellent
schools. We have six first class boarding.
schoos-three male and three female-besdes
many primary institutions of learning. The
male are conducted by Mr.. BENZ. Hallowell-
who is now old in that laudable undertaking of
"teaching the young ideas how to shoot"-Mr.
Caleb S. Hallowell; nephew, and Mr.. Robt. l..
Buekett. The latter gentleman has accepted an
invitation to take o professorship in some South
ern College, although Alexandria will be 10th
to give him up. lie leaves an excellent char
acter as man we'll qualified to fill his vocation.
Next in order comes the female department,
which, though lust noticed, is the first thought
of BY many Of us. These are uuder under the
charge of Mrs. Kingsford, Mr.. Jas. S. HalloweIl,
nephew also OF Benj., and Mr.. S. Scott, and
cannot be surpassed by any in the State. | am
panied to state that we lose the first named of
these also. Mrs. K is an estimable lady and an
accomplished schOlar-one under whom the
Young ladies committed to her improve with as-
tonishing rapidity, not only Intellectually, but
they acquire the most accomplished manners.
This city will sensibly feel her loss. The young
gentlemen especially q speak from experence)
will regret to be deprived of the happy smiles
and pleasant faces (and these we all were per-
mitted to enjoy of the fair 6oarders in their
daily walks and regular attendance at church.
She opens again in Washington, where many ol
her former pupils will follow her. Success attend
her. All the schools here have disbanded for a
season. Relaxation from study and enjoyment
of home will be the students pleasure for three
months, after which they will return renewed
in strength and refreshed in mind to pursue the
studies with increased ardor and zeal.
The "dul and weary hours of the day" are
spent in variety of ways. "Pic-nics," sex.
cursions," Celebrations" &C., are the ''order Of
the day" Crowds from our three cities-Alex.
andra, Washington and Georgetown-go dowr
daily to mt Vernon" Fort Washington" and
"White House." There, amidst the shades ol
those places noted in the history of our country
they spend most delightful recess from the
dull, dusty and over.heated cities. The pleas
ure derived from trip of this kind upon the
beautiful Potomac is inexpressible. You enjoy
the sweet company of the ''gentler kind" with
the refreshing breezes upon the water and de.
delightful country air, after which you return tc
the city feeling anew, both in body and mind.
The "Glorious Fourth" WAS not observed ir
such way as many of the more enthusiastic
would have desired but it was not suffered tC
pass without some notice. The places of bust
ness, for the most part, were closed. Many So
iourned in the country. Some went down tht
river to "Pio-nics" cs"-some over to Maryland, ,ant
others found pleasure in fishing, hunting &c, il
the surrounding neighborhood. Thus the day
was spent agreeably to ALL
The health of our city is very good, though j
is nothing unusual for it to be in so envious I
condition. AS the summer advances some com
plants of diarrhea prevail. The "Long Bridge,
which crosses the Potomac near Washington
and portion of which was carried off by tn
ice last winter, has been again repaired. Inter
course will again resume between Washington
and Virginia by land, an advantage the travel
ing and trading community will hail with Joy.
In conclusion, allow me to inform you of tn
high estimation in which your paper is held il
our city by those who read it, 1t is considere'
one of the best country journals in the State
1t contains much instructive, as well as amusing
matter-adapted to the grave as well as to tn
gay. 1t is read by many Alexandrians with ca
ger interest, and especially by your humble cor
respondent.
believe have nothing more | could sd
which would be interesting, and fearing that
have already tired out the patience OF you
readers, l close, desiring you to be assured OF m
good wishes for the success of the Spectator.
A READER.
ENCOURAGING TRUTHrULNEss.-Litte Josep
Smith was playing on Sunday morning in
yard at the rear of his mothers residence, whe
i he carelesslv threw stone which went whac