Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-04-01

captaly to dissip pate some droy erroneous notions
ABOUT the artist tribe, who are popularity supposed
TO live In attics, to have particular appetite for
anything grOSser than art, and to he especially
CcsuVe OF speech. No; the artist can talk and eat
he IS well-dreSsed animal; there is nothing weird
IKE or ethereal In his appearance and sometimes
he IS positively stout and joval.
Two long t1bles were inyitinyly spread Worm
ley, caterer in banquetha hall such as Is not often
seen, viz room lined with some hundreds of
ch1lce works of art, and, again, by an innovation
the fair sex was fully represented at the BANQUET
table. Artists invariably have pretty wives
daughters, sisters, and lady friends, consequently
the beauty on canvass and the beauty in crinoline
was . In confederation accordingly"
Horatio Stone, Esq, presided at the head of the
table, and Mr. Chas. Haskins at the foot
The good things of the feast having been satis-
iactorily discussed, the speaking entered upon
Mr. Stone making handsome opening and giving
national sentiment, calling out
lion Geo Taylor, of New York. a gentleman
nf we'll known devotion TO the fine arts and who
topics.
Mr.. +. g. Clemson. Of MARYLAND. who was next
called upon Tor speech, prOfessed to he in the
condition Of Sir Walter SCOTS drawer so full of
good things that it wouldn't open when shut and
wouldn't shut when il was open. and made a
humorous disclaimer of any capabilities in the
eech-making line, but he went on to disproye
tins by throwing of some of the most effective
remarksof the evening. Astounding in pungent hits
and felicitouS illusions Especial IN severe was he
upon national shams. and in this connection he
dealt ringing blow upon the old capitol building,
whlte-NSashed to prevent its going to perditon .
and similar white-washed and veneered imposi
tons Posterity would inquire, was this the condi-
ti"n OF art in the United States in 1859,
rs an apt illustration of what art docs for 4 city
or country he instanced the case Of Paris with its
miles Of picture galleries and statues making that
city the attractive resort Of tho civilized world
ana OF Antwerp, Belgium, which draws crowds
Ol VISITORS through the possession of works of
Nandyke, TeRiers, Rembrandt and of such a
picture as RnbenS :. Descent from the Cross,
TrlSlnalIy purchased for $500, but now Of price
les value. Around these pictures schools are
formed.
\ toast to the President and his Cabinet brought
MI secretary Thompson TO his feet, and very
happily did he engage the attention of his listen
erS, showing that his we'll known ability (of old)
rs public speaker has not rusted in consequence
81 dlSuse since he has been absorbed in the duties
of his position His remarks Were characterized
bythe strong. shrewd. practical good sense with
Dash of native humcr, tOo) peculiar to most self
made men who have made their way up by the
force Of Innate power and iron will.
lie announced candidly. in the start that his
ftmiIdrlty was rather with what he supposed
would be called the vulga arts, house-buiId ny
blac kSnthing, shoemaking &c, rather than the
fine arts.
Mr. T., by his subsequent remarks. showed
aoundantly however, that If not acquainted with
the technlcalItieS of art he was capable of giving
an able exposition of the benefits conferred upon
nations and upon indi viduals by art and artists
good wishes felt towards the Association and its
the Cabinet.
Mr. Charles Eames next addressed the banoueters
IN his usual style Of animated eloluence fefcitat-
ing them upon the fact that here was presented
scene such as hve years ago would have been
deemed an imPossibility if ProPhesied. Here was
exhibited what had never been seen elsewhere-a
national headquarters Of artists who had laid aside
all tealousieS through love of their profession.
MI. lanes was followed by Mayor Berret. who
claimed for the father Of his country the title Of
artist through his plan of the city of washington by
Mr- Roger A Pryor, who vehemently repelled the
idea that art should receive cOrrupting patronage
from Government; and by Prof. Dimitry who
concluded the evenings enjOyments by one of his
most entertaining, Piquant Poetical, erudite hu-
mOrOuS. eloquent. and classical speeches
Letters were received from Baron Gerolt Lord
Napier. Postmaster General Holt, and Hon. John
COchrane OF " ", expressing regrets at inability
20 attend, and sympathy with the purposes of the
Association.
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND ABOUT ST. Matthews
CHURCH have been made during the last twelve
months, contributing materially to the improve
ment Of that neighborhood. Besides the new
steps that have been erected At the entrance of the
church. and a new veStry room i'm the rear the
building his been covered with 4 slate roof exc
Cuted IN substantial manner, and the old dilapi-
dated fence on the western side Of the edificc has
been replaced by handsome iron railing The
grounds on each side of the church have also been
much improved by being tastefully laid off in
grass plots Hover beds, dc.. which presents a
most attractive appearance. Visitors To the church
cannot fail To notice the handsome baptisnal font
building, ncdr the western door. and enclosed in
neat iron railing. u is made Of Italian marble
according to beautiful design, and in strict con-
formlty to the ritual Of the Catholic Church These
improvements are due 10 the zeal and lberality Of
the congregation with the kind assistance of their
fellow citizens, and in conjunction with their
pastor REV. Father white.) who has spared no
efforts To better the condition Of the church and
who has In contemplation other improvements
which VIII be undertaken az soon rs the funds in
hand will permit
We learn that the devotion Of the Forty Hours
will take place In St Mathews Church during
This Lent. and that Preparations arc making 10
conduct II with unusual effectiveness. This de-
yoti"R u IN homage Of the Immense love mani
Tested by our Savior in the Eucharistic institu-
ton- and thus TO compensate in some degree. by
the pety Of the faithful. for the crimes and dis
orders which are committed among men.
THE RIvER-THE FIsHSGs The accounts
from the ishings Of the most discouraginr
character. and from present appearances are not
likely to improve. Some Of the hitherto most
productive fishing grounds are producing abso-
lutely nothing as yet and should this state of al
fairs continue another week, shall hear of the
cutting out of Il number ofthe prOpretors Gibson
At stony Point, who nshed a 100 fathom seine,
IS sending mp TO Alexandria from 80 to ;S0 shad
only, and about the sine number OF herring, and
sends us word that the great landings further
down the river are not doing so well as that
The question arises what has become Of all the
shad and there is opportunity for more expert
Cnced pisc1tOrs to solve the enigma.
At Young Carriers wharf, arrived Yesterday
schr. White S4nall, from ROckland Lake ". Y.
with pc tons Of ice, for c. h. Church
At Rlleys wharf, arrived this morning. from
Baltimore, steamer Diamond State with consign-
Inents Of merchandize for \. Bell c. Stott, e. a.
Dant, II. c. Purdy, VIM Bryan. b. r. Morsen
and others. Very little has been done, as vet in
the coal line. though We understand that extensive
preparations are being made by the dealers for un-
Usually large shipments during the coming sum-
MEETING OF CREDITORS OF THE CHEsAPEAkE
AND ONO CANAL.-A meeting of the creditors Of
the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company was
held at the office Of McKsig 4 McKaig, in the
city Of Cumberland on the 18th day of March.
tie object being TO take some initatory step to
call a general meeting Of the creditors of the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, for the
purpose IF memorializing the MARYLAND I.egislo-
ture To pass act for their relief. Thomas ]
Mokaig, DIR. lanes Fitzpatrick and George Stub
blensld. were appointed committee to address a
letter q tue cred tors. as far they are known
asking them to met In the city of Baltimore, on
Thursday, eth day Of May next, at the Fountain
tel - No.