The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-03-17
CITY INTELLIGENCE.

patriots Ia htvor Of this laudable undertaking., We are
gratided to be able 10 announce, has been followed by
preliminary action GA the part OF the board Of managers,
who met at the City Hall on Tuesday last. The board Of
managers have called u second meeting for Tuesday eve
ming next, when a thorough organization will be secured,
and as soon thereafter as practicable am exposition Of the
condition Of the society and the progress OF the work will
be made. This has long been desired, not only by the
citizens Of Washington, but by the citizens of the entire
Union aud although the statement cannot but exhibit
the most palpable mismanagement on the part OF the late
board Of managers, and the most reckless disregard Of the
noble objects which they undertook TO carry out, still
IL will do away with that feeling Of distrust and suspicion
Of unfair administration of the affairs Of the society
that has long worked such positive injury, and add
greatly to the restoration Of the confidence of the nation
ia inal. success. Let the worst be known, and, our word
for it, immediate measures will be taken TO apply the
proper remedy.
1t Is confidently expected that the President Of the
United States, who is President er ogao Of the society,
will be present At the meeting on Tuesday next, and lend
his encouragement in placing the society upon a proper
basis. The following named gentlemen were constituted
corporators by the act passed at the recent session Of Con
gress Winfield Scott, Walter Jones. j. J, Albert, James
Kearney, f. CArbery, p. Force, w. A. Bradley, p. II.
Fendall, w Lenox, NJ. f.. Maury, 4. Blagden, j. b IL.
Smith, w. w. Seaton, Il. Whiltlesey, b. o. Tayloe, l..
II. Crawford, w. w. Corcoran, AMI j. G. Brent. 1t is
the determination of these gentlemen to proceed with the
work at the earliest possible moment. This of itself will
do much towards awakening the patriotism OF those who
have ever been foremost in rendering homage ut the
shrine of the Father of his Country
wAsHINaroS ClrY.-It is stated by the Alexandria
Sentinel that the business prospects of this city are not
encouraging for the coming year. We do not agree with
our cotemporary; we cannot sec how the mere adjourn
ment of Congress, or the failure of that body to make APP
preparations to carry ON the extension Of the various pub
lie buildings, can seriously, or for any length of time,
affect the real business or trade of the metropolis. IL is
quite true that large numbers who have been at work on
these buildings will 30 thrown out of employment, and
this is certainly greatly TO be regretted but then the
time must come when the buildings will be finished, the
day must arrive when all Of them will be compelled TO
seek other means of gaining a livelihood and we cannot
see what difference it makes, in the long run, whether or
not they are compelled to take this course at the present
time, or what connexion the ~stoppago of these works
sustains to the business of the city. 1t is certain that
there will be Just that much less of bricks and mortar
consumed, just that much less Of lumber purchased, and
just that much less Of digging and filling performed
but will there in reality be any diminution in the sale of
dry goods, the consumption of the necessaries of life,
and indulgence in the luxuries of high living, which is
becoming so entirely a characteristic of the real Wash
ingtonian We think not we firmly believe TINT no
one mot even the most observant of visitors, always ex-
| Ccptlnp u alcAuut'W Sotc"PoNiy ~ VIZ pS apiU w us-
cover any change in our commercial affairs, > behold a
less number Of omnibuses on the avenue between the
Capitol and Georgetown, q thin promenade, or the sale
of our principal hotels. The fact il, the real business Of
the city, the real wealth of the metropolis, is increasing
with its rapidly increasing population, and we hope ere
many years to see less attention paid to the sittings of
Congress and the presence of congressman, and more
ernest effort directed to the accomplishment Of those
objects which will ever make Washington independent
OF all outside or transitory influences. The elements of
progress arc in our possession MI that Is wa ting is a
judicious application of them,
The SIcKLEs CAse.--The grand jury, which, for the
last three days has been engaged In the consideration of
this case, have not yet concluded the investigation. SO
far nineteen witnesses have been examined. IL is pre-
sumed that this protracted deliberation may be attrib-
utable to the effort to find evidence on which to base an
indictment of Nh. Butterworth as an accessory TO the
homicide. The trial of Mr.. Sickles will doubtless elicit
the finest criminal pleading ever heard within the walls
of the City Hall. Mr.. Graham, of New York, will open
the case for the defence, and Messrs. Brady of New York,
and Stanton, CT Pittsburg, will close the argument on
the same side. Messrs. Chiffon, Radcliffe, and MagrudGr,
of this city, will also assist in the defence. Hon. Rev.
erdy johnson has been retained AS counsel for Mr.. Butter
worth in case the latter should be indicted. w. shall
| prasept from day to day during the trial a. full summary
of the proceeding.
TIE body OF Thomas JASPER, of Culpeper county, Vjr.
ginia, was discovered yesterday morning in the canal at
the foot of Thirteenth street. Mr.. Jasper has been miss
ing since the 9th of February last, and as he had exhib-
tied a large sum OF money when last seen, il was feared
that he had been foully dealt with, SucL e9pld not,
however, have been the case, as nearly the entire amount
of money which he was supposed to possess was found
upon his person. He was intoxicated at the time of his
disappearance, and il is supposed that he was drowned
ACCIDENTALLY.
The ANNUAL CONCERT of the Mesterp Mission Sunday
school which will take place this evening at DR.. auieyis
church, + street, promises to be a very agreeable enter
tainnent, aad should not be forgotten. Tho concert
will begin at precisely half past ssyen o'clock, and some
of the best amateur and professional vocalIsts and musi
clans Of the city will assist. Among the pieces to be per-
formed is a ''Salutatory, I" composed specially for the oc-
casiDn.
81. PArRIcK's DAY will be appropriately observed by
the Irish societies of Washington. AT half-past ten this
morning High Mass will be celebrated at st. Patrick's
Church, and immediqtely afterwards the procession will
be formed and the line of march taken up through pr
principal streets. a grand dinner at the Assembly
Rooms, on Louisiana avenue, will close the festivities Of
the day.
A HANDSOME RREsEEF- beautiful cane wqs presented
to Hon. Isaac Toucey, Secretary Of the Navy, yesterday
morning by Captain r. b. Cunningham, through MIR. j.
Freeman. The cane is made of a portion of the laurel