Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-05-18
COMMUNICATED.
visit of the Alexandria Female Seminary to


Washington.
,r,ndov the 14th of May, A. D., 1860,
=, st;tute a memorable epoch in the his
Wv. Of the United States, if not in that of
w. ,,o,la rs being the day that the japanese
~" arrived in Washington City, the
;.,l or the Union-the first official visit
= ,br kind to any Foreign Court, from that
n.,,o.rirt and hitherto sealed Empire.
,n,opr the interesting incidents Of the
,,..,s one. though not invested with any
,:,,s,ed official insignia, that eclipsed all
t.,m. in real beauty and true loneliness.
g"'s' that presented by the Young Ladies
IL I .Sis seminary, numbering between sixty
seventy. who visited Washington in a
;''I pn1.r the conduct OF James ). HALO
p1i the PRINCIPAL Of the Institution. Their
ike aurearance, and modest demeanOr,
ia- like creIitable 10 themselves and the
'.%ool 20 which they are attached.
Thcy passed up Pennsylvania avenue in
g.. four-hnr,e coaches, and proceeded to the
VI ',, Observatory, where some time was
,,,n, IN examining the objects Of interest.
,h ~ the magnetic clock, chronOme-
, .. telescope. Sc. Returning, they passed
.1r,urb the South yard of the Presidential
W,r.iop. which was clad in robes of richest
,..a, more resembling the retreat of some
7-rIyan fairy, than the lawn of plain
.ha,helorS" home. Having sported Tor
While, with the freedom Of rural gambolS,
IN This delightful spot, they then visited the
Presidents House, where they enjoyed the
,lsa>urc of an unexpected interview with
r.. President. 1t was not his public recep-
,.,n dav. bat the venerable Chief Magistrate,
LEARNING that they were in the East room,
invited them to his private apartment eX-
lending to all Il cordial welcome, and to each
nac individually, on being introduced to
him. he gave Il hearty shake of the hand,
expressing his happiness at meeting with
them.
Leaving the Presidents, they wended their
way. happy as larkS, and innocent as doves,
towards Wizards llotcl-the centre OF at
traction in the Metropolis, that day reach
inr there in good time to get view at the
.Iapanasr ambassadors, on their arrival,
which their delighted eyes improved to the
best advantage.
They then rcnaircl 10 Gauter' celebrated
Saloon. where al had an opportunity to res
pond to the promptings OF the inner voice,
which the exercise Of the day had rendered
alnuu.ut Is their several faucics might sug-
grSt.
Through the kindly Offices Of Il gentlemen,
with whom Mr.. IL. WAS acquainted, they re-
reivc,l an invitation 10 return to Wizards,
Hotel, and were conducted 10 the elegant
and gorgeous suite Of parlors and rooms APP
prnpriatcd to the japanese Embassy, where
they could behold the distinguished stran-
GERS in their own quarters, and closely OBJ
serve their physical appearance and pecu-
liarities, as well rs inspect the material,
quality, aud unique style Of their dress. 1t
may be difficult to say which party was the
more gratiticd by this visit, the young Ladies
ar the ambassadors At any rate, 1t was
certainly mutual. Both were deli GIFTED. To
each party it WAS n most move! scene. The
Japanese, perhaps, never before witnessed
50 charming Il spectacle. However, thcy
possessed one advantage over the girls, as
they had rapid and sklliul ARTISTS, who could
sketch til, entire scene with their pencils,
most accurately, and it would be n" less
amusing than interesting, 10 see them, on
their return 10 their own land, exhibiting to
their aStonishcd countrymen, a picture "t
the whole group, containing tine likeness
Of each pupil, together with that Of friend
llallowrll.
The Young Ladies' may we'll appreciate the
privileges they enjoyed during their visit;
Ii is go empty honor to he received by. and
take the hand Of, the Chief Magistrate OF
thirty millions Of people. There are thou
sands Of persons in the United States, that
would esteem it the greatest event OF their
lives, could they enjoy similar opportunities
twas L day that they all may rccur to with
pleasure in after life, rs Il bright and happy
picture amid mcmory's varied pencllmSs.
NON EST.